I-D MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
Chris Calmer is a photographer born and raised in Copenhagen. He started experimenting with photography at the age of 14 and moved onto more focused work at around 20. Now, his pastel-coloured cut-and-paste aesthetic is confident and well-defined; his images elevating every subject to a playful and joyful space. "I like to challenge the perception of good taste," he says. "My work and ideas always come from a place of humour and, to an extent, the 'wrong' aesthetics. Fashion imagery is often very serious, so it's interesting to me to break free from that."
Your images play with scale beautifully, can you explain why the project and, therefore, the shoe inspired you to follow that creative approach?
There is something silly and playful about working with scale like this. It's very surrealistic and "absurd". I wanted to use something very recognisable about Copenhagen, the coloured buildings and make it even brighter and more surreal. It was also a choice that we look into the camera - very here we are, look at us.
My creative approach was very focused on showing us in the city in an untraditional way. The idea of making us into giants made perfect sense for this. It was very much about feeling empowered, like a superhero. The Suede Mayu literally makes you a lot taller, so there is a fun connection in that way as well. The digital construction of the architecture was inspired by postcards that show the different landmarks in Copenhagen.
How does your city, Copenhagen, inform your creativity and artistic vision and what can we observe of this in your photography?
These images are very much a postcard" from Copenhagen. From me to everyone. I think it's important to use what is around you as inspiration in any creative profession. When you let yourself observe the cityscape and nature objectively, it can re-inspire your view of the city.
INTERVIEW RELATED TO PROJECT "GENOMBROTT" WITH IKEA
What do you dream of creating with your art?
I am in constant development and dream of expressing myself in the most authentic way through my art.
What is home to you?
Home, for me, is where I can unfold myself, a place that reflects my personality.
Where do you feel at home?
I feel at home in my apartment, surrounded by art and my plants.
What is your motivation for participating in GENOMBROTT?
When I was asked to join the project, I naturally said yes. It’s a unique opportunity to express myself and my work.
What characterizes your artistic style, and how will it be reflected in your GENOMBROTT piece?
My style as a photographer lies at the intersection of correct and “wrong” taste, and that’s where originality emerges. Humor is important in my art, and creating something the viewer can relate to and find inspiring is the best reward for me as a creative. In my GENOMBROTT piece, I will explore themes of loneliness, paranoia, anger, and laziness, which we all experienced as a result of restrictions and lockdowns—a post-COVID piece. I like challenging the Scandinavian, minimalist aesthetic. It’s not for me. I believe in “more is more.”
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
I find inspiration for my concepts in my surroundings, pop culture, and through reflections on my personal development and what I need to express for my own sake. I’m practicing listening to what’s on my mind and what I need to use art for.
Do you wish to convey social messages through your art? If yes, how?
Art and politics will always be connected, so one rarely exists without the other. It’s always important for me to relate to what’s happening in society, but what matters most is what I personally have on my heart. I believe in striving for authenticity and not being overly influenced by trends to create art that endures in the long run.
INTERVIEW FOR HAPPY SOCKS: HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE, BOOK.
What does being an artist mean to you?
Creating something honest and genuine is a continuous practice and it requires a steadfast commitment to resist simply following trends. Ultimately, if we focus solely on what’s popular, we may lose interest in our own work. While it may take longer to develop a unique aesthetic, I believe it's worth it in the end to remain true to our own creative approach. This allows us to create work that is truly our own and to contribute something meaningful and enduring to our field.
How would you describe your own work?
In photography, I adopt a playful and occasionally campy approach that challenges traditional notions of "good taste." I'm drawn to bright, vibrant colours, black and white photography just doesn't do it for me. To put it simply, I'm allergic to black and white! By infusing my work with bright colours I seek to create a distinctive visual style that stands out and captures the viewer's attention in a fun way.
What do you do to stay creative?
Ideas seem to flow to me constantly, and I'm not sure where they originate from. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time studying art in the library, so I don't necessarily research that much anymore. I tend to scrutinise my ideas excessively and filter them rigorously. I often write them down or sketch them out and then wait for a project to emerge where I can draw inspiration from one of the concepts I've previously developed.
Where are you based? How does your environment inspire your work?
