Five Contemporary Photographers Push Abstraction Through Cameraless Techniques and Scientific Methods

Aesthetica Magazine showcases five modern photographers who are pushing the boundaries of abstraction through the use of material manipulation and scientific techniques. Marta Djourina (b. 1991) plays with light on photosensitive paper. Bevil Templeton-Smith (b. 1971) utilizes a modified microscope to capture crystallized household materials, exhibited at Alveston Fine Arts in London. Daniela Droz (b. 1982) employs cameraless methods to produce architectural imagery, drawing inspiration from Paolo Roversi and Constantin Brâncuși. Jessica Backhaus (b. 1970) investigates color interactions in her 2021 series Cut Outs, featured in her 2024 monograph Plein Soleil. Luc Holper from Luxembourg creates textured layers influenced by light theories. The piece connects abstraction's history to Man Ray and László Moholy-Nagy, referencing Mary Warner Marien's mention of abstraction in 100 Ideas that Changed Photography. Posted on 4 November 2025.