Video Experiment #1

I've been exploring the medium of video quite a bit lately. I ran a couple experiments tonight and got some interesting results. The video is available in 1080p HD:

Modern Epic: Geek Mythology

Austin Long

Modern Epic: Geek Mythology

2011

Inkjet Prints

12”x18”

Digital technology has become an essential component to a modern existence. From cell phones and cameras to video games and the internet, the realm of the digital world has invaded nearly every aspect of contemporary society. We are attached at the hip.

The gods of the 21st century have touch-screens, high definition playback, and enhanced connectivity.

Modern Epic explores the culture of excess, obsession, and dependence that has become characteristic of our digital society. Through modern day parallels to ancient greek mythology, the images reflect mankind’s schizophrenic relationship with its digital accessories; the interconnectedness and isolation, arrogance and timidity, aggression and paranoia.

A series of six highly orchestrated images depict the greek characters Ares, Medusa, Apollo, Mnemosyne, Hermes, and Cronus in a contemporary context. With an abundance of modern technology at their disposal, each figure personifies a paradoxical truth of the digital age. 

Elaborating on the flawed, vulnerable, and ultimately human nature of the greek gods, goddesses, and villains, each image blurs the line between humanity and our creations while encouraging viewers to question their own relationship with their digital accessories.

Ares (2011) - The God of War, Ares is notorious for his relentless bloodlust, aggression, and savagery. Hated by the other gods for his cruelty, Ares lives for battle with no value for human life or social justice.

Medusa (2011) - Punished by a jealous god, the once beautiful Medusa was transformed into a terrible monster. All who meet her gaze become solidified in stone, ensuring her an eternity of isolation from mankind.

Apollo (2011) - The self-proclaimed God of Light and Truth, Apollo uses his fame and notoriety to covertly alter reality to his own advantage. Bringing both great plagues and great healing, Apollo is worshipped for the truth he creates, while a blind eye is turned to the cost of its creation.

Mnemosyne (2011) - The Titaness of Memory, Mnemosyne decides both what is remembered and what is forgotten. With the ability to direct the collective consciousness, Mnemosyne controls the ultimate fate of mankind.

Hermes (2011) - The Messenger of the Gods, Hermes relays communication between Mount Olympus, Hades, and the physical world. Ever the mischievous, Hermes’ thieving tendencies and clever deceptiveness are masked by his undeniable amicability.

Cronus (2011) - The Titan Cronus devours each of his children at birth in fear that their future will become his demise. With an appetite fueled by paranoia, each bite inevitably brings the Titan closer to his downfall.

Zombie Apocalypse in Fort Ord

I had some friends help me out with a Zombie Apocalypse photo shoot for an assignment in my Digital Photography as Art course. All blood, gore, and guts done post-production in Photoshop (as per assignment guidelines). Enjoy. CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE!

Cachagua

  Zarosh is raw. In everything he does, he goes all out; be that skateboarding, dirt boarding, driving, building things, screen printing, or the multitude of other things he seems to be good at. Last Sunday, I took a trip with Zarosh and some friends out to his Carmel Valley property where, for the past 4 years, he has been hard at work building an amazing bowl, one 80lb. bag of concrete at a time. 

  After a few pit stops, including some dirt boarding and this gnarly, random roll-in on the gate to what is supposedly the drummer from Earth, Wind, and Fire's mansion, we found ourselves high upon a hilltop overlooking a sculpturesque mass of concrete and pool coping. Unique, rugged, and fun-as-hell to skate, the bowl is a genuine work of art...

Zarosh getting groovy first try on this funky roll-in.

Scoping out this root for a possible tail-drop. Dirt wheels open up some strange possibilities for skateboarding.

Safety first with his dog Cherry.

A glimpse through the soon-to-be pool light.

Stoke for the park transcends the spectrum of age.

Nikk takes a break in the shade.

Cachagua-land's signature brick quarter-pipe.

Cachagua-land is a ever-expanding work-in-progress. With the next pour scheduled for April, Zarosh can use all the support he can get. Check out the bowl's official site here for more information on the park and what you can do to help!