mark dorf: axiom + simulation

‘axiom + simulation 13’ by mark dorf all images courtesy of the artist

american artist mark dorf has sent designboom images of his latest photographic series ‘axiom and simulation’, a visual investigation of how humans use artistic, scientific and digital realism to explore their surroundings. dorf’s imagery presents natural landscapes which have been subtly manipulated, rendering the physical objects and space within our environment through mathematical and scientific interpretations – three-dimensional computerized simulations. the outcomes hold similar forms to what is seen in reality, however, they have no actual connection to the original, they are essentially computer files which lack any kind of mass or volume. the digital representations of the tangible can also be illustrated in other ways such as binary code, in which solids can be expressed by a language which is composed of two simple elements – numbers – obliterating an references to the main source of things. when comparing these simulations and interpretations of our landscape within a single frame, ideas of accuracy, futility and original experience arise.

‘when calculated representation is compared to its real counterpart, an arbitrary and disconnected relationship is created in which there is very little or no physical or visual connection resulting in questions of definition,‘ he states.

‘axiom + simulation 10’