artscene
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January – June , 2017 digitally construct an artwork . Johan says he photographs most of the animals in his works at zoos and then digitally places them in a selected environment . In this very large-scale photograph , several zebras are shown in a palm grove — which is not their natural environment . Light filtering through the fronds creates a dynamic pattern of cast shadows and zebra stripes . “ This artist is taking advantage of the black and white stripes and the light and shadow to create a complex mysterious puzzle . You can ’ t help but ask yourself , ‘ How many zebras are there ?’” says Chazen director Russell Panczenko . “ That was a very deliberate intention by the artist to bewilder the eye and make you wonder about what you are seeing . It ’ s that kind of play with photography that is unique .”
Simen Johan ( Norwegian , b . 1973 ), Untitled # 182 , from the series Until the Kingdom Comes , 2016 , inkjet print , 54 x 162 in ., museum funds purchase , 2016.15