Michael Johansson container installation | Yellowtrace

Self Contained, 2010.
Containers, caravan, tractor, Volvo, pallets, refrigerators, etc.
Dimensions: 8,2 x 10.8 x 2,4 m.
Installation view: Umedalen Skulptur, Galleri Andersson/Sandström, Umeå (SE).

 

Michael Johansson | Yellowtrace

Tetris – Vigeland-museet, 2013.
Objects from the storage room at the Vigeland Museum.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.2 m.
Installation view: Familiar Abstractions, Vigeland-museet, Oslo (NO)

 

Michael Johansson rubiks cube installation | Yellowtrace

Rubik’s Curve, 2010.
Various objects, metal boxes, wooden wall.
Dimensions: 15 x 3,5 m.
Installation view: Svartlamon, Trondheim (NO).

 

Michael Johansson is a Swedish installation artist who takes OCD tendencies to the next level with his real-life Tetris sculptures. His passion for ordinary and useless things organised into exceptionally good-looking piles makes most neat-freaks look like the biggest slobs. Johansson is obsessed with irregularities and coincidences between to disparate objects which may only be linked by a common colour or a shape. On a more practical level, I bet this guy is excellent at stacking dishwashers, packing car boots and fridges. Yes!

 

Michael Johansson blue vintage suitcases | Yellowtrace

Dawn (Light), 2013. Mixed media.
Dimensions: 80 x 80 x 80 cm.

 

Michael Johansson vintage suitcases | Yellowtrace

Echoing Shades, 2011.
Armchair, books, bags, boxes, record player, etc.
Dimensions: 0.6 x 0.8 x 0,5 m.

 

“I am fascinated walking around flea markets finding doubles of seemingly unique, though often useless objects I have already purchased at another flea market. Despite the fact that I did not have any use for them even the first time, the desire to own two of these objects becomes too strong to resist. The unique and unknown origin of the object increases my desire to want the double – the unlikelihood of this sensation repeating itself produces an attraction that is too strong to resist.”

 

Michael Johansson all white tetris installation| Yellowtrace

Ghost V, 2011 – White objects.
Dimensions: 2,2 x 2,2 m x 2.
Installation view: The Flat – Massimo Carasi, Milan (IT).

 

Michael Johansson blue and white tetris installation| Yellowtrace

Michael Johansson all white tetris installation| Yellowtrace

Shade, 2013 – Ordinary items.
Dimensions: 3.8 x 5.6 m.
Installation view: Galleri Andersson/Sandström, Stockholm (SE).

 

“I am intrigued by irregularities in daily life. Not those that appear when something extraordinary occurs, but those that are created by an exaggerated form of regularity. Colours or patterns from two separate objects or environments concur, like when two people pass each other dressed in the exact same outfit. Or when you are switching channels on your TV and realise that the same actor is playing two different roles on two different channels at the same time. Or that one day the parking lot contained only red cars.”

Yep, the dude’s kinda got problems. But man does he know how to makes that look good.

 


[Images courtesy of the artist.]

 



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With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

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