Sunday Edition: Reuben Njaa
PHOTOSNACK #363
Every Sunday, I contact photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.
Today, I am sharing the message I received from Reuben Njaa.
Reuben Njaa
A couple of weeks ago, I was walking around the gallery where my abstract photographs were on display. I saw a woman staring intently at one of my images. I walked up next to her and introduced myself. I asked her what she thought about the show and the photograph she was looking at.
The woman replied she felt frustrated and disconnected from the abstract images. When I asked her why, she mentioned that without a clear subject, she felt the photograph did not have a meaning or purpose, so it diminished its impact on her. I asked her if she had the same concerns when viewing abstract paintings. She said no because abstract paintings are almost always non-representational and do not have any true reference to the physical world.
My rejoinder was my abstract photographs always begin with an immediate association with the real world. I walked the streets looking for things that I could combine into a new image. In post-production, I transform the new images even more through various techniques I have developed over time.
When you’re looking at an abstract photograph and its subject is not recognizable as in my non-representational photographs, it gives you, the viewer, a chance to bring your own interpretations and emotions to the image. This, in my opinion, makes the photograph more engaging and thought-provoking. Without a recognizable subject, you can appreciate the shapes, lines, textures, and colors without thinking about what the subject is and whether you like it or not. You can see the art through the eyes of the artist and feel the power of the work.
Good abstract photography is not sitting still; it’s moving and vibrating through the space of the printed image. It is rebounding off the edges and seemingly trying to escape the frame.
As we said goodnight, I commented that I hoped this would give her a better understanding of abstract photography.
A week later my gallerist called and said the woman from the opening came back and bought the photograph you two were standing in front of discussing.
Reuben Njaa was featured in PHOTOSNACK #298.
Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.
I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras.
I don't ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever comes to mind when they think about YOU, the newsletter readers.
It makes their responses genuine and personal.
I hope you enjoyed today's Sunday Edition.
Until next time,
Tomasz
As a photographer who enjoys pushing my work into abstraction, and who gives well-received presentations on the topic, I so appreciate this anecdote. I think abstraction in art — especially photography— is more challenging to do well than many people realize, but it can be very rewarding for the artist and the viewer as it invites a deep engagement and personal interpretation.
In a similar event, a visitor to my studio last year sat with one of my prints for quite a while as her friend and I chatted, and I asked for her thoughts. The image is not purely abstract — many people recognize the subject quickly (it is a closeup of the side of a boat with its reflection in the water), while others take some time to see the waterline. She was not seeing the boat in the image but she was deeply engaged with the photograph anyway. The mystery was enough for her, without being solved. She ended up buying a large custom-sized framed print of that image for a prominent place in her living room.
When you’re looking at an abstract photographs you have no a chance to recognizable what the author thought when creating these "non-representational photographs". You may like or dislike only this set of color dabs. And it doesn't matter what painter uses - canvas or computer - it's a kind of suprematism by Malevich.
I just can't understand why we need to discuss this abstract art in the context of photography when the author has perfect photographic works.