About
Who am I?
My name is Jonathan Michael Johnson (or JJ). I am an artist, documentarian, music lover and admirer of science. I live in the beautiful city of Chicago and produce large scale archival prints.
What does 'Planck' mean?
In 1894 physicist Max Planck (born Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck 1848-1947) was asked to re-design the light bulb for greater efficiency. Frustrated with modern physics, he approached the problem with a strategy we now call quantum theory. Much of today’s technology is built on principles of quantum theory - principles Planck first imagined, then constructed through trial & error and later spread as doctrine. He believed in the power of logic, experimentation and an undying faith in the self. And in his off time he jammed with Einstein. In homage to Max Planck, I use the name Planck Studios to represent my body of work. Like Planck, I am guided by an experimental approach. Both my methods of documentation and the subjects I choose are inspired by our technological advances. My work is a marriage of science and art. I feel it my duty to offer a transparent process. I share my process openly and believe my documentation creates a rich experience for my audience.
Downloads
HistoryBiography/CV
Artist Statement
Portfolios
Multi-Exposure (9mb)
Re-Constructs (20mb)
What do I build?
Multi-Exposure
Combining multiple medium format transparencies to create a highly detailed image with greater range than negative film. Each image is around 81 megapixels.
Re-Constructs
Dreamlike documentation pulled from a toy camera and C-41 film. These 81 megapixel images explore the space between an experience and a memory.