I adore living in Copenhagen. The ability to bike anywhere I need to go, with everything so close at hand is a luxury to me. I've used the city as a backdrop for countless photoshoots over the years, and while it's familiar to me, it's not necessarily for viewers of my work. But what truly captivates me about Copenhagen is biking across its many bridges. With the city's various areas separated by water, the views are always breathtaking, particularly when you look out towards the sea.
How would you describe your own style?
Although my personal style often contrasts with my work, as I tend to wear a lot of black, I find that I gravitate towards brighter colours as soon as summer arrives. I have a lot of thrifted leather jackets that I’ve collected over time, that are my prized possessions and I love a good quality boot as well.
When did you decide to become an artist/photographer?
Ever since I was a child, I've been exposed to a wide range of artistic mediums thanks to my dad, who is an artist and arts teacher. While I didn't have much patience for painting, I found myself drawn to digital drawing and Photoshop, which allowed me to bring my wildest imaginations to life using photography. As I honed my skills in drawing people, I gradually developed a keen interest in photography, which eventually led me to fashion photography. This fusion of my creative passions has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the diverse artistic influences that have shaped my approach.
Why did you decide to become an artist/photographer?
Art has always been a natural and intuitive pursuit for me, providing an escape from the lack of control I often felt in my everyday life as a child. I found solace in the process of creating, and the vibrant colours that I incorporated into my work became a positive influence and contribution to my life. Through my artistic endeavours, I was able to express myself in ways that I couldn't through words, and this gave me a sense of empowerment that was otherwise lacking in my life. The practice of art has remained a source of joy and fulfilment for me, and I continue to be inspired by the transformative power of colour and creativity.
What inspires you to create art?
My perspective is centred around contributing something novel and innovative, rather than simply rehashing what already exists. I understand that this is a challenging objective, but it is precisely what motivates my approach to my work. By striving to create something unique and fresh, I am inspired to push beyond the boundaries of convention and produce work that is as original as is possible in a creative field where almost everything is repetitive and where everyone draws inspiration from the masters.
Describe a perfect day in your life?
A perfect day in my life would be waking up and just feeling the super power within me ready to make it a great day. It would make my day to score a great job and go on an adventure in Copenhagen, trying to find somewhere new. Swimming in the harbour and then later seeing the sun go down on a warm summer day.
What’s the most important thing for you in the world?
Since forever, my drive to create and explore creative concepts has been a defining aspect of who I am. I consider myself fortunate and grateful to have this ability as an outlet for my creativity.
The vision of Happy Socks is to spread happiness. What makes you happy?
I find happiness in many things. Creating art and working with talented individuals bring me immense joy and inspiration. In addition to that, I love to smile and find that spreading positivity to those around me can also bring me happiness. On bad days, I like to take a long hot shower and listen to my favourite music to help me relax and forget about any troubles.
What do you do to get in a better mood if you have a shitty day?
When I'm feeling down, I find comfort in indulging in some take-out and snacks. It's a little treat that always manages to lift my spirits. Apart from that, I enjoy going thrifting, spending quality time with my loved ones. Going to the gym brings me happiness as it's a great distraction from worries and also a place where I get a lot of my ideas, strangely. I’ve also recently become addicted to TikTok, I’m not sure yet if it's for the better or worse.
How do you handle setbacks?
When discussing work, I must admit that it's not always easy for me. However, I've found a personal approach that helps me push through difficult times. As a perfectionist, I remind myself that I gave it my all, given the circumstances. I believe there is a reason for everything and that too gives me a sense of peace at times. Moreover, I've been actively working on separating my professional success from my personal happiness. I've realised that tying one's happiness to professional success is dangerous, as it makes us vulnerable to external factors and decisions that we cannot control.
I-D MAGAZINE INTERVIEW
Chris Calmer is a photographer born and raised in Copenhagen. He started experimenting with photography at the age of 14 and moved onto more focused work at around 20. Now, his pastel-coloured cut-and-paste aesthetic is confident and well-defined; his images elevating every subject to a playful and joyful space. "I like to challenge the perception of good taste," he says. "My work and ideas always come from a place of humour and, to an extent, the 'wrong' aesthetics. Fashion imagery is often very serious, so it's interesting to me to break free from that."
Your images play with scale beautifully, can you explain why the project and, therefore, the shoe inspired you to follow that creative approach?
