Levitate

About Levitate

This contemporary photograph by Mark Bartkiw of a figure walking in the countryside in winter is surreal.

On a dark snow-covered desolate country road, a lone male figure walking away from the viewer appears to be floating in mid-air. What looks like a double bolt of electricity streaks across the deep blue of the night sky. Bright headlights from an approaching car illuminates the icy white snow and the figure’s shadow appears in the foreground. It’s a fantastical scene, typical of Mark Bartkiw’s incredible dream-like imagery—often surreal—in both content and colour. The Toronto photographer is fascinated with the idea of slightly skewing reality and creating imaginary worlds. He uses a variety of techniques—a collage of images to accomplish this compelling visual effect. One of a series called ‘Uncommonplace.’

This C-print is sealed between dibond and plexiglass. This image is available in three sizes: 30 x 30 inches, $2,800 (Edition of 8); 36 x 36 inches, $3,200. (Edition of 5); 42 x 42 inches, $4,000. (Edition of 3 with AP).

“The imaginary world has unlimited potential. When I reached back into my childhood where I could create anything and was totally in charge, I created scenes and worlds that were my alternate and necessary reality. As an artist, this has evolved into the opportunity to revive play in order to create implied narratives.” Mark Bartkiw

“Beautiful and bizarre, quiet surreal work.” Danielle Krysa, Writer and Curator

Mark Bartkiw studied photography at Sheridan College. Bartkiw worked as a freelance photographer in advertising, portraiture and the fashion and music industries for a host of prestigious clients including Toronto Life, Paramount Pictures and Universal Music. His artwork is held in both private and public collections.