The work series entitled netropolis is an exploration of the way global cities will develop in the future. Of similar magnitude to the impact of the industrial revolution in the late 19th century, it is now computer networks and the information society based on them which are the main vehicles for change, the key elements transforming the face of our urban living spaces.
Three main components characterize this transformation: space becomes the image of space, the city itself becomes a terminal as real space fuses with telematic space. In the telematic society material embodiment is further supplemented and extended by virtual representation: the so-called “tele-polis”. Telematic space endows the urban environment with a new form of structure, intermingling with it and giving birth to a completely unprecedented form of urban space.
Viewing the city from a distance inverses the perceptual order of objects viewed in close-up. The view from afar is oriented on what is clearly visible from a distance and provides a context for objects which appear too close when viewed close up and thus retain their strangeness. In virtual space, however, distance and proximity lie on the selfsame level. The different cities and relationship strands need first to be combined and interwoven before they can give rise to a completely unprecedented and imaginary form of urbanity – the telematic netropolis.
The netropolis series of works portrays the megacities of Berlin, London, Mexico City, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo. The work series comprises of eight hybrid-photographies, one video work and one image sculpture.
Michael Najjar is a German artist, adventurer and – future astronaut. Born in 1966, he has lived and worked in Berlin since 1988. His work is shown in museums, galleries and biennials around the world. He works with Photography and Video. The focus of his work is on key elements of our modern society driven and controlled by computer and information technologies. Najjar, widely seen as a visual…
Website: www.michaelnajjar.com
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
Michael Najjar: Netropolis