There is something silly and playful about working with scale like this. It's very surrealistic and "absurd". I wanted to use something very recognisable about Copenhagen, the coloured buildings and make it even brighter and more surreal. It was also a choice that we look into the camera - very here we are, look at us.
My creative approach was very focused on showing us in the city in an untraditional way. The idea of making us into giants made perfect sense for this. It was very much about feeling empowered, like a superhero. The Suede Mayu literally makes you a lot taller, so there is a fun connection in that way as well. The digital construction of the architecture was inspired by postcards that show the different landmarks in Copenhagen.
How does your city, Copenhagen, inform your creativity and artistic vision and what can we observe of this in your photography?
These images are very much a postcard" from Copenhagen. From me to everyone. I think it's important to use what is around you as inspiration in any creative profession. When you let yourself observe the cityscape and nature objectively, it can re-inspire your view of the city.
INTERVIEW RELATED TO PROJECT "GENOMBROTT" WITH IKEA
What do you dream of creating with your art?
I am in constant development and dream of expressing myself in the most authentic way through my art.
What is home to you?
Home, for me, is where I can unfold myself, a place that reflects my personality.
Where do you feel at home?
I feel at home in my apartment, surrounded by art and my plants.
What is your motivation for participating in GENOMBROTT?
When I was asked to join the project, I naturally said yes. It’s a unique opportunity to express myself and my work.
What characterizes your artistic style, and how will it be reflected in your GENOMBROTT piece?
My style as a photographer lies at the intersection of correct and “wrong” taste, and that’s where originality emerges. Humor is important in my art, and creating something the viewer can relate to and find inspiring is the best reward for me as a creative. In my GENOMBROTT piece, I will explore themes of loneliness, paranoia, anger, and laziness, which we all experienced as a result of restrictions and lockdowns—a post-COVID piece. I like challenging the Scandinavian, minimalist aesthetic. It’s not for me. I believe in “more is more.”
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
I find inspiration for my concepts in my surroundings, pop culture, and through reflections on my personal development and what I need to express for my own sake. I’m practicing listening to what’s on my mind and what I need to use art for.
Do you wish to convey social messages through your art? If yes, how?
Art and politics will always be connected, so one rarely exists without the other. It’s always important for me to relate to what’s happening in society, but what matters most is what I personally have on my heart. I believe in striving for authenticity and not being overly influenced by trends to create art that endures in the long run.
INTERVIEW FOR HAPPY SOCKS: HAPPINESS EVERYWHERE, BOOK.
What does being an artist mean to you?
Creating something honest and genuine is a continuous practice and it requires a steadfast commitment to resist simply following trends. Ultimately, if we focus solely on what’s popular, we may lose interest in our own work. While it may take longer to develop a unique aesthetic, I believe it's worth it in the end to remain true to our own creative approach. This allows us to create work that is truly our own and to contribute something meaningful and enduring to our field.
How would you describe your own work?
In photography, I adopt a playful and occasionally campy approach that challenges traditional notions of "good taste." I'm drawn to bright, vibrant colours, black and white photography just doesn't do it for me. To put it simply, I'm allergic to black and white! By infusing my work with bright colours I seek to create a distinctive visual style that stands out and captures the viewer's attention in a fun way.
What do you do to stay creative?
Ideas seem to flow to me constantly, and I'm not sure where they originate from. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time studying art in the library, so I don't necessarily research that much anymore. I tend to scrutinise my ideas excessively and filter them rigorously. I often write them down or sketch them out and then wait for a project to emerge where I can draw inspiration from one of the concepts I've previously developed.
Where are you based? How does your environment inspire your work?
I adore living in Copenhagen. The ability to bike anywhere I need to go, with everything so close at hand is a luxury to me. I've used the city as a backdrop for countless photoshoots over the years, and while it's familiar to me, it's not necessarily for viewers of my work. But what truly captivates me about Copenhagen is biking across its many bridges. With the city's various areas separated by water, the views are always breathtaking, particularly when you look out towards the sea.
How would you describe your own style?
Although my personal style often contrasts with my work, as I tend to wear a lot of black, I find that I gravitate towards brighter colours as soon as summer arrives. I have a lot of thrifted leather jackets that I’ve collected over time, that are my prized possessions and I love a good quality boot as well.
When did you decide to become an artist/photographer?
