Is Our Obsession with Technology Causing Artists to Go Paleolithic?
In a recent exhibition titled “Death Drive,” artist Faith Holland explores the concept of technology’s ubiquity and the ways in which it consumes our lives. Holland’s work involves using mold to eat away at beat-up laptops and smartphones, symbolizing the destructive nature of our reliance on consumer technology.
Holland’s previous work, “Technophilia,” focused on challenging the internet’s misogynistic logic by uploading videos to a porn site that subverted its expectations. However, “Death Drive” takes a different approach, examining the mass death we experience online, particularly during the pandemic. Holland becomes aware of how these devices will far outlive humans and decides to expedite their organic death by printing AI-generated mold images on aluminum.
This shift in perspective towards technology’s impact is not unique to Holland. Artists like Hito Steyerl and Ryan Trecartin have also been questioning our dependence on technology by looking to prehistory. They aim to remind us of a time before the digital era when humans were more connected to nature and less consumed by screens. Steyerl, in particular, has been a leading voice in analyzing the societal effects of technology and the ideologies it embodies.
However, critics have raised concerns about Steyerl’s more recent work, finding it confusing and disconnected. In response, she has returned to her absurdist roots, delving into themes of dropping out of society and becoming shepherds in her video “Animal Spirits.” The piece humorously explores eco-influencers, anti-eco-fascists, and the overwhelming nature of the art world.
Similarly, Trecartin and Fitch moved their studio to rural Ohio, seeking respite from the constant bombardment of technology. Their exhaustion is palpable in their work, which often parodies the overwhelming sensory overload of the online world.
The common theme among these artists is a desire to find an escape from the all-encompassing grasp of technology. They yearn for a return to simplicity and a connection with nature that has been lost in the digital age.
So, are these artists onto something? Is our obsession with technology driving us to seek solace in prehistory? Are we yearning for a simpler time when screens didn’t dominate our lives? Let us know your thoughts and join the conversation.
Comment below and share your opinion on whether our reliance on technology is taking a toll on our well-being and if going back to basics could be the answer.
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