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Reality as an Illusion

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Posted by Anastasios Veloudis on Oct. 15, 2012
12 min - Video - 837 Views

The video is a research, for the unit AGM32 Critical & Media Concepts: Digital Transformations.
Part of my Master course in Digital Media Arts in university of Brighton.

Jean Baudrillard and his book Simulation and Simulacra is the topic of my research and final project for this unit. Simulacra and Simulation is most known for its discussion of symbols, signs, and how they relate to modern society. Baudrillard claims that our current world has replaced all reality and meaning with symbols and signs, and that human experience is of a simulation of reality. Moreover, these simulacra are not merely mediations of reality, but a mask of it. The simulacra that Baudrillard refers to are the significations and symbolism of culture and media that construct perceived reality. Baudrillard believed that society has become so saturated with these simulacra and our lives so saturated with the constructs of society that all meaning was being rendered meaningless by being infinitely mutable. Baudrillard called this phenomenon the "precession of simulacra". Some of the questions that arises from his work are How this simulation is held, what is real and what is not and which are the versions of reality. Based on these queries my research, taking an insight into the philosophers, scientists and art observations, trying to broaden the knowledge and understanting of these issue.

PERSONAL WORK AND INFLUENCE

The relation of my previous research and my current exploration based on this project is clear. The themes of my survey until now as an artist has been always in the field of Ego and Higher Self, Unconscious Mind, Emotions and illusions of reality. In this unit, I have been given the chance to explore more both historical and current trends in social and cultural context of my interest, developing my critical thinking and knowledge. The impact is important and related to a significant opportunity to support my contemporary practice in art and design.

REFERENCES

Articles in Internet

Richard J. Davidson, (2009), Transform Your Mind, Change Your Brain, Google Tech Talk, from youtube.com/watch?v=7tRdDqXgsJ0
Victor J. Stenger, Ph.D., "Postmodern" Attacks on Science and Reality, fromquackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reality.html
Jean Baudrillard Welcomes You to the Hyperreal, (2001), from youtube.com/watch?v=lFTEkEd9nDo&feature=related

Books

Christiane Paul, (2008), Digital Art (2nd edition). London: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Eckhart Tolle, (1997), The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Vancouver: Namaste Publishing

Video in Internet

Jean Baudrillard Welcomes You to the Hyperreal, (2001), from youtube.com/watch?v=lFTEkEd9nDo&feature=related
Philosophy and the Matrix - Baudrillard, (2008), from youtube.com/watch?v=e3tr0gSNBx4&feature=related
Created by Jimmy Weng, (2009), Philosophy & Religion: Jean Baudrillard, from youtube.com/watch?v=ETykZgS176M&feature=related
Documentary, Great Greeks, Plato, (2009), from youtube.com/watch?v=JwGnVpn1B5E&feature=relmfu
Leo Villareal's Multiverse in the Nt'l Gallery of Art concourse, (2009). from youtube.com/watch?v=QzCUpVF0lHU&feature=related

Electronic Books

Jean Baudrillard, (1994), Simulacra and Simulation. France, Éditions Galilée (French) & University of Michigan Press (English), [Electronic version]

Films

Larry and Andy Wachowski (Director), (1999), The Matrix. United States, Studio Village Roadshow Pictures, Silver Pictures
John Carpenter (Director), (1988), They Live, United States, Alive Films Larry Franco Productions, Distributed by Universal Studios

Music

Paul Collier, (2009). Awaken. Paul Collier [CD), UK
Anton Firtich, (2009), Rain Over The Ocean ( Cramp Piano Mix)

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