Exploring the Abstract Art in Chicago's Architecture
The advent of photography, as an art form, has been a revelation. Being someone fascinated by the complex and vibrant metropolitan architecture of Chicago, it only made sense to go out and explore the brilliant visuals of this amazing city.
The stunning windy city consists primarily of commercial style architecture, which was the need of the hour during the time Louis Sullivan was around. The architecture of the city commemorates the point in history where some of the most modern and technologically- developed architectural designs came into being for the United States. Ever since the first building to apply tube frame building came into being, it has become an iconic part of the architecture throughout the city.
The Willis Tower Chicago has inspired countless other spaces throughout the city and all the new construction sites present the most amazing visuals. Of course, the architecture in and of itself is remarkable, but there is so much more that adds to the vibrancy of the city.
Chicago is no stranger to public art. The local artists fill the city spaces the most mesmerizing public art. I have always found Chicago to be a haven when it comes to photography.
Trump Tower and Marina Reflections on Glass
Being a visual artist, I have always considered photography as an excellent tool to capture abstract images. The architecture of this city presents the perfect opportunity to bring architecture photography and abstract art all into a single frame of a photograph.
The straight geometrical lines of all the buildings that are covered with reflective windows clash with the distorted reflections of a colorful city, which provides so many visuals. These contrasting elements are paradoxical in a way that they become interesting.
The public artworks on display throughout the city of Chicago make for intriguing subject matters, which I love to use as key compositional elements in my architecture photography.
Typically, abstract art is considered to be nonrepresentational and has elements which may or may not help you make visual links to something you feel very deeply about. While photography captures actual visuals without the element of distortion, Chicago’s architecture has made it possible for me to capture it in strikingly emotional abstract images.
The reflective surfaces bouncing the light off of the surrounding and the vibrant colors colliding with each other add an almost surreal element to the images.
Reflections on the Chase Building
Reflections of one building which is reflecting the light coming from another building that has colors from other elements from the city bouncing off of it make for some of the most engaging images.
Reflections on the N. Riverwalk Hyatt Building
I add to the saturation of the images sometimes based on the compositional elements to add a bit of a shock value that stimulates the emotional range. I feel like these images are able to capture the essence of the city in the form of abstract visuals. For someone who wants to proudly display the city of Chicago in all its brilliance, this series of photographs makes for the perfect showcase. What do you think?
Modern Building Patterns
Elegant and decorative showcasing of the architectural photography collection in simple black frames with white mats in a contemporary setting