The Life of Small Things by Adam Ekberg

Issue 83

In calculated performances that intersect with photography’s documentary potential, I explore ephemeral occurrences. Making such humble events happen is alchemy of sorts, the transformation of the mundane into the poignant. Within the constructed images, I reposition specific celebratory iconography to create minor spectacles. My process requires detailed and elaborate production outside the photographic frame so that what appears within the frame implies simplicity and straightforwardness. It is important to me that these constructions actually exist in the world, if only for the moment in which the photograph is made.

Adam Ekberg lives and works in New Jersey. His first monograph The Life of Small Things was just published by Waltz Books.
To view more of Adam's work, please visit his website.

Eclipse

Eclipse

An Aerosol Container in an Abandoned Peach Orchard

An Aerosol Container in an Abandoned Peach Orchard

Precise Equilibrium

Precise Equilibrium

Burning Skull

Burning Skull

A Camera in the Forest

A Camera in the Forest

Arrangement #1

Arrangement #1

Arrangement #2

Arrangement #2

Balloons in a Room

Balloons in a Room

A Disco Ball on the Mountain

A Disco Ball on the Mountain

Aberration #8

Aberration #8

Goldfish

Goldfish

Outpost #1

Outpost #1

Transferring a Gallon of Milk from One Container to Another

Transferring a Gallon of Milk from One Container to Another

A Sparkler on a Frozen Lake

A Sparkler on a Frozen Lake

Candle, Mirror and Laser

Candle, Mirror and Laser

Extinguishing a Small Fire

Extinguishing a Small Fire

A Lawn Chair Exploding

A Lawn Chair Exploding

Vacuum on a Frozen Lake

Vacuum on a Frozen Lake

Occurrence #2

Occurrence #2

Paper Airplane

Paper Airplane