Metaverse Flop Inspires Art of Cooperation

Theo Triantafyllidis, an artist based in Athens, is exhibiting his work "Feral Metaverse (Spider)" at Frieze London, a piece that emerged as a counter-argument to Mark Zuckerberg's failed metaverse vision. Triantafyllidis utilizes video game technology to create immersive experiences that explore cooperation and care in digital spaces. His "Feral Metaverse" project contrasts with the corporate wasteland of Meta's Horizon Worlds, which has since pivoted to AI.

His artwork functions as a multiplayer video game where participants must collaborate to achieve a common goal, such as escaping a virtual cave. This interactive element is designed to encourage communication and teamwork among players, offering a more primal and embodied way of connecting online. Triantafyllidis aims to break down the typical gallery froideur by using a large spider sculpture as a playful lure, inviting visitors to engage physically before interacting with the game.

Triantafyllidis's artistic practice often involves creating dark, satirical portraits of society through live simulations. Previous works include "Radicalization Pipeline," a commentary on toxic online discourse, and "Ork Haus," which depicted family alienation during lockdown. These dynamic simulations, governed by real-time rules, allow audiences to observe complex systems, akin to viewing a painting, encouraging a deeper understanding of societal and ecological issues.

His upcoming work, "Funny Weather," commissioned by Factory International, will debut in Manchester. This live simulation will depict a sky filled with birds, kites, and textiles, influenced by real-time weather data and birdwatching information. The piece speculates on the increasing unpredictability of climate change and its impact on daily life. Triantafyllidis's art consistently probes how we coexist with each other and the natural world, posing critical questions about our collective future.