My name is Arthur King and as an artist I aspire to create intriguing pieces which both visually and mentally stimulate a person’s mind. I always hope that my work encourages others to question what we do as humans and our beliefs, it inspires me creating art based on how that holds purpose. My concepts take inspiration from the philosophy’s introduced in transhumanism and post humanism in a digital world, the elements which fascinate me mostly involve ideas of augmenting the human capabilities to further the human condition whether through mind, body or soul. Modern- day technology has become humanities tool for everyday life, our reliability on technology has become so strong that as a society we couldn’t run efficiently without its input.

Following themes of transhumanism, “Cult of the Machine God” indulges in the concepts of transferring the human body, to machine. Inspired from the occult and films such as “Tetsuo the Iron Man”. The piece will stand for the dark side of technological effects of humans and how we could treat technology in the future. Idolizing has become a huge part of society, and because of this people will preach their ideologies, this has effect puts a person or thing on a pedestal with “god” like status.

With Ai vapidly advancing, I truly believe humans could resort to augmentation, as we become more dependable on technology. Being inspired from several medias, I aimed to have a mixed media piece which incorporates both a digital aspect as well as a physical one. I want to imply the ideas of transhumanism through the art showing a “grotesque” depiction of the philosophy. The use of a mannequin used to represent man’s advances in technology slowly turning more computer than human as the human parts are stripped away to reveal wires. They represent a martyr paying for the sins of humanity, the questions are asked on whether we have gone too far in trying to play God that we have lost what makes us human and separate from the machine?

On TV visually represents the world of the “Machine” a digital paradise where anything is possible. The limit of what you can do is up to the individual. The Machine advertises the idea of living in a virtual heaven where you any of your actions have no consequences. You follow a girl as she traverses the neuro network, explaining the reason behind the machine and how it works. Would you covert yourself to the machine and be eternally achieve in a database?

The video was made using multiple digital applications including, Blender, a 3d modelling software as well as After Effects, a video editing software which all used together allowed me to create the video piece.  The work was heavily inspired from the likes of anime shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Serial Experiments Lain which both explored ideas of connection and being forced to become a God. Serial Experiments Lain especially focuses on the internet and the perils of forging ones identity, whilst reluctantly marching towards digital martyrdom. Both videogames and anime inspire me greatly and pushes me to advance my style so that one day, I to could make something which can inspire someone to create something personal and unique to what makes us artists.

Cult of the Machine God

Duration: 5mins

Credits:

Alice Peck: Voice of Cult Leader

David Szymanski: God is coming/God is here soundtrack