Order, Chaos and improving your photography
From Epics thousands of years old up to James Bond and the classic Magnificent 7. We're all familiar with the idea of the hero's journey. A chaotic situation is resolved when the hero overcomes the monster and order is restored. The interplay of these forces is deeply embedded in human nature.
Symbolically, think of the Yin/Yang symbol representing darkness & light, male & female, Order & Chaos.
There are even parallels in the way we've evolved. Think left vs right brain equating with the known (order) vs not known (chaos).
Unsurprisingly we view art along similar lines. From objective to subjective, representational to abstract.
In photography, Order is the tourist's perfectly pin-sharp postcard. Chaos might be abstract or experimental photography.
I believe that great art exists along that edge between order and chaos and exploits the tension between the two. This is where the highest expressions of technique meet the excitement and potential of the unknown.
Beyond photography, his idea applies to all forms of art; music, painting, dance, writing …etc. As individuals, we each respond in different ways but there is a point where a work of art can achieve transcendence. It's that series of paintings you linger over in an art gallery, the movie scene that brings tears to your eyes, or that Miles Davis solo that transports you to another place. Works of art can speak directly to your heart and achieve transcendence. ('Good art is contagious', anon).
It is not easy to create a work of art which for some audiences, will blend these forces. It certainly isn’t a quest for everyone. But for those willing to set out on the journey the rewards in raising your unique, individual level of creativity can be enormous.