Distant Landscape (Duskwood), 2025

Acrylic, Wood

40 x 50 x 40 cm

Unique

This series of sculptures, made from laser cut wood and acrylic paint, serve as a vivid homage to the evolving landscapes of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Role-playing Games) — digital game worlds that have captivated millions of people since the beginning of ‘mainstream internet’. These sculptures draw inspiration from the worlds’ various visual biomes, capturing the stages of plant and wildlife evolution as they’ve been reimagined through the lens of changing technology.

Each piece reflects the distinct environments from different regions within games like World of Warcraft, from the misty forests of Ashenvale to the arid plains of Tanaris. The sculptures act as physical representations of these virtual landscapes, showcasing the subtle but profound changes in their fidelity over the years. Simpler, more abstract forms, echo the rudimentary textures and low-resolution graphics of earlier years and their technological limitations. These pieces capture the essence of the environments, yet maintain a sense of abstraction, mirroring the pixelated, flat designs of the past.

As the sculptures progress, they evolve in complexity and detail. Later pieces incorporate smooth, intricate engravings of flora and fauna, reflecting the shift toward higher resolution graphics and more immersive, realistic depictions, echoing the richer, more vibrant worlds experienced by players today.

Together, these sculptures act as a visual timeline of virtual simulations and their growth, from its pixelated roots to its modern-day immersive environments. They stand as a tribute to both the legacy and the transformative power of technology in shaping our virtual landscapes, inviting reflection on how digital worlds evolve in parallel with the real-world tools and creative visions that bring them to life.