"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. I am a graduate of the Docdocdoc photography school and a student of the Fotografika Academy. My work encompasses the creation of visual content that combines an artistic approach and technical skills. Focusing on photography and motion graphics, I strive to convey emotions and ideas through every frame and animation. My background in film studies allows me to gain a deeper understanding of visual narratives and effectively apply this knowledge in my practice.

The "Empire of Never" photo project is a visual exploration of changes in the modern world. According to the author, this project is a natural response to the global transformations and challenges facing society. The photographs within the project reflect the mood and atmosphere of the times, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the changes occurring around us. "Empire of Never" invites viewers to reflect on the future and how every moment shapes our reality.

My reality is one of hopelessness amidst an abundance of technology. Silence, permeated with fear, reigns all around. We are trapped in a cyberpunk dystopia, where high technology does not bring improvements to life, but only deepens the feeling of hopelessness.

The project description indicates that the main focus is on developing innovative solutions that meet modern market demands. This project plans to implement advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of services. A team of professionals is focused on creating a product that will meet user needs and provide a competitive advantage. An important aspect is also constant monitoring and analysis of feedback, which will allow the project to adapt in line with market changes and customer expectations. The main goal is to ensure a high level of user satisfaction and promote their engagement.

The idea arose from a desire to see what would happen if I took a photo from a screen. I had a children's instant thermal camera at my disposal, which resembles a toy more than a fully functional camera. The photos are printed on thermal paper, similar to the cash register paper used to print receipts in stores. This experiment allows us to evaluate how images are transmitted and recorded in such an unusual format, opening up new horizons for creativity and self-expression.

I've long wanted to create nude photographs, but I couldn't find suitable models. Eventually, I turned to pornography, which allowed me to take several rather successful shots. At first glance, they might seem taken in real life. Due to the poor print quality, my camera blurred the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds.

A week later, the photographer immersed herself in virtual reality again, launching the computer game Cyberpunk 2077. Renowned for its open universe and gripping storyline, the game allowed her to explore futuristic locations and interact with unique characters. Cyberpunk 2077 continues to captivate players with its deep gameplay and customization options, making it ideal for those who value a high-quality gaming experience.

I took a few early photos, and the effect was repeated: the NPCs in the pictures looked alive, and the world seemed rich and more real than life itself.

The artist has always been interested in digital art and its impact on contemporary society. In her research, she examined the image of artificial humanity in cinema, from early robots to modern AI film characters. She is confident that, despite the possible disappearance of digital media, information will remain eternal. This belief underscores the importance of preserving and transforming digital art in our world.

When, after a couple of weeks, the first photographs printed on thermal paper began to fade in the sun, I felt as if artificial flowers had suddenly lost their freshness. This moment reminded me of the fragility of memories and the importance of choosing quality materials to preserve what is precious.

The photographer didn't realize at the time that receipt paper had a limited lifespan.

She shares her feelings: "I feel compassion for these 'inanimate' people. 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 transport her subjects into a world where time matters and, therefore, the possibility of death exists. She perceives death as the only path to liberation.

This series is an act of violence aimed at showing mercy. Using a children's instant thermal camera, I extract people, textures, light, and trees from the virtual world of computer games and transfer them into physical reality. The thermal printing method allows for the preservation of the unique characteristics of digital objects, as well as their primary function - to be an image. I transform binary code, consisting of ones and zeros, into their physical equivalent—black and white. This process not only highlights the contrast between the digital and the real, but also creates a new way of perceiving visual art.

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The project included images based on nine video games. The author primarily selected games that feature life simulation, featuring non-player characters (NPCs) with their daily routines and elements of the natural environment. The games used include Cyberpunk 2077, GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. These games are known for their detailed graphics and realistic presentation of the virtual world, making them ideal for visually exploring the themes of life in a gaming space.

Exploring themes of death and cyclicality, the author decided to include two more games in her analysis. In Crime Scene Cleaner, NPCs exist in a closed cycle related to life and death, highlighting the philosophical aspects of existence. The Sea of ​​Thieves focuses on the sea, where time loses its meaning, creating a unique atmosphere of eternal adventure. These games allow for a deeper understanding of the nature of life and death, as well as their interrelationships within the context of gaming.

The three games, developed in Russia, were created by small teams or even a single person.

"Russi.A Simulator" is a unique art project that goes beyond traditional gaming. Indika visually embodies ideas about the work of Tarkovsky and the image of Andrei Rublev, creating an atmosphere that immerses the player in deep cultural and philosophical reflection. The author emphasizes that the project not only entertains but also provokes reflection on artistic concepts and historical contexts.

The third game on this list is 35MM, which immerses the player in post-apocalyptic Russia. This game offers a unique experience, exploring devastated cities and confronting the aftermath of a catastrophe. The atmosphere and plot of 35MM create tension and make you think about survival in a harsh reality.

