"Empire of Never": a photo project about life in a time of change, made inside computer games

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Photographer, motion designer and film scholar with a degree from the Docdocdoc photography school and the Fotografika Academy. I specialize in creating visual content that combines elements of photography and animation. My experience in the field of cinema allows me to better understand visual narratives and create unique projects.

The photo project "Empire of Never" is a visual interpretation of the changes taking place in the modern world. The author describes it as a natural response to the current global transformations. This project reflects current social and cultural trends, emphasizing the importance of awareness of the ongoing changes. The photographs in this project create a profound sense of time and space, challenging the viewer to consider the future and the consequences of modern processes.

My reality is one of hopelessness amidst an abundance of technology. It is a silence filled with fear, where we find ourselves trapped in a cyberpunk dystopia. Technological progress brings no solace, but only deepens feelings of hopelessness and alienation. In an environment where innovation does not improve quality of life, we face new challenges. Our reality becomes increasingly bleak, and hope fades into oblivion.

The idea for creating a screen shot emerged from simple curiosity. I had access to a children's instant thermal camera, which resembles a toy more than a fully functional photographic device. The images are printed on thermal paper similar to that used for printing receipts in stores. This unusual approach to photography allows for experimentation with images and original results.

I'd long dreamed of trying nude photography, but I couldn't find suitable models. So, I decided to watch porn and took several interesting shots that, at first glance, might have seemed real. Due to the low-quality print, the camera created a blurry effect, blurring the boundaries between reality and virtuality.

A week later, the photographer again immersed herself in the world of virtual entertainment, launching the computer game Cyberpunk 2077. This game, known for its open world and the ability to explore the futuristic city of Night City, attracted the attention of many gamers and critics. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a unique experience, combining RPG and action elements, making it appealing to a wide audience.

I took a few initial photos, and the effect was the same: the NPCs in the photos looked alive, and the world felt real and more real than reality itself.

The artist has always shown an interest in digital art, particularly exploring the image of artificial humanity in cinema. In her work, she analyzed the evolution from robots in early cinema to modern characters based on artificial intelligence. She is convinced that although digital media may lose their relevance, information will remain eternal.

When, after a couple of weeks, the first photographs printed on thermal paper began to fade in the sun's rays, I felt as if artificial flowers had lost their freshness and brightness.

The photographer did not realize at that moment that printing on receipt tapes has a limited lifespan.

I feel sympathy for these "inanimate" people, "she shares. "They are stuck in their endless digital hell, just as I am stuck in my physical existence.

The artist realized that photography is a way to embody her characters in a reality where time matters and, therefore, the possibility of death exists. She perceives death as the only way to find freedom.

This series of works is an act of violence, but with elements of mercy. Using a children's instant thermal camera, I extract people, textures, light, and trees from the digital world of computer games and transfer them into physical reality. Thermal printing preserves the unique properties of digital objects and their primary function—as images. I transform binary code, consisting of ones and zeros, into its physical equivalent—black-and-white images. This transformation creates a new context in which digital elements acquire materiality, forcing the viewer to consider the boundaries between the virtual and the real.

From the project description

The project aims to create an innovative solution that optimizes processes in a specific area. The primary goal is to increase efficiency and reduce costs for users. We strive to offer a unique product that will meet the modern requirements and expectations of the target audience.

This project utilizes advanced technologies and methods to achieve high quality standards. A team of specialists is actively working on the development, testing, and implementation of the solution to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

We are confident that our project will not only satisfy user needs but will also make a significant contribution to the development of the industry. The result is expected to have a positive impact on the market and create new business opportunities.

The project included images created in nine video games. The author initially chose games with life simulation elements, where one can observe non-player characters in their daily routines, as well as nature and the surrounding environment. These games include Cyberpunk 2077, GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. These projects provide rich visual content that emphasizes the realism and detail of virtual worlds.

Exploring the themes of death and cyclicality, the author decided to consider two more games. In Crime Scene Cleaner, NPCs exist in a cycle linked to the dead, emphasizing the concept of their existence. In The Sea of ​​Thieves, the focus is on the sea, where time has no meaning. These games offer unique perspectives on interacting with the concepts of death and infinity, enriching the gaming experience and deepening understanding of these philosophical themes.

Three more games have been developed in Russia, created by small teams or even a single person.

"Russi.A Simulator" is a full-fledged art project, not just a game. "Indika visually embodies the images that spring to mind when we hear the names Tarkovsky and Andrei Rublev," the author shares his thoughts.

The third game on this list is 35MM, which immerses players in the atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic Russia. This game offers a unique experience, combining elements of survival and exploration in a devastated world. In 35MM, you'll encounter the aftermath of a disaster, explore abandoned locations, and interact with characters with their own stories and motivations. The gameplay emphasizes atmosphere, allowing players to feel the full weight and realism of post-apocalyptic Russia.

Canaan Wang-Jingwei explains the choice of these games by saying that the virtual space in them simulates the real world in which he lives. These games create a unique atmosphere, allowing players to immerse themselves in familiar environments, emphasizing the importance of interaction between the virtual and real worlds.

