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Juha Arvid Helminen’s Photography Series “The Invisible Empire” Criticizes the Power of Uniforms

One's manner of dress can lead to powerful transformations. Switching up the ways we present our gender identity or our occupation can inspire us to act in ways we wouldn't otherwise. While this can be empowering, photographer Juha Arvid Helminen investigates the ways uniforms denoting positions of power can grant their wearers permission to commit inhumane acts. "In 2006, I witnessed the so-called Smash ASEM 'riot,'" writes the artist. "There I personally saw the dark side of the Finnish police. How young men hid behind their uniforms and hoods and anonymously committed misconduct. Later I witnessed the reluctance of the justice system to punish those in uniforms."

One’s manner of dress can lead to powerful transformations. Switching up the ways we present our gender identity or our occupation can inspire us to act in ways we wouldn’t otherwise. While this can be empowering, photographer Juha Arvid Helminen investigates the ways uniforms denoting positions of power can grant their wearers permission to commit inhumane acts. “In 2006, I witnessed the so-called Smash ASEM ‘riot,'” writes the artist. “There I personally saw the dark side of the Finnish police. How young men hid behind their uniforms and hoods and anonymously committed misconduct. Later I witnessed the reluctance of the justice system to punish those in uniforms.”

In his monochromatic photo series “The Invisible Empire,” figures clothed in black stand barely visible against black backgrounds. Helminen’s costuming takes inspiration from instances in history where uniformed bearers of authority committed atrocities. The tailoring of his subjects’ coats evokes Nazi military jackets while his conical headpieces evoke the ominous robes of the KKK. Helminen leaves his models’ faces obscured, alluding to the ways personal identity and moral judgment can be obfuscated in the name of duty and social belonging.

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Juha Arvid Helminen, Photography, The Invisible Empire

Andrew B. Myers, Photography

March 16, 2015

Andrew B. Myers's photographs have a sense of order that makes them strangely satisfying to look at. In his studio, Myers arranges mundane objects on bright backgrounds, creating repeating, grid-like patterns. We see the items for their formal qualities, not their individual significance. Toys, electronics, sumptuous fruits, and sugary deserts become colorful specks whose shapes and colors matter more than their functionality. While some of Myers's works look almost too neat to be real — like they could be digital illustrations instead of photos of actual objects — in certain pieces, he strategically reveals elements of his process. A leg of his tripod or duct tape Xs on the floor make their way into some photos, revealing the human touch behind these immaculate arrangements.

Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman’s “Processed Views” Food Landscape Series

Barbara Ciurej, Lindsay Lochman, Photography, Processed Views

December 19, 2014

Marshmallow snow, bologna mountain ranges, and milk lakes define the landscapes of Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman's photo series "Processed Views." The artists utilized familiar American junk food to create artificial nature scenes that simultaneously repulse and fascinate. The series was intended as a commentary on America's reliance on processed foods, which the artists described as a symptom of our collective detachment from nature. "As we move further away from the sources of our food, we head into uncharted territory replete with unintended consequences for the environment and for our health," the artists wrote in their statement about the project.

Nicolas Bruno’s ‘Between Realms’ Shares Hallucinations from Sleep Paralysis

Nicolas Bruno, Photography, surrealism

February 13, 2017

Nicolas Bruno’s photographs and drawings mix surrealism and unsettling, solitary drama. In his first solo show with Haven Gallery in Northport, New York, the artist offers 17 new works that the gallery says are "transmuted from Bruno's dreams as a means of coping and controlling his sleep paralysis affliction." The show kicks off on February 25 and runs through April 2.

Niko Photographisme’s ‘The Robot Next Door’ Series

Niko Photographisme, Photography, surrealism

May 17, 2018

In Niko Photographisme's "The Robot Next Door" series, the artist depicts a world in which robotic creatures are among us. Blending analog materials with a bit of digital manipulation to create a surreal final product, the artist is able to create an intimate view of a sci-fi scenario. Depicting the figures taking part in everyday activities, the pieces carry a surprising vulnerability to match the futuristic concept.

Juha Arvid Helminen’s Photography Series “The Invisible Empire” Criticizes the Power of Uniforms

Andrew B. Myers Photographs Objects Laid Out in Meticulous Patterns

Barbara Ciurej and Lindsay Lochman’s “Processed Views” Food Landscape Series

Nicolas Bruno’s ‘Between Realms’ Shares Hallucinations from Sleep Paralysis

Niko Photographisme’s ‘The Robot Next Door’ Series

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