Written Statement

In this project, deaths in the virtual world provide a unique perspective to explore the concept of death itself. These moments of virtual death, meticulously captured and documented through game photography—also known as virtual photography—serve as metaphors for examining real-world death. This artistic form makes use of the rich environments and dynamic events in "Grand Theft Auto V" as the stage for photography, challenging traditional perceptions and acceptance of death. Compared to traditional photography, game photography offers unlimited creative space because it allows me to manipulate elements and viewpoints to create visual effects that are unachievable in the real world.

Through this mode of artistic expression, I am able not only to capture images but also to scrutinize the events and stories within the game from a completely new angle. This type of photography challenges our understanding of virtual versus real and beauty versus violence, providing a platform to delve into the fates and emotions of characters within the game world. It explores how the interaction between the virtual and the real influences our philosophical thinking about life and death, thus making each piece a thought-provoking exploration of both vision and thought. This approach not only adds emotional depth to the artwork but also demonstrates how art can challenge and expand our understanding of the virtual and the real.

These fictional deaths not only provoke reflections on similar events in real life but also spark philosophical discussions about life, death, and human nature. These works are rich in visual and emotional depth, intended to provoke deep contemplation about the meaning of life and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Viewers facing these death scenes in the game may experience a psychological tension, stemming from an inherent aversion to virtual violence and an attraction to the visual shock. Over time, viewers may undergo an emotional shift from shock to numb, a process that precisely reveals the complexity of this psychological tension.

This project is not just a collection of visual works; it is a profound exploration of how the digital and real worlds interact and influence each other. Through these works, we aim to demonstrate how art can challenge and broaden our perceptions of virtual and real.