These rooms are not livable spaces, rather are metaphorical. They symbolize states of mind, pay homage to, are fanciful and sometimes amusing, all while they elucidate concerns and questions with life. One thing that is key is that these three dimensional interiors were created singularly with the intention of being depicted as two-dimensional images. Nothing remains after the photograph is executed and their existence as real environments is transitory.—Barbara Karant

With over 25 years in the business, Chicago-based photographer Barbara Karant is known for the artistic beauty that she brings to her commercial interior and architectural work. Room Sets is a personal project she crafted off and on for almost 20 years. She built the sets at full scale in her studio, often collaborating with stylists, painters, and set builders to achieve her vision, eventually shooting them with a 4×5 or 8×10 view camera. The interiors were conceived from either a concept, emotion, or opinion Karant wanted to explore in an environment—some were built for a particular image, and others resulted from a re-purposing of an already existent set. Many days, props, and dollars later, Karant’s unique interiors entice us to step inside.

via Art Photo Index