Nature has always existed as a system of interconnected parts that form a whole, from the branching structures of trees to the neural networks within our brains. The internet reflects these same systems, a constant flow of information between individual points. As social animals, humans have always sought connections, but the scale at which we can relate to one another is vaster than ever before. By creating a digital version of nature’s interconnected consciousness, we have gained access to endless information about others without ever knowing them personally. The natural and digital worlds begin to mirror each other, both existing as vast networks made up of countless interconnected parts.
This idea is echoed in the anime Serial Experiments Lain, particularly its themes of isolation, identity, and the fear of losing oneself within an increasingly connected world. The series follows Lain Iwakura, a young girl who becomes increasingly immersed in the Wired, a digital network connecting people and information. As her connection to the Wired grows, the boundaries between her online identity and physical reality begin to blur.
Although the internet allows people to constantly exchange information, being connected to everyone does not innately produce genuine emotional relationships. The unrelenting stream of information is wholly immersive, allowing users to relentlessly absorb the thoughts, experiences, and identities of others without ever needing to express themselves in return.
This constant exposure is overwhelming at times, making it difficult to separate our own identities from everything we consume. My photographs reflect this tension through their intense colours and unfamiliar environments. While the images may appear beautiful and full of life, their otherworldly qualities also create a sense of distance and uncertainty. They represent a world where everything is connected, yet perhaps not in the way we had hoped.
