Thematic Photographic - Abstract

Each week Carmi at Written, Inc. has challenged readers with a theme for photographic inspiration. This week the photographic challenge continues with the theme ABSTRACT.

Abstract? Everyone's heard the word, but what does it really mean? And how does it translate into a photo?

So I had to look it up.

ABSTRACT is defined in the dictionary as:

• not concrete: not relating to concrete objects but expressing something that can only be appreciated intellectually


• theoretical: based on general principles or theories rather than on specific instances


• nonrepresentational: not aiming to depict an object but composed with the focus on internal structure and form

Abstract Art is a particular kind of "abstract" - it is art that is non-representational, not depicting images of objects or scenes as the eye sees them, but using form, color, and line to create something that is not related to the visual references in the real world.

Hmmmm. OK. Well, my photo for this week's theme was shot in a blur through the doorway of a piñata shop in Los Angeles' Toy District, catching the streamers, banners and ribbons hanging from the ceiling.

How's that for "abstract"?