Much as we might see statues of ancient Greek and Roman heroes and gods or the religious artwork of Medieval and Renaissance Catholicism, the Mechs are integrated into his artwork as mythological figures, serving as a connection to an imagined ancient history and culture within his digital cities.

Understanding this parallel, Arrés encourages our imagination to muse over a society founded on the cultural significance of the Mech Army. Such an exercise allows us to see just how contingent our cultural mores and assumptions are, just how truly invented everything is, which just might open us up to being more bold when imagining what a more perfect society would look like. And maybe it’s one founded on Mechs.

Description written by Brady Evan Walker.