Adam Ekberg The arsonist's shadow

January 6 to February 12, 2025

Link to images from the exhibition
Review: Seattle Weekly

“In calculated performances that intersect with photography’s documentary potential, I explore ephemeral occurrences that can serve as metaphors for existence. 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: balloons, cocktail umbrellas, disco balls, soap bubbles, and lens-based refractions. Such economy of means not only activates environments, it also prompts fascination and suggests auras.

“My process requires detailed and elaborate production outside the photographic frame so that what appears within the frame implies simplicity and straightforwardness. The photographs are made using medium and large-format cameras. While the images are handled digitally, Photoshop is used solely as a darkroom tool and not as a way in which to manipulate the image. It is important to me that these constructions actually exist in the world if only for the moment in which the photograph is made. Through this process, I hope to show that what is insignificant is not meaningless.”

–Adam Ekberg

Adam holds an MFA in Photography form The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. His work is in the collections of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL, and The Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago, IL. He is currently Assistant Professor of Photography and Digital Media at the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. This is his second solo show at Platform.