Iron Man
Summary
"Iron Man" by Erik Johansson was produced in 2008, as one of his earlier works. It was in 2005 that he began studying Computer Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, developing his innate sarcastic skills. With the application of these learned skills, Johansson retouched his photograph "Iron Man" from a surrealist perspective, distorting the lower half of the models body. Johansson goes on to share that "I don’t think that people should try the things that I do in my pictures. But maybe I should add a warning label or something. That could be important;"[1] this statement by Johansson stresses the imposed surrealist juxtaposition created in his work, as he humorously backs it up by saying that people should not attempt what is demonstrated in his work.
Formal Analysis
The Surrealist approach to Johansson's retouched photograph "Iron Man", proves very effective in the finished piece. Being produced in 2008, and at only the age of 23, he demonstrated only the beginning of his superior technical abilities. In this photograph specifically, Johansson has photographed a model ironing his pants while wearing them, giving the illusion that his entire lower body has been ironed flat, aside from his feet. This illusion creates a very interesting perspective, allowing the viewer to interpret the model as a distorted figure.
Technical Information of Execution of the Work
An interesting fact about this Swedish photographer, is that Johansson is a self-taught artist. Although attending University, he has explored and developed his skill through trial and error, over and over again. Potentially the greatest outcome of taking Computer Engineering for Johansson, was that he was able to create his very own computer, intertwining both MAC and PC interfaces, with only the best applications on his desktop (Adobe Photoshop CC). Having the finest programs on his custom computer, allows him to to include and incorporate hundreds of photos in a single work, eliminating limitation.[2]
References
Wiki Authors
- Natalie Amoore