This is a selection of works by Portland-based artist Chris Lael Larson. Larson’s work blends painting, photography, and collage to create new perceptual experiences through the theme of “everyday absurdity.” That is, the strange, curious, and confusing ways we relate to each other—the things we consume and the environments we inhabit. Larson is inspired by contemporary artists such as Aimeé Beaubien and Lucas Blalock, whose hybrid approaches blur the lines between photography and other mediums.
In his work, Larsen constructs temporary altar-like installations from found objects, recycled materials, natural elements, cheaply printed photographs, and paint to highlight their latent qualities and redefine their meaning. Sometimes the installation is the final work, other times the final work is a fusion of drawings and large-format photographs of his buildings using surreal lighting techniques. Check out more images below!
