The virtual world and real life are distinctively different realms, but photographer David Schwen has whimsically brought the two together with his Paper Icon Series.
These lighthearted pictures portray a peculiar subject, the "Document" symbol one may quickly recognize from his desktop computer. Stripped down to its near-original appearance, the simple emblem representing a piece of paper has black lines to signify text, a black outline, and the illusion of a folded corner to give the virtual icon a suggestion of three dimensionality.
In no way competing with the depth of the real world, the magnified and personified cyber symbol is placed in situations where paper products are usually found. The Paper Icon Series features the subject masquerading as a parking ticket, toilet paper, a poster and can even be seen seeking to be shredded by the grate of a storm drain.
Playful Symbol Still Lifes
Paper Icon Series Places Digital Document Images in the Real World
Trend Themes
1. Digital-to-real Integration - Opportunity to integrate digital icons or symbols into the physical world, creating unique and playful experiences.
2. Symbol Personification - Exploring the concept of giving virtual symbols human-like qualities, opening up possibilities for creative storytelling and engagement.
3. Playful Contextualization - Using familiar digital icons in unexpected contexts to create a sense of surprise and playfulness, capturing attention and generating conversation.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Photographers can explore the concept of merging the digital and physical worlds through creative compositions and visual storytelling.
2. Digital Design - Designers can experiment with personifying virtual symbols to create unique user experiences and interfaces that evoke emotions and engagement.
3. Advertising and Marketing - Marketers can leverage the use of symbolic integration and unexpected contextualization to create memorable and attention-grabbing campaigns.