Abstraction III 1922

László Moholy-Nagy created this print, Abstraction III, using a photogram, a process of making images by placing objects directly onto photographic paper and exposing it to light. In this work, Moholy-Nagy arranges stencils and translucent materials to create overlapping geometric forms. The stark contrast of black and white emphasizes the shapes and textures, from the delicate cross-hatching to the solid rectangles. The photogram technique aligns this piece with modernist ideas about industrial production. It removes the artist's hand from the process, instead using light and chemistry. By experimenting with photography, Moholy-Nagy questioned the traditional role of the artist. He embraced new technologies and explored the potential of mechanical reproduction, blurring the lines between art, design, and industry. This work asks us to reconsider the boundaries of artistic creation and appreciate the interplay between materials, technology, and the artist's vision.