influencers - Erik Malm

(first published June 10, 2020)

As I continue my journey of discovery I continue to find exceptional artists who are forging their own path, creating unique and distinct styles to excite the world. Erik Malm is a shining example of this trend.

I have only recently come across Erik’s work, but find it both mesmerizing and highly creative. Erik identifies as an ICM photographer but in many ways differs from his peers.

Erik has developed a technique he terms a ‘multi-motion’ action, relying on a single frame to capture multiple imprints on the image. This he does to such great effect, seemingly able to juggle elements throughout the exposure to create such meaningful results.

About the Artist

Erik began his creative life as a musician, and attributes the symphonic look of his images to this early art.

Excerpts from Erik’s site

Erik Malm, born in 1964, began his artistic career as a musician. In the 1980s, he studied the clarinet at the College of Music (today Academy of Music and Drama) in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Erik has since his early childhood had a deep passion for nature as well as music, from which his love of photography stems. Rather than being just casual interests, they are fundamental passions deeply embedded in his DNA. Erik published his first book in 1999, which was quickly accompanied by four additional books as well as five co-productions, all in a traditional documentary style. Coincidence brought him down the photographic path he currently practices, a technique called Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). 

Source of inspiration

Erik was the first to bring the technique of capturing multiple layers in a single layer to my attention. What on first glance may appear to be multiple exposures are well crafted images where layers are thoughtfully planned and executed.

Having tried this myself, the technique requires a lot of visualization with success seemingly a distant reach. Nonetheless, I plan to keep trying……

Artist showcase

Following is a quick sample of a few of my favorites, I would highly recommend a visit to Erik’s website (https://www.erikmalm.com/) to continue the experience.