Where I come from there is no grass

2023
Mikołaj Tomczak

Daria, 41, underwent surgery to implant a floppy disk in her brain, which, connected to nerves, analyzes the mind to protect some data from being lost. Unfortunately, there were side effects probably caused by short-circuits in the disk, resulting in erroneous nerve impulses. Scientists have developed an experimental intravenous therapy that, combined with behavioural therapy, has a good chance of success, according to the study, but for now Daria has problems recognizing reality and herself from the past. Her memory is bubbling, there are logical errors, and the present is combined with fear coming from oblivion. Daria has a chance to recover within a few years, but unfortunately most doctors doubt a complete recovery, and psychologists say she will never again return to her pre-surgery mental capacity.

While working on the material I did not use the help of AI, but tried to step into the role of an error maker in reality. The story never happened, I created it inspired by working with Daria and talking about the impact of AI and future changes in reality. I tried to reflect her point of view and combine with my reflections.

Mikołaj Tomczak  (born 2002, based in Szczecin, Poland) 

A student of photography at the Faculty of Media Art at the Academy of Art in Szczecin. His photographic work tells about the possibilities of human cognition through the intersection of science and emotionality, inspired by observation and attempts at philosophical reflection on reality. He also works in other mediums such as installation, video, painting and is a co-author of several music projects. Winner of the Grand Press Photo (2022), and honored at the London Photography Awards (2023) and New York Photography Awards (2023). His work has been shown in several solo and group exhibitions, in Poland and abroad.