Do you enjoy graphic design, art direction and skillful photography? Well, in that case, oh boy, do we have a treat for you! Meet PUTPUT, an interdisciplinary Swiss/Danish duo, currently based in Copenhagen. The studio was founded in 2011 with the intention of creating a space free of compromises and restrictions. The two creative masterminds behind it are Stephan Friedli and Ulrik Martin Larsen. With a background in graphic design and fashion design, the studio creates conceptual still life photography, sculpture and publishing.

A visual and conceptual collaboration of two creatives, PUTPUT questions and reimagines the purpose of everyday objects, adding an extra dimension and a new meaning. The resulting work is humorous, playing with the viewer’s perception and relationship to everyday objects. The produced images are seemingly self-explanatory, but draw us in for a closer look. The aim is to let the viewer discover an unexpected or unseen element in the work that was overlooked at first. With a strongly graphic visual presence, PUTPUT wants to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and build new connections between meaning and expression.

The duo stated in an interview for HOOK AND LINE: “We find it increasingly fascinating to investigate the things we surround ourselves with on a daily basis and to underline or question a metaphysical relationship to the material world.”¹

PUTPUT first appeared on the radar of the art-loving public when their still life series “Popsicles” gained vast coverage on the media. The photography featured a selection of household sponges in single frames, meticulously laid out and paired with Popsicle sticks. Exploring the duality of objects with an underlying humorous tone made the images memorable, something that will make you click the share button.

The duo has proven their outstanding skill of art direction once again, creating a mesmerizing series of images for Bianco footwear. The photography features an array of conceptual shoes, best described by the word ‘quirky’. The series is called “Everything has a sole”, pun duly noted, and is an ingeniously abstract rendition of shoes. Colorful and dynamic, each shoe features daily life objects reimagined.

If you’re weirdly charmed by PUTPUT’s visual work, just like we are, you can check out their full portfolio here. We sincerely hope PUTPUT will keep exciting and amusing us with even more new work in the near future.

All images © PUTPUT