Artist Focus | Abstract Aerial Art - Seeing the World Anew: How J and Mike Turn Earth Into Art from Above

For J and Mike, the duo behind Abstract Aerial Art, the world looks a little different-quite literally. Based just outside Wolverhampton in the UK, but rarely staying still for long, the brothers have built a reputation for capturing extraordinary aerial photography that transforms familiar landscapes into surreal artworks.

Though Wolverhampton itself hasn’t directly influenced their style, their travels-particularly in the Australian outback-sparked the beginnings of their creative journey. “It’s fair to say that Wolverhampton hasn’t directly shaped our artistic style in a big way,” they explain. “Australia, specifically the Australian outback, is far more responsible for shaping our artistic style. It is, after all, where this began for us.”

The Beginnings of Abstract Aerial Art

The pair specialise in photographing unusual, often bizarre aerial images of Earth. Every shot is real—taken from a drone’s top-down perspective-and only lightly enhanced for colour and contrast. Nothing is manipulated, leaving the landscapes to speak for themselves. Their ethos is simple:

“The point is not to work out what it is, but to show how weird and wonderful the world can look from above.”

From cars and wildlife to shipping containers, oceans, deserts, and cast shadows, their work reveals patterns and perspectives invisible from the ground. What might seem ordinary at eye level becomes otherworldly when viewed from above.

Their love for this art form began almost by accident. “We purchased our first drone without any clue as to how it worked,” they recall. “At first, we genuinely thought something wasn’t working properly! Once we realised that’s just how the Earth looked from above, we were well and truly hooked.”

Highlights and Challenges

The journey of Abstract Aerial Art has taken them across the globe, from barren deserts to bustling coastlines, and while they struggle to pick just one standout moment, they admit the experience has been transformative. “Abstract Aerial Art has completely changed our lives forever and we are incredibly grateful for every single moment,” they say.

But success hasn’t come without challenges. “The most challenging part of our journey is the self-imposed pressure we place on ourselves to continually strive for the very best shot,” they admit. Balancing artistic integrity with the realities of running a creative business is a constant battle. Yet, it’s this drive that keeps their work evolving and fresh.

Evolution of Their Style

In the early days, the brothers focused only on capturing the strangest and most surreal scenes possible. Over time, however, they realised that abstraction paired with recognisable elements-a lone animal, a structure, or a familiar landscape-added depth and connection for viewers.

“We slowly learnt that a balance between abstraction and familiarity allows viewers to connect more deeply with the work,” they explain. This evolution has refined their signature style, keeping their audience intrigued while staying true to their original vision.

A Life-Changing Accident

On 1st November 2024, tragedy struck when J was involved in a serious motorbike accident in Bali. The crash left him with a severe brain injury, seven broken bones, and a long road to recovery. After emergency surgeries and months in Indonesian hospitals, he returned to the UK for daily neurological rehabilitation.

“Three months ago, I couldn’t even tell the time, so I’ve already made massive progress,” J says. “I’m extremely lucky to still be alive so, all things considered, everything is a positive after that.”

During this period, Mike has kept Abstract Aerial Art running, managing their vast archive of images collected over years of shoots. The unexpected pause has provided an opportunity to organise and prepare a wealth of unseen photographs that they plan to share with their audience soon.

Looking Ahead

The future for Abstract Aerial Art is uncertain but hopeful. J continues his recovery, while Mike ensures their work reaches audiences worldwide. They’re eager to get back to travelling, exploring, and doing what they love most: capturing the Earth’s beauty from above.

“Fingers crossed, ‘normal’ Abstract Aerial Art life will return as soon as possible… not sure if it’s Mike or I who wants that to happen faster!”

The Purpose Behind the Lens

At the heart of their work is a simple but powerful message: to encourage people to see the world differently. “Through our work, we hope to inspire a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity about our planet,” they explain. “If our images encourage people to see the Earth with fresh eyes and appreciate its fragility and uniqueness, then we would feel our work has achieved its purpose.”

Where to Find Abstract Aerial Art

While their Instagram has been quieter in recent months due to J’s accident, the brothers plan to begin sharing new images again by the end of September 2025. Their feed showcases their most striking aerial photographs, alongside stories documenting their adventures and updates. They actively engage with their community there, replying to messages and connecting with fellow creatives.

@abstractaerialart

Advice for Aspiring Artists

If there’s one piece of advice J and Mike want to share, it’s this:

“NEVER let anyone make you believe that you cannot achieve something. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that you will encounter people who attempt to do this during your artistic journey… go and prove them wrong.”

Their own story-of two brothers who bought a drone, travelled the world, and turned their passion into a life-changing career-is proof of that.