Under The Influence: Marcus Wallinder (Bryce Locaylocay)

 Marcus Wallinder, who also goes by “Meanwhile In Nowhere”, is a minimalist graphic artist with a distinct focus on surreal and abstract creations. With roots in photography and graphic design, he pulls inspiration from a mix of minimalism, surrealism, metaphysics, geometric abstraction, and the evolving cultural zeitgeist. His work is often monochromatic, capturing fragmented portraits and dreamlike distortions that explore the fine line between order and chaos, structure and abstraction. Each piece feels like a journey, blending simplicity with a sense of mystery. Marcus has a knack for using negative space and unconventional angles, inviting viewers to see familiar forms in entirely new ways. His art doesn’t just sit on the surface, it asks questions, disrupts the ordinary, and keeps you coming back to uncover more layers each time you look.

Much of his work features abstract compositing that creates organic motion and shape. Each piece is in black and white, often intentionally off-center to create an interesting focal point for the viewer. Even before formal cropping, the original image’s quality and angles are striking, from the lighting all the way to the composition. Even with the dark elements in his work, we can still appreciate the intricate details within. His creative use of people to form objects, along with his play on scale, making enormous objects appear human-sized, feels almost surreal. While black and white can often feel repetitive, Marcus Wallinder keeps it fresh; each composition feels distinct, as though we're seeing something entirely new every time.

In this genre of work, there isn’t always a defined concept. The goal is to create something unreal, something extraordinary that prompts the viewer to question what’s really happening within the image. Each piece invites the audience to break from routine perceptions, offering a surreal experience that challenges the ordinary and reveals new layers of thought. From my perspective, while each piece carries its own title, his execution conveys a consistent abstract interpretation of meaning. It’s as if the titles hint at a loose narrative, while the visuals allow for an open, personal exploration. Through abstract forms and distorted elements, he gives viewers the space to find their own connections and interpretations, making each piece uniquely resonant.