The photographer captured the events in virtual reality, acting as an eyewitness and avoiding the game's pre-scripted approach. She sought to adhere to the core principle of documentary photography—non-intervention. This approach allows us to create a more authentic and vivid image of the virtual world, reflecting its realities and emotions without distortion.

She hardly used mods, since they are user Mods that alter the original game. Popular mods, for example, might make textures more realistic or allow a photographer to change the poses of non-player characters. By avoiding modifications, players focus on the original gameplay and mechanics, allowing for a deeper understanding of the game's world and its possibilities.

I installed a small mod that allows the camera and player to move freely. This was done because it was sometimes difficult to get the desired perspective or angle in the game, as in real life. This fix significantly improves gameplay and allows for a better enjoyment of the game's visual aspects.

The artist practically never stopped working, continuing her work without pauses.

During the process, I had to wait for the right conditions to capture the right moments in the virtual world. This involves not only tracking optimal phases but also searching for unique bugs, as well as taking into account light and weather conditions. Each of these components plays a key role in creating a high-quality photograph.

For the "Never Empire" project, the author chose a children's pink point-and-shoot camera. This decision was made because the camera had already been purchased for another project.

Thermal paper is an excellent choice for photographers due to its affordable price, which means you don't have to worry about losing a few shots. This material perfectly matches the concept of the project, ensuring high-quality printing and durability of images. The use of thermal paper helps to create unique photographs that stand out from traditional printed materials.

During the work, many photographs were taken, which led to the need to acquire multifunctional printer. The artist scanned approximately two hundred of the three or four hundred images taken. The final selection included 70 photographs, each of which underwent minor post-processing.

The thermal camera left streaks when printing, which were not noticeable on the printed image itself, but were visible when scanning. To ensure the digital image looked similar to the printed image, I slightly corrected the noise in post-processing. That's the whole process, Canaan Wang-Jingwei shares her experience.

The characters in the series will exist forever in digital format, but their physical versions disappear.

After printing, the image begins to slowly fade due to the chemical properties of the paper. The speed of this process depends on external factors, such as ambient temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. Proper storage and use of images can significantly slow the fading process and preserve their original quality for a long time.

By releasing time, I open the way to the inevitability of death. Time, like a continuous stream, moves forward, bringing us closer to its ultimate limit. Every moment we experience becomes part of our existence, a reminder of the fragility of life. In this context, time is not only a measurement but also a reminder that every moment is precious and unique. We must realize that with each new moment we come closer to our destiny, and that is why it is important to live mindfully, appreciating each moment.

"And finally, I let them fade into oblivion."

The project aims to create an innovative solution that will significantly improve processes in a specific area. Our team strives to develop a product that can meet user needs and improve work efficiency. We use advanced technologies and methodologies to ensure the high quality and reliability of our solution.

The main focus is on ease of use, which will allow users to quickly adapt and integrate the product into their activities. We actively collect feedback and recommendations from the target audience, which helps us in continuously improving our offer.

As a result of the project's implementation, we expect a significant improvement in the results, which will make our product attractive to a wide range of users. We are confident that our solution will become an important tool for achieving success in the chosen field.

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A technological breakthrough in artificial intelligence has radically changed the approach to image creation. Artificial intelligence has become not only a tool for process automation, but also a full-fledged creative partner. In recent years, we have seen how machine learning algorithms and neural networks are used to generate unique works of art. This shift from simple programming to art opens new horizons for artists and designers, allowing them to explore uncharted creative directions.

The history of AI-generated images began with simple generators that used basic rules of composition and color. Gradually, technologies became more sophisticated, and today AI is capable of creating paintings that are difficult to distinguish from the works of famous artists. This has sparked both admiration and debate about the role of humans in art.

New technologies offer artists unique opportunities for experimentation, allowing them to combine traditional techniques with modern methods. AI not only helps create new visual forms but also expands the boundaries of our perception of art. As a result, AI-generated art is becoming an integral part of the contemporary cultural landscape, attracting the interest of both professionals and the general public.

Thus, from a technological breakthrough to art—this is not just a development in technology, but a new era in the world of visual creativity that opens up endless possibilities for self-expression and innovation.

After printing, the image begins to slowly fade due to the chemical properties of the paper. The speed of this process depends on external factors, such as ambient temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. It is important to take these conditions into account to minimize fading and preserve the quality of printed products for a long time. Proper storage and the selection of suitable materials can significantly extend the life of images and preserve their original brightness.

By starting time, I initiate the process of inevitable completion.

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The Telegram channel for photography enthusiasts offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of visual art. Here you'll find inspiration, shooting tips, and discussions of new techniques and trends in photography. Join our community to share your work, receive feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals. This channel will become your reliable source of information on photographic innovations and best practices, helping you develop your skills and expand your creative horizons.

If you want to learn about the diversity of the literary world, subscribe to our resource. We publish works by talented Russian authors, follow international competitions, and share helpful creative advice from experienced writers. Stay with us and discover new horizons of literature.