Pimplomat

Inspired by a View-Master and “pop-up” books as a child, Allen became interested in recreating these three-dimensional experiences by using old books and pulp fiction paperbacks as still life subjects.

These beautiful volumes with scarred and wrinkled covers, discolored pages and fragile spines are not seen as precious commodities that should be stored on a shelf, but a voluminous inventory of actors and scenes just waiting for direction.

Allen gently cuts around the shape of his figures, physically releasing them from their two dimensional surface. They are brought to life from their pages and covers with detailed lighting and a thin focus. Pulled and positioned, their intended drama comes to life.

In “Recover”, castaways drift atop the very pages that document their ordeal. A love triangle is exposed and comes to life with seductive passion in “Reflex.”

Allen received his MFA at the University of Minnesota in 1996. He has received a fellowship from the Minnesota State Art Board in 2000 and the prestigious McKnight’s Artist Fellowship for Photographers in 1997.