Magnificent Simulacra: Exploring Simulation Theory

The Magnificent Simulacra – a 36 inch by 48 inch art poster. We made it for the Carnival Of Space & Time installation for our Eridu Society camp at Burning Man in 2015. This was years before we became Atomic Octopus. The event’s theme that year was Carnival Of Mirrors. We wanted to play on that. Subsequently, we decided to use it for our own art theme. Eridu Society often worked elements of steampunk and time travel into its installations. The premise was that members of the camp had traveled to future Burning Man events. Then we brought back the art theme posters to delight and inspire.

With The Magnificent Simulacra poster, Trilo wanted to explore the idea of simulation theory. he also wanted to give a nod to one of his favorite authors, Philip K. Dick. 8888 was the perfect year. In the early days of digital clocks and VCR’s and other electronic gadgets, that is what flashed on the screen when the lost power or were reset. Trilo was the art director on the future Burning Man future art theme poster series and creator of this particular piece.

Exhibition

Trilo and Pani felt honored to exhibit their art theme posters at Burning Man headquarters in San Francisco during the weeks leading up to Burning Man 2015. The exhibition gave friends and staff members a chance to experience the artwork before it made its playa debut. At the same time, it playfully reflected Eridu Society’s theme of time travel by presenting the pieces weeks before the event itself.

After Burning Man 2015, the story continued. Several works from the series joined the permanent collection at Burning Man headquarters. As a result, the exhibition became both a memorable milestone and a lasting contribution to the Burning Man community. Click on the images below to see in higher resolution.