Erik Johansson, The MC Escher of Photography

by Evan La Ruffa

Sweden's Erik Johansson is the photographic and retoucher equivalent of MC Escher. Using sketches to map out ideas conceived to turn the brain inside out, Erik would argue that the possibilities reality can create with some coaxing are worth our while. He goes from sketch, to photos, to retouching them on the computer to create these incredible illusions. We were also happy to find out that he makes his prints available on high quality paper, and they look great. Currently living in Berlin, and having spoken at TED, Johannsson's adapted imagery is certainly inspiring. Often times you'll find Erik taking a small activity and casting it across a juxtaposed landscape. Whether a field is being knitted for miles or a perforated highway turns back on rolling fields, the viewer is invited to sit in the quandary. Here is what Erik has to say about his work: "I don’t capture moments, I capture ideas. To me photography is just a way to collect material to realize the ideas in my mind. I get inspired by things around me in my daily life and all kinds of things I see. Although one photo can consist hundreds of layers I always want it to look like it could have been captured. Every new project is a new challenge and my goal is to realize it as realistic as possible. For more information about me please check the FAQ/Biography or my TED talk." BUY HIS PRINTS here. Like his artist page on Facebook.

More at erikjohanssonphoto.com