Ever since I was a child, I've been exposed to a wide range of artistic mediums thanks to my dad, who is an artist and arts teacher. While I didn't have much patience for painting, I found myself drawn to digital drawing and Photoshop, which allowed me to bring my wildest imaginations to life using photography. As I honed my skills in drawing people, I gradually developed a keen interest in photography, which eventually led me to fashion photography. This fusion of my creative passions has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for the diverse artistic influences that have shaped my approach.
Why did you decide to become an artist/photographer?
Art has always been a natural and intuitive pursuit for me, providing an escape from the lack of control I often felt in my everyday life as a child. I found solace in the process of creating, and the vibrant colours that I incorporated into my work became a positive influence and contribution to my life. Through my artistic endeavours, I was able to express myself in ways that I couldn't through words, and this gave me a sense of empowerment that was otherwise lacking in my life. The practice of art has remained a source of joy and fulfilment for me, and I continue to be inspired by the transformative power of colour and creativity.
What inspires you to create art?
My perspective is centred around contributing something novel and innovative, rather than simply rehashing what already exists. I understand that this is a challenging objective, but it is precisely what motivates my approach to my work. By striving to create something unique and fresh, I am inspired to push beyond the boundaries of convention and produce work that is as original as is possible in a creative field where almost everything is repetitive and where everyone draws inspiration from the masters.
Describe a perfect day in your life?
A perfect day in my life would be waking up and just feeling the super power within me ready to make it a great day. It would make my day to score a great job and go on an adventure in Copenhagen, trying to find somewhere new. Swimming in the harbour and then later seeing the sun go down on a warm summer day.
What’s the most important thing for you in the world?
Since forever, my drive to create and explore creative concepts has been a defining aspect of who I am. I consider myself fortunate and grateful to have this ability as an outlet for my creativity.
The vision of Happy Socks is to spread happiness. What makes you happy?
I find happiness in many things. Creating art and working with talented individuals bring me immense joy and inspiration. In addition to that, I love to smile and find that spreading positivity to those around me can also bring me happiness. On bad days, I like to take a long hot shower and listen to my favourite music to help me relax and forget about any troubles.
What do you do to get in a better mood if you have a shitty day?
When I'm feeling down, I find comfort in indulging in some take-out and snacks. It's a little treat that always manages to lift my spirits. Apart from that, I enjoy going thrifting, spending quality time with my loved ones. Going to the gym brings me happiness as it's a great distraction from worries and also a place where I get a lot of my ideas, strangely. I’ve also recently become addicted to TikTok, I’m not sure yet if it's for the better or worse.
How do you handle setbacks?
When discussing work, I must admit that it's not always easy for me. However, I've found a personal approach that helps me push through difficult times. As a perfectionist, I remind myself that I gave it my all, given the circumstances. I believe there is a reason for everything and that too gives me a sense of peace at times. Moreover, I've been actively working on separating my professional success from my personal happiness. I've realised that tying one's happiness to professional success is dangerous, as it makes us vulnerable to external factors and decisions that we cannot control.
Copyright © 2024 Chris Calmer. All Rights Reserved.
CLIENTS INCLUDE
Puma, I-D Magazine, Ikea, Happy Socks, Triumph, Stine Goya, Tableau, Ikea, Georg Jensen,Uffe Buchard, Esben Weile, Holzweiler, Stamm, Martin Asbjørn, Tonsure, Vogue Scandinavia, Dansk Magazine, The Forumist Magazine,Tank Magazine, Tush Magazine, Vice magazine, Galleries Lafayette, Liberty London, Dior, and V Magazine.
SERVICES
Photography, Art Direction, Retouching, Set Design.
INQUIRIES
cc@chriscalmer.com
INSTAGRAM
@chris.calmer
Represented by Fern
CLIENTS INCLUDE
Puma, I-D Magazine, Ikea, Happy Socks, Triumph, Stine Goya, Tableau, Ikea, Georg Jensen,Uffe Buchard, Esben Weile, Holzweiler, Stamm, Martin Asbjørn, Tonsure, Vogue Scandinavia, Dansk Magazine, The Forumist Magazine,Tank Magazine, Tush Magazine, Vice magazine, Galleries Lafayette, Liberty London, Dior, and V Magazine.
SERVICES
Photography, Art Direction, Retouching, Set Design.
INQUIRIES
cc@chriscalmer.com
INSTAGRAM
@chris.calmer