In his latest project, French artist Maxime Guyon analyzes the evolution of photography under the lens of “exaptation”, a term originally relating to an evolutionary phenomenon, where one trait of a species shifts toward a new and different function as it evolves further. Technological Exaptation is an exploration of how photography has lost its “indexicality“ or its function of literal representation, having shifted toward an emphasis on “reception rather than production”, on the power of its concept as opposed to its other qualities.
Advertisement
The visual portion of Technological Exaptation is incarnated as a flowing feed of decentralized content, where images of seemingly familiar forms have been modified and re-contextualized to a point of fictional technological evolution. These images of multi-headed toothbrushes, re-imagined vehicle exteriors, and so many other enhanced forms are all stacked upon and around each other, suggesting relationships based on forms, color schemes, and concepts. But these suggested relationships all seem somewhat illusory and plastic, feeling present but hollow, no matter what direction you choose to navigate through the feed.
In his accompanying essay, Guyon states that: “photography has completely altered its etymology, as a result of technological evolution and the contingency of external forces (such as economy and social process), but it has surprisingly kept its practice and its appellation, exapting to new functions while preserving its unstinting structure”. Indeed, photography still hasn’t been overtaken by another medium, as had been predicted in the coming of video and as is usually the case as a medium grows old, but it has undoubtedly morphed into something unrecognizable from its 19th century inception, more widespread now than ever before.
ONE EMAIL. ONE STORY. EVERY WEEK. SIGN UP FOR THE VICE NEWSLETTER.
By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content.
