Moroccan photographer and filmmaker Achraf Baznani carries on the traditions of Surrealism with his wild, imaginative, and wholly impractical imagery. Among his inventive scenarios, small human figures—often the artist himself—appear trapped within glass jars or the size of a camera lens; in other works, Baznani more or less dissects his body, as for example, in one, he cleanly removes his brain from his cranium, or in another, twists off his hand, much as if it were a light bulb. Imparted throughout such works are strong senses of humor and wonder, and as such, Baznani’s art offers a Surrealistic take on life experience in the digital age.
A Manchester City fan attends the trophy ceremony after the end of the Soccer Club World Cup final match between Manchester City FC and Fluminense FC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, December 22, 2023. Manchester City won 4-0. (Photo by Manu Fernandez/AP Photo)
German artist Robert Rickhoff re-interprets the idea of public space with humor through a series of digitally manipulated photographs in a project entitled “out of place”. Rickhoff augments scenes within a seemingly commonplace environment to depict impractical yet lighthearted situations – including a playground slippery dip facing towards a busy road to a speed bump placed in an unassuming residential street that is actually a daredevil ramp. the visualizations are subtle yet provocative, forcing the audience to look twice to notice the unusual setting infused with tongue-in-cheek wit.