"The choice of these games is due to the fact that the virtual space in them reflects the real world in which I live," notes Canaan Wang-Jingwei.

The photographer captured the events of virtual reality, acting as a witness, without a pre-prepared script in the game. She strove to adhere to the main principle of documentary filmmaking—non-interference in what is happening, which allows for the naturalness and authenticity of the moments.

She hardly used mods, since these are user modifications that change the original game. Popular mods, for example, can improve textures, making them more realistic, or allow the photographer to change the poses of NPCs. Using mods can significantly enrich the gaming experience, but some players prefer to keep the original version of the game unchanged.

The author shares her experience installing a small mod that allows the camera, and therefore the player, to move freely. This modification was created so that players could get the camera angles and viewing angles that would be available in real life, since the original game does not always offer this option.

The artist almost always left the game without pausing.

During the process, I often had to wait for the right conditions to capture the perfect shot. I carefully monitored changes in the virtual world, looking for the right phases, correcting errors, and paying attention to light and weather conditions to create a high-quality photo.

For the project "Empire of Never," the author chose a pink children's camera. This decision was made not only because the camera had already been purchased for another project, but also because it was ideal for capturing the desired atmosphere. Using such a camera helps create a unique visual style that underscores the concept of the work.

Thermal paper is an excellent choice for photographers due to its affordable price, allowing you to avoid worrying about ruining a few shots. This material perfectly matches the concept of the project, allowing you to create unique and memorable works.

During the work, a huge number of photographs were taken, which required the acquisition of a multifunctional printer. The artist scanned about two hundred images out of a total of three to four hundred. The final selection included 70 photographs, each of which underwent minor post-processing to improve quality and visual perception.

A thermal camera can create banding during printing, which is not always noticeable on the printed image itself, but becomes evident when scanning. During post-processing, I slightly corrected the noise so that the digital image looked as close to the original printed image as possible. This ensured consistency between the print and the digital format.

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

After printing, the image begins to gradually fade due to the chemical properties of the paper. The rate of fading depends on external factors, such as ambient temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. It is important to take these conditions into account to preserve the brightness and saturation of the color as long as possible. To protect the images, it is recommended to store them in places with an optimal temperature and avoid direct sunlight, which will help prolong their lifespan.

By starting time, I start the process of death. Every moment that passes brings us closer to the inevitable. Time is not just a sequence of events, but a powerful factor that governs our life and finitude. Realizing this fact makes us reflect on the value of each moment and how we spend our lives. Every action, every decision matters, and by understanding this, we can change our perception of time and death.

«And finally, I let them go forever.»

The project aims to create an innovative solution that addresses current user issues. We strive to offer a convenient and effective tool that will improve quality of life and enhance productivity. Our team consists of professionals willing to experiment and implement new technologies. We are confident that our offering will be in demand in the market, as it meets the demands of modern society. Our focus is on user experience and product functionality, allowing us to stand out from the competition. We are working to make our project as accessible and useful as possible for a wide audience.

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A technological breakthrough in artificial intelligence has opened new horizons for image creation. Artificial intelligence is now capable of generating visual works that were previously possible only through human creativity. The history of AI-generated images begins with simple algorithms and gradually evolves to complex neural networks that learn from massive amounts of data. These technologies support artists and designers in their work, inspiring new ideas and solutions. AI not only changes the approach to art but also creates new formats of visual content, which in turn influences contemporary trends in design and media. As a result, AI-generated images are becoming an integral part of our visual experience, reflecting the unique opportunities and challenges facing modern society. Immediately after printing, the image begins to slowly fade due to the chemical properties of the paper. The rate of this process depends on external factors such as ambient temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. To preserve the brightness and quality of prints, it is important to consider storage and exposure conditions. Proper storage of images in a cool, dark place can significantly slow the fading process, ensuring the long-term preservation of visual materials.

By starting time, I start the dying process.

The time has come, and I let them go forever.

The project aims to develop an innovative solution that will improve user interaction with digital platforms. The main goal is to optimize processes, increase efficiency and ease of use. Our team is focused on creating an intuitive interface and implementing modern technologies to ensure maximum user comfort and productivity. We strive to ensure that the final product meets the highest quality standards and meets the needs of our audience.

A Telegram channel for photography enthusiasts offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of visual art. Here you will find inspiration, shooting tips, discussions of techniques and styles, as well as news from the world of photography. Join our community to share your work, receive feedback, and learn from professionals. Regardless of your skill level, our channel will be a great platform for sharing experiences and developing your photography skills.

We offer you the opportunity to learn about the diversity of literature. Subscribe to our resource, where we publish works by talented Russian authors, follow international competitions, and share creative advice from professionals. Discover new horizons in the world of literature and be inspired by original ideas.