# Abstract Monochromatic Still Life The Conquest of Materials by Benjamin Swanson is a Bit Haunting By Meghan Young | Published 2014-05-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conquest-of-materials References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/en/2014/05/09/the-conquest-of-materials/) & [benjamin-swanson](http://www.benjamin-swanson.com/The-Conquest-of-Materials) The Conquest of Materials photo series is full of abstractions. Shot predominantly in black and white, it focuses on various geometrical shapes in a just as many materials, if not more. By doing so, the photo series plays with the observer's perceptions. This is even more the case considering how the [still life images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neojomon-biomorphic-fantme) are set up. Whether arranged in levels or [reflected through mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zigzag-collection), the images are something else. Lensed by Benjamin Swanson, a photographer based in the United Kingdom who has done work for Lexus, Wallpaper Magazine and Mr Porter, the Conquest of Materials photo series looks like something from a 'Twilight Zone' set. Although not intentionally creepy, at least it does appear so, the images have a haunting quality about them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 41% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Abstract Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new techniques and technologies to create abstract photography that challenges viewers' perceptions. - **Monochromatic Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore unconventional materials and methods to create monochromatic art that evokes unique emotional responses. - **Still Life Imagery:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate innovative elements, such as reflections and unconventional arrangements, into still life photography to bring a fresh perspective to the genre. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new tools, software, and equipment that enable photographers to experiment with abstract, monochromatic, and unconventional still life techniques. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create platforms and galleries that showcase and support artists working in abstract photography and monochromatic art, pushing the boundaries of traditional art mediums. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with artists and photographers to incorporate abstract and monochromatic still life imagery into interior design, offering unique visual experiences in residential and commercial spaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper Curvature Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-curves.md) - [Monochrome Sculpture Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ralph-pucci-pure-exhibition.md) - [Shadow-Inspired Trays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightware-series.md) - [Material Tensions Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/between-the-lightness-and-the-darkness.md) - [Glass Geometry Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-collection.md) - [Single Material Minimal Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xxx.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Delicate Monochromatic Glassware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monochromatic-glassware.md) - [Brutalist Chess Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mohmaya.md)