Matthew Griffin (b. 1976, Australia)
The Outernet, 2018

ACCA, Melbourne / Visited in February 2019

Manipulated and re-edited video footage from daily news and other sources, blurring the border between the fact and fiction.

Honestly, I am not sure if Griffin here leaves much room for imagination. By deploying some literal interpretations of metaphors in the narratives of politically sensitive issues he rather seems to be taking a stance and making a statement. For me it turns the whole thing into a fun and effective parody than something I would box as art. But it would be a parody of myself if after all boundary-blurring efforts I would suddenly insist on particular definitions of art and criteria for its assessment. And it also triggers some healthy reflexivity in relation to some of my pieces based on others’ works – if I am in doubt about Griffin, how exactly are mine different?