This latest project is centered around the incredible and otherworldly mutant vehicles ofBurning Man.
It compiles surreal photographs of these remarkable machines into one interactive book.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
How did you get the idea forMutant Vehicles?
I was fascinated by cars and motorcycles even as a child.
I played with Hot Wheels instead of Barbie dolls.
All my art projects are based on this passion.
Generally, I work on my projects for several years.
I like to understand and get to know the people and the culture.
I then can integrate that into my photos or movies.
What has been the process of bringing your ideas to life?
Since 2014, I have been working more intensively withMutant Vehicles.
I took photos and got to know the artists.
Participation in theBurning Man festivalshad to be very well prepared.
On-site, you have to be focused and persistent as well as flexible and spontaneous.
Only in this way was it possible to shoot the vehicles in the desert at the perfect moment.
The photographs you took appear otherworldlyas if theyve come from some fantasy.
Most of my photos are directed.
The background is very important.
Preferably, the vehicle should stand freely in nowhere.
I usually adjust the sky color and work out details so that the surreal effect is enhanced.
What has been the most surprising, exciting, or fulfilling part of the process for you?
I love gearhead stuff, deserts,Star Wars, and creative festivals.
Shooting each photo, I was totally mesmerized and excited.
The environment and the weather in the Black Rock Desert change at every moment.
I love it when dust clouds appear out of nowhere and change the image almost surreally.
The quiet, secluded part of the work then happens at my desk.
This is quiet, but still exciting because in post-production each photo gets the special touch it deserves.
Mutant Vehiclesis your third fine art book.
How has this project been different than the ones you have completed in the past?
Each book has its own concept.Mutant Vehiclesis about interweaving moments in the analog and digital worlds.
The images are staged in such a way that they could have been rendered.
The book goes beyond a normal fine art book.
It is a kind of portal that leads to interactive experiences by using QR codes.
Another difference is that this time I am self-publishing the book.
The two previous books were published by publishers.
WithMutant Vehicles, the interest of the publishers was also great and definite.
However, I desired maximum degrees of freedom in the realization.
Therefore, I initiated aKickstarter projectso that people can pre-order the book and many extras.
The backers also help decide what will be realized.
You mention that there will also be an interactive aspect to the book.
How will the interactive elements be incorporated?
That is also part of the concept.
The book should be more than a normal fine art book.
Through interactive elements, the subject of mutant vehicles and Burning Man is to be made experienceable.
I know Burning Man can only be truly understood on site.
Nevertheless, I want to venture to mediate the experience as well as possible.
The book will include movies, music, as well as augmented reality features.
Using QR codes and links, these will be an integral part of the overall experience.
I really hope to kinesthetically transport the viewer into the world ofMutant Vehiclesat the festival.
A bit of Burning Man goosebumps at the coffee table, so to speak.
What has been your overall experience with Burning Man and encountering these incredible machines for yourself?
My first Burning Man was mind-blowing.
We arrived in the night in a fierce sandstorm.
There, my chin dropped.
I can hardly put my excitement into words.
I hope to be able to communicate this through my artwork.
Burning Man is very unique and special in the world because of the consequent execution of its ten principles.
The people are very open, positive, helpful, and giving.
Everyone participates in a different, very positive universe for a whole week.
Are there any favorite moments or stories from your shoots or Burning Man encounters that you like to share?
When I saw the Rocket Car, I was immediately hooked.
Someone told me that the owner’s name was David and Id better not disturb him.
I thought, So what?
and went to see him anyway.
It turned out that he is a big land speed racing fan too.
Thus, we were talking shop for quite a while on this subject.
Then we drove out to the playa to take some pictures.
Now, David is, in fact, writing the foreword forMutant Vehicles.
I’m very grateful for that because I really appreciate him and his art.
What is the experience that you hope readers take away fromMutant Vehicles?
Inspiration, openness, and community.
The book is intended to transmit aspects of the ten principles of Burning Man.
The mutant vehicles are a gift from the artists to the Burners as well.
So it is a ride on art to experience art.
This book is my homage to these great artists.
I hope that readers will appreciate this art form through the book and the stories provided.
Anything else you would like us to know about your work?
Storytelling is what my photography projects are all about.
I always start with a concept.
I always make a run at create a world that the viewer can fully immerse themselves in.
