INTERVIEW SARA GOLI
MAXIMAL MINIMAL
Sara Goli on her award-winning minimalist monochrome images and creating aperfect blend of the real and abstract worlds
Words by: Kim Bunermann
Pictured The forbidden zone This image shows how hard shadows have the power to shape the frame and highlight the subject
All pics © Sara Goli
Pictured
The way I see shadows
The shadows introduce further lines into the frame, creating asense of direction and guidance
The art of minimalistic photography, featuring images that are distinguished by their simplicity, has long been a popular genre. The emphasis on sparse compositions that avoid excessive colour, patterns and information can often create surreal frames that demonstrate a different perspective from our everyday experiences.
The absence of colour in this genre means that the focus of minimalistic images often lies in monochromatic gradients, which create a concentration of form, shapes and material characteristics of subjects. The importance of composition as well as the placing of light and shadow are important in achieving this look and all these elements come together to create surreal and potentially abstract frames.
Integrating human subjects into the composition is an effective way to bridge the gap between a real-world impression and a minimalistic image. This is a strategy that Iranian-born photographer Sara Goli follows to create mesmerising frames with a lasting impression and a story to tell.