Nanna Hänninen

Nanna Hänninen (born 1973) had her first solo exhibition in 2012 at Galleria AMA in Helinski which included her series 'Plants/Objects//Paint'. Her works have her own distinct style of smearing or dolloping paint onto a single image, giving a completely different dimension to the photograph. The decision to use black and white photography gives her no limits as to what colors she implement. Hänninen accentuates an element in the photograph on which she wants to emphasise. What is great about her works is that she knows when to stop, she keeps it perfectly simple and lets that contrast with the destruction of the photograph on which she paints on. 

See more of these beautiful works below!

Andrew Lyman

Alone Together is a series constructed by American artist, Andrew Lyman. In each photograph there is a feature of two similar if not same things. The title itself are contrasted to each other.  The number two is connected to many meanings and symbols. 'Duality' is an ongoing theme in the history of photography, and if used correctly the image is very effective. The first image coming to mind is 

  'Twins' from Diane Arbus. The figures in each image might be similar, although they are not identical. There is an interaction between each object or figure. Each has their own characteristics, however tied in with clever composition each photograph stands out. Lyman also uses analogue which brings a sense of nostalgia in the natural tones it captures. Some photos have odd set ups such as the two hands being dipped in milk (below) although I think this brings a quirky quality to the series. 

Eli Craven

American artist Eli Craven cleverly folds these classic hollywood portraits in his series 'Screen Lovers' and mends two subjects into one. Craven uses found images from old vintage books and brings the characters together by literally folding the image and creating something new. The way that the Craven chooses to fold over the faces of the figures leaves a dimension of ambiguousness. You can't help but to think whats going on behind the fold. I also enjoy the newly formed shape that occurs naturally when folding and escapes the traditional rectangle photograph. 

More beautiful folded photographs after the jump!

Isabelle Wenzel

Isabelle Wenzell is a German photographer who photographs the female figure in contorted poses, mainly focusing on the legs and usually leaving out the head. Wenzell uses a pallette that catches the eye. I enjoy the pastel colors with contrasting shadows as this gives a strong look and a nostalgic feel. 

There is definitely a comment on woman and the way they are perceived. In her series Building Images (2010) it is obvious by the secretary setting, clothing and props that Wenzell is focusing on the role of women in the work place. Is a woman really all just legs and ass? Combined with Wenzell's acrobatic history, these photographs are intruiging and clever in the way that movement is inplemented in these stills.The idea that the women's backs are being used as tables heightens the notion that women are in the same class as props or furniture. Nonetheless, just a feature. In another series, Wenzell sets the female lower body on a pedastol however with no upperhalf, thus making the women unidentifiable and being put on show. The combination of contortion and office setting is absurd although genious as they both are on completely different spectrums. She's definitely a photographer to keep an eye on. 

More works after the jump!

Rik Garrett

Tests for Symbosis series               2011              analogue print and oil pastel    

Rik Garrett is an American artist who's focus is to explore the "ideas of love, relationships, magic, Alchemy and mutually beneficial partnerships in nature."

Symbosis is a series from 2011 that has been getting a lot of attention. His works are interesting and really showcases the concept of a sexual relationships. He manipulates the images with skin-toned acrylic paint (painted directly on the print), binding the two figures to look as though they have become one person. Although what I really love is Garrett's rough and textured brush strokes giving a more raw aesthetic look to the works. He overlaps paint over their faces and binds them together only allowing very little space in-between them. The figures are unidentifiable and hiding within each other only revealing some limbs. 

Garret has other series as well, exploring the themes of Alchemy and magic. They are available to look at on his website! Be sure to check him out on his Facebook, tumblr and personal blog. 

More lovely photographs after the jump!