Black And White

We live in a world of color. Numerous shades and hues are what our eyes are accustomed to which is probably why black and white works of art remain a timeless favorite among many. There is something about the monochromatic imagery that turns a generic visual into something abstract and almost other-worldly. After all, simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.

Black and white is abstract; color is not. Looking at a black and white photograph, you are already looking at a strange world.
– Joel Sternfeld

The world often looks better in black and white. These works of art demonstrate exactly that – a simplistic beauty in the lack of color.

This work by the London-based photographer Madiha Abdo reflects the essence of black and white in the purest form. The juxtaposition of darkness and light reflects a world that is mysterious and enigmatic. Madiha believes that this particular combination produces “images that are strong, pure and without any unnecessary distractions”.

 

Antonio Biagiotti believes that photography in black and white is introspective. It allows him “a very high degree of interpretation and control” over his emotions. This particular work transcends you into a world of fantasy. The viewer is not only overcome with awe but also feels a sense of inner peace much like the artist.

 

With a very unique technique, Dominic Fondé takes the ordinary combination of black and white and simple short stories and turns them into magnificient works of art. The word ‘Cadenza’ is a musical movement inserted into a musical work, typically at the end. Staying true to its title, this work is certainly as beautiful and as soulful as the end of a composition.

 

This work by Washington-based painter, Bradley Gay intends to convey fleeting moments of despair complemented by accents of hope in his works. The juxtaposition of the uncertainty of abstraction and the stability of form and perspective in this particular work addresses the idea beautifully. Bradley also believes in the combination of black and white to be introspective and one that evokes strong emotions.

 

Marco Petracci’s work, Look is as poetic as it is mysterious. The utilisation of the contrast between dark and light and the angle makes this work an excellent example of the power of black and white. Taking inspiration from music and daily experiences, Marco creates work that is potent with emotion and yet open to subjective interpretation.