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Catalog view is the alternative 2D representation of our 3D virtual art space. This page is friendly to assistive technologies and does not include decorative elements used in the 3D gallery.

Space Title

Forest of Things

Within the World Titled Forest of Things
Credited to by Manuel Tozzi
Opening date April 1st, 2022
View 3D Gallery
Main image for Forest of Things

Statement:

Forest of Things is an audiovisual fairytale by Manuel Tozzi from 2021. For the online exhibition the work is staged in a computer-generated multiplayer environment.

With the sound of birds and water flowing by, the forest of things pretends to be an ecological system rather than uncovering its technological nature. Only one wooden fence, the boundary between the wild forest and the domesticated fields, disturbs the illusion. As it starts moving autonomously, it stops performing its programmed functions. Suddenly it reveals a letter of the alphabet, a hint of its algorithmic system. Because the letter x is used to signify the unknown, the underlying motives in the forest emerge.

As the visitors wander through the space they encounter four characters, who have secluded themselves in the secureness of the thicket. Awakened from their delusions by the miraculous transformation of the fence, they begin to share their concerns about the simulation of nature and the ever-leaking barricades of culture.

Built by Manuel Tozzi & Anton Krümpelmann
Music by Moritz Scharf

Artworks in this space:

Artwork title

Wanderer

Artwork Description:

Before I knew it, 
I found myself in this body.
Each night I wander through the woods
striving to find identity.

I found a miraculous mirror, 
like a book out of fluid pages.

all letters started dancing,
almost consciously.

While reading my face,
to make sure that I stayed human,
I became a cat 
trying to imitate its owner

now, despite my many lives
I feel death
waiting, 
in front of my catdoor.
Eternally. 

Before I knew it, I found myself in this body. Each night I wander through the woods striving to find identity. I found a miraculous mirror, like a book out of fluid pages. all letters started dancing, almost consciously. While reading my face, to make sure that I stayed human, I became a cat trying to imitate its owner now, despite my many lives I feel death waiting, in front of my catdoor. Eternally.

Artwork title

Maid

Artwork Description:

There's a cipher 
running in the woods,
quiet and serious along

A path has led me to this place
who pretends to be,
who moves and speaks to me.

What brings you here?
ye have this illusionary world created?
Like the possibilities of an island hidden in the fog.
like a cloud, 
covering the whole country.

The wood that grows here 
burns badly and is odorless.

Some of the villagers 
started building their houses out of it. 
they will get wet feet at high tide.

There's a cipher running in the woods, quiet and serious along A path has led me to this place who pretends to be, who moves and speaks to me. What brings you here? ye have this illusionary world created? Like the possibilities of an island hidden in the fog. like a cloud, covering the whole country. The wood that grows here burns badly and is odorless. Some of the villagers started building their houses out of it. they will get wet feet at high tide.

Artwork title

Farmhand

Artwork Description:

These Characters,
They move on their own impetus.

But I cannot read them,
I never learned it.

There is hardly any shadow
because the trees don't carry leaves.
a heated dream, 
does he let me see these things?

That's how I'm subservient in this world
which turns into ice
if it's infected by a virus.

Where do I find this pristine forest
you are talking about.

Be vigilant,
may you be spared
by my fate.

These Characters, They move on their own impetus. But I cannot read them, I never learned it. There is hardly any shadow because the trees don't carry leaves. a heated dream, does he let me see these things? That's how I'm subservient in this world which turns into ice if it's infected by a virus. Where do I find this pristine forest you are talking about. Be vigilant, may you be spared by my fate.

Artwork title

Guard

Artwork Description:

I guard the mill 
which turns day and night.
turns a bit faster
as water flows.

Gave her a name
to fuel my dreams
while my greatest nightmares
became peaceful to me.

Admittedly, 
the bread from its flour
is hollow and insipid 
but I make good wage.

Don't be a fool
these walls do not prevent anyone
from passing through
except those
who remain obedient 

i guard the mill which turns day and night. turns a bit faster as water flows gave her a name to fuel my dreams while my greatest nightmares became peaceful to me admittedly, the bread from its flour is hollow and insipid but I make good wage. Don't be a fool these walls do not prevent anyone from passing through except those who remain obedient