ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Marcus Wallinder: Surreal and Dystopian Photography

artist · 2026-08-09

Swedish photographer and graphic designer Marcus Wallinder, known on social media as @meanwhileinnowhere, creates surreal, dystopian, and conceptual images that blend the familiar with the alien. Based in Malmö, Sweden, Wallinder's work combines his dual disciplines of photography and graphic design. While his vibrant and playful images of the 'Sankt Knut' neighborhood in Malmö have gained attention, it is his black-and-white photography that transports viewers into a more reflective dimension. Wallinder manipulates his images, experimenting with various techniques until achieving the desired effect. He states, 'I use real photography in my work, then I like to experiment with finishes until I reach the result I'm looking for.' This process of retouching, adjusting, and iterating allows him to explore the boundaries of reality. His photos evoke a sense of unease and wonder, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a parallel universe where the rules of our world no longer apply. Wallinder's black-and-white photography challenges us to see the world differently, transforming ordinary architectural objects into striking works of art that seem both dystopian and surreal. His work is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for exploring new perspectives and pushing the boundaries of reality.

Key facts

  • Marcus Wallinder is a photographer and graphic designer based in Malmö, Sweden.
  • He is known on social media as @meanwhileinnowhere.
  • His work includes vibrant and playful images of the 'Sankt Knut' neighborhood in Malmö.
  • His black-and-white photography is noted for its surreal and dystopian qualities.
  • Wallinder uses real photography and experiments with finishes to achieve his desired results.
  • His images evoke a sense of unease and wonder, suggesting a parallel universe.
  • He transforms ordinary architectural objects into surprising works of art.
  • His work demonstrates photography's power to explore new perspectives and push boundaries.

Entities

Artists

  • Marcus Wallinder

Locations

  • Malmö
  • Sweden

Sources