Mud & Dust – Matt Mahdavi

16.08.2016

Inspired by the hypothesis that reality is a simulation, Metroprint recently produced Giclée prints for artist Matt Mahdavi for his recently installed pop-up ‘hidden’ exhibit ‘Mud & Dust’ in a high street fashion store in Devon.
Using his photographic work to convey a simulated reality, Mahdavi photographed the same environment at different times of the day then blended and manipulated the images together using computer code to make them look otherworldly.

Mahdavi explains, “It’s the idea that these things exist, but it’s not quite what we think it is.  These images are manipulated with code, and the idea that you can change your surroundings with code is really interesting to me. I’m creating my own existence and view of the world.”

“Hypotheses like these are so hard to explain to the public by writing a paper. With art, it’s universal—you can reach a lot of people and get a complicated point across with images,” he said.

High profile individuals such as Elon Musk and Neil DeGrasse Tyson share Mahdavi’s thoughts and ideas about a possible simulated existence.  He explains: “It’s the only explanation that’s ever really made sense to me, I just think life is so strange that it could be a real possibility—seeing how fast technology has evolved and seeing virtual reality headsets like The Vive, I think tech could make something that’s completely indistinguishable from actual life.”

For more information about Mud & Dust

Mud & Dust, Urban Outfitters, 229 High Street, Exeter, EX4 3NE

Exhibition dates: August – October 2016
Opening times:  During store opening hours.

Images © Matt Mahdavi