In 2017, Olivia Locher (b. 1990) rose to fame with the groundbreaking photography series I Fought the Law, depicting and breaking eccentric laws from each of America’s 50 states. The images, shot against block colour backgrounds, include playful – and sometimes bizarre – acts of disobedience. In Alabama, for example, it is still illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket, due to robbers historically luring horses away from their owners and feigning ignorance. In California, bikes are banned from swimming pools, and in Texas, there is a prohibition against “unusual” haircuts on children. Locher’s most recent projects include a satirical “how-to” series for the 21st century: how to measure up, how to be taller, how to walk on water. In these creative studio shots, Locher considers humanity’s unrealistic desires and aspirations, and presents them to comedic effect. Candles are lit from both ends, cream is poured over ice, jean shorts are stained with melting sprinkles. olivialocher.com.

Image Credits:
1. Olivia Locher, Studio Trash (2018). Courtesy of the artist.
2. Olivia Locher, How To Walk on Water (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
3. Olivia Locher, How To Get Elevated (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
4. Olivia Locher, How To Make Ice-cream (2015). Courtesy of the artist.
5. Olivia Locher, How To Be Taller (2014). Courtesy of the artist.
6. Olivia Locher, How To Celebrate the Equinox (2019). Courtesy of the artist.
7. Olivia Locher, Commission for Ghostly International (2016). Courtesy of the artist.
8. Olivia Locher, How To Slam Dunk (2018). Courtesy of the artist.
9 Olivia Locher, How To Measure Up (2019). Courtesy of the artist.