(Video link HERE.) Photographer Todd McLellan’s Things Come Apart is an expansion of his original Disassembly Series, and the focus of a book by that name. His images of deconstructed items that have, are, or will be in our everyday lives have a curious effect: They demystify their seeming complexity and afford a big leap in understanding how they work. He gives two very differing views of ordinary objects such as a fire extinguisher or a lawnmower that evoke very different emotional responses. 

His chaotic, “exploded” views of components are somewhat anxiety-producing: OMG, the thing blew up, what am I gonna do!? His image of a neat arrangement of components give a sense of order, understanding and control…

…

…and ultimately, of possible mastery.