To Which We Return

by Kristoffer Johnson

To Which We Return focuses on the impermanence and fragility of the human body and the physiological problems that are inherent with existence. The human body is a fragile construct that ages and decays. As the Buddhist concept of impermanence states, everything is temporary and subject to rise and fall. Mortality is an unavoidable and inevitable fact that humanity must face despite the sense of control which society and self-awareness gives us. Reflection on death is common throughout human history. This work draws from two such traditions, the Buddhist meditation Maranasati “mindfulness of death” and the Western visual tradition of Memento Mori “remember that you must die.”

[clicking on an image will bring up a lightbox]

Maranasati invites one to visualize and contemplate their body in a state of decay. In this series I use an alternative photographic process known as Mordançage to externalize this visualization. Photography has long been associated with memory and the desire to immortalize past moments, therefore serves as constant reminders of time and mortality.

Whereas the goal of most photography is preservation of self and memory, in this work the fragmented image serves as a reminder of the ever-present specter of the end of the life we know.  

About Kristoffer Johnson

Kristoffer Johnson is a visual artist from Northwest Arkansas who specializes in alternative and experimental photographic processes such as lumen, cyanotype, and mordancage. His work explores the intersection between the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual notions about the reality in which we exist and our relationship with it. In 2015, he received a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Print Media Journalism from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He is expected to receive his MFA in Studio Art from Indiana University Bloomington in May of 2021. 

From the Editor

Hello Readers,

I first saw Untitled No. 155 in a Facebook group, and I was immediately captivated by the almost-grotesque beauty of the surface created during the mordancage process. This one was a bit different than others I had seen, though I cannot quite articulate why.

Mordencage is a process I would love to test out personally, but with no darkroom access, I have to instead admire these works from afar and imagine what it might be like to create this way.

I knew I wanted to do a Poignant Pics feature on this image, but at the time I had other artists in my queue. I put it to the side in a folder to act on later. Before I had a chance to write Kristoffer it, though, I saw his timeline post about his MFA thesis show. I was magnetized to the work. One image was just as, if not more, fascinating than the next! I knew then that it was meant to have that delay…because as it turned out I found the portfolio so compelling I wanted to show you more than just one image. Funny how sometimes what is meant to be will come about in a strange way.

I am in awe of this body of work. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

–Diana Nicholette Jeon