Strangely Creative (A View of Google Maps)

Do you guys ever use Google Maps street view to find out more about where you're going?


I love being able to utilize the map tool for planning trips so I know the street corner where I need to turn or which building I'm headed to, so I don't get lost. I also love "visiting" places across the country where I haven't been in awhile (or can't afford to fly to).


In fact, a couple weeks ago I spent time with a friend, Shuling, and we explored my old neighborhoods in California and hers in Singapore. It was mind-boggling! I could just see myself walking down those faraway streets, even though I was sitting in front of the computer at home.


A Canadian artist, Jon Rafman, has created a bizarre yet mesmerizing project using the images from Google Maps. He calls it "Street View surfing." The series of photographs are surreal, often revealing odd characters, objects, animals, kids, even an exploding fire hydrant.


Every frame seems so visceral and raw, and some are so wild (I especially love the one with the butterfly in mid-frame, below, and the elephant standing in a lush, green landscape, above.)

His website stands as an interesting, graceful, and engaging comment on humanity, and the way we sometimes wonder: who's watching?


It also reminds me of the way yoga helps us live exactly in the moment. These photos give a vision for some very strange yet beautiful moments!


To see more of the photos, check out Rafman's website. Note: some of the content is a bit graphic and some is inappropriate for kids to see.


All photos collected by Jon Rafman on Google Maps. Found via Very Short List. 


The above captures don't do justice to the size of the images on Rafman's site, so I encourage you to take a look there if you're fascinated :)