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Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication

Eric kim umbrella abstract.

Eric kim umbrella abstract.

True beauty, elegance, and function roots from simplicity.

Eric kim abstract.

Many individuals in the world try to make things more complicated or complex than the things need to be.

Eric kim abstract.

Why do they do this? In order to confuse you, feel superior to you, and perhaps protect their job.

Cindy and red scarf. Berlin, 2017
Cindy and red scarf. Berlin, 2017

What I’m trying to do as a photographer and visual artist is to make pictures that inspire, motivate, and empower my viewer. I want people to look at my picture and feel joy, elation in the soul and spirit, and to feel inspired to make their own pictures.

Walking legs, purple. Berlin, 2017
Walking legs, purple. Berlin, 2017

I feel the best way to do this is to be simple and direct as a visual artist.

Abstract clamp. Berlin, 2017

Making simple yet dynamic pictures is very hard. You must distill a scene into the purest shapes and forms, yet still have the image to have dynamic composition, an edge, grit, and soul.

Silhouette and purple background. Berlin, 2017
Silhouette and purple background. Berlin, 2017

How to make more simple pictures

To make more simple pictures, distill the person or scene. Remove clutter, and distractions. You’re a visual sculptor — the whole world is your block of marble. Your job is to CARVE out and chip away the superfluous in your piece of marble, to uncover the beautiful statue within.

Abstract red cell phone man by eric kim.

Lately, in the spirit of Piet Mondrian, I’ve been distilling my images to the absolute basics. To the extreme edges of simplicity. It has been a good exercise for me — to better understand my color theories, my compositions, and the impression or image I give to the viewer.

Piet Mondrian x ERIC KIM
Piet Mondrian x ERIC KIM

I’ve been using the iPad and Procreate app to create layers of colors, and lines — to deconstruct, analyze, and better underdone my images. Like a post-mortem examination by a surgeon. And as modern photographers, we are visual surgeons.

Kyoto walking woman. Left side. Flash.

Eric Kim abstract orange Kyoto picture.

Urban landscape. Bangkok, 2017
Urban landscape. Bangkok, 2017

Abstract color picture. Bangkok Eric Kim.

Umbrella and diagonal lines. Tokyo.

Eric kim umbrella abstract.

Lamp in living room. Shot on iPad.
Lamp in living room. Shot on iPad.
Red, Yellow, Blue living room abstract by ERIC KIM
Red, Yellow, Blue living room abstract by ERIC KIM

So friend, in your artistic vision: seek to be simple. There is more difficulty in being simple than complex and complicated.

Keep it simple,
ERIC

HENRI SHOULDER STRAP

Film Leica MP x Henri Shoulder Strap (CREMA BROWN)

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Street Photography Starter Kit

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

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HENRI WRIST STRAP PRO

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For the pros >

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

My brand-new Udemy Course, "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship" now live!

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Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography

eric kim ultimate beginners guide to mastering photography udemy

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ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

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Unleash your creative potential:

2021:

  • April 10-11th, 2021: BOSTON / Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography Workshop [Register Intent Here]
  • May 1-2nd, 2021: CHICAGO / Street Photography Composition Masterclass [Register Intent Here]
  • May 22-22nd, 2021: NEW YORK CITY / STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS by ERIC KIM [Register Intent Here]

Be notified of when new workshops are live here.


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