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A wall features a gradient of blue horizontal stripes, transitioning from a pale sky blue at the top to a deep navy at the bottom. A small security camera is mounted on the left side.

Photographer Patrik Lindell makes the ordinary extraordinary

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Date
9 April 2012

Uniformity, sharp lines and slightly bleak scenes are all characteristics of Patrik Lindell’s photography. It sounds terrible but actually it’s these components that become the strengths of his work. he works for a number of high-profile clients, but in his personal work Lindell uses the ordinary to inspire him, meaning we’re treated to patterns made from exteriors of buildings and harsh industrial landscapes in a graphic and measured approach. Ultimately Lindell makes the ugly, beautiful, and let’s face it, who wants conventional beauty now anyway? It’s so overrated…

A tall, black industrial chimney stands between a red-brick building and a modern blue office block. A dark blue wall runs across the foreground under a pale, overcast sky.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Mikrofonvägen, Hägersten Stockholm 2009

A red running track with a single blue lane in the foreground. Behind a chain-link fence, a green artificial turf pitch features a goal and yellow markings.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Östermalms IP, Stockholm 2011

A large cruise ship with a black hull and white upper decks sits on the water. The ship features a red and black funnel and the words “Queen Victoria” on its side.
Above

Patrik Lindell: IJhaven, Amsterdam 2009

A red brick building with a green copper roof. A sign on the roof reads “KVARNEN TRE KRONOR”, with taller, windowless brick structures rising behind it.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Kvarnholmen, Nacka Stockholm 2009

A close-up of a grey brick building with narrow, vertical windows. Some of the windows are dark, while others glow with a soft yellow light.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Birger Jarlsgatan, Stockholm 2009

A close-up of several marker pens lined up side by side. The labels feature bold typography and brand names including “Pilot”, “Artline” and “Penol”.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Markers 2010

A grid of metal scaffolding with wooden planks stands against a plain white background. Red and black poles create a geometric pattern of vertical and diagonal lines.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Bernauer Straße, Berlin 2010

A series of industrial warehouses with deep blue corrugated metal walls and bright yellow vertical stripes. Several yellow doors and loading bays are set into the base of the buildings.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Mainhavenweg, Amsterdam 2009

A wide shot of a dark industrial building with a jagged roofline against a plain white sky. A chain-link fence runs across the foreground, separating the building from a dark asphalt road.
Above

Patrik Lindell: Rosersberg, Stockholm 2009

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About the Author

Rebecca Fulleylove

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Rebecca Fulleylove is a freelance writer and editor specialising in art, design and culture. She is also senior writer at Creative Review, having previously worked at Elephant, Google Arts & Culture, and It’s Nice That.

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