For {R(Evolutionaries);}, we were tasked with illustrating the year 2017. As it turns out, 2017 was the year of fake news, and our artistic journey began with the spread of a rumor during that time. We decided to explore this theme further, considering that rumor is often regarded as the world's oldest medium, making it a fascinating subject to delve into. Therefore, we engaged with a talented artist, a friend of ours, to collaborate on crafting an artwork that captures the essence of the rumor phenomenon.
For this piece, Laurent La Torpille utilized LifeGraph, an algorithm he developed, which shares many similarities with rumor-mongering phenomena. LifeGraph operates as a pixel tracker, drawing parallels with the spread and transformation of information characteristic of rumors.
In essence, the algorithm treats each pixel in a photograph as a living cell, undergoing stages of evolution and triggering a "viral propagation" that modifies the image's 'genetic' structure. This process, akin to the dissemination of rumors, leaves visible traces of alteration within the medium. Both LifeGraph and rumors involve dynamic entities that propagate and evolve, introducing novel concepts and reshaping the perception of the original content.
To create these artworks, Laurent La Torpille initially captures images of individuals gazing at the sky, with a portion of their anatomy exposed. The connection between a subject observing the sky and the phenomenon of rumor is straightforward, rooted in humanity's inclination to seek explanations when faced with the unknown. This predisposition provides fertile ground for the spread of narratives and ideas, which can sometimes become distorted or ambiguous during social transmission. The deliberate exposure of bodily organs in the photographed subjects serves as a poignant reminder of the parallels between rumors and biological weapons.
Just as biological weapons can inflict harm on the human body, rumors possess the capability to influence the collective consciousness of society through their circulation and proliferation. Much like a virus, rumors can spread and shape societal perceptions.
