Erika Iris Simmons aka iri5, is a self-taught artist currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. In her incredible series titled Ghost in the Machine, Erika uses film from recycled cassette tapes and old film reels to create fantastic portraits of iconic artists and musicians. Below is a small sample of this wonderful series. You can find the complete gallery on iri5′s Flickr page.

Bob Dylan

The Dude Abides

GHOST IN THE MACHINE

“In this series I showcase a number of portraits of musicians made out of recycled cassette tape with original cassette. Also included are portraits made from old film and reels. The idea comes from a phrase (ironically) coined by philosopher Gilbert Ryle, a description of how your spirit lives in your body. I imagine we are all, like cassettes, thoughts wrapped up in awkward packaging.” – Erika Iris Simmons

The Clash

Blondie

ERIKA IRIS SIMMONS AKA IRI5

“My name is Erika Iris Simmons. I am a self-taught artist who works with non-traditional media. Most of my materials have been discarded or donated at some point. I try to express an idea, through the arrangement of very common things, with the hope that some message is conveyed without words. I love the nostalgia of the archaic and I hope that not everything which has outlived its use goes to waste. Right now I live in Georgia : ) But I am always on the move… I’m 26, graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, 2006, with a degree in Russian.” – iri5

Marilyn Monroe

Bon Jovi

Audrey

Joplin

Albert

The making of…

SOURCES

– iri5 on Flickr
– Erika Iris Simmons Official Website
– iri5 on Twitter