Montez Press
Pfeil Magazine 10: Mainstream
Pfeil Magazine is a publication by Montez Press. In their own words: ‘each page of Pfeil represents the floor, walls, or ceiling which together create an imagined room displaying a printed exhibition. Each issue is dedicated to a specific word, and artists are invited and given space to work on and with this term, and to construct or deconstruct the architecture around it. Combined, the contributions transform into an organic display surrounding the leitmotif.
As you can see from the title, the word of this issue is ‘Mainstream’. Something I probably think about a lot. Even in the last decade from being a child, to becoming somewhat sentient, it is hard to avoid the disorienting change. The speed of your world is as fast as you want it to be, how many times can you swipe down in 30 seconds?
As you can see from the title, the word of this issue is ‘Mainstream’. Something I probably think about a lot. Even in the last decade from being a child, to becoming somewhat sentient, it is hard to avoid the disorienting change. The speed of your world is as fast as you want it to be, how many times can you swipe down in 30 seconds?
The mono-culture has had to adjust to the algorithm. You have a mind of your own, it has a mind of its own, who is realistically going to prevail? How can you form a connection if you can’t relate to anyone? It’s Saturday night, why is X Factor not on my telly?
Is nicheness now a necessity? Do I need it, or does it need me? The mainstream will never disappear, it can only evolve. Changing shape, changing form. How many Elon Musk tweets can you count on your ‘For You’ feed?
A constant feeling of everyone seeing something you’re not.
Localism dominates, whilst your experience is sacred. Whether you treat it as such is another question. Similarity breeds connection. How close are you to those around you? Do you feel more or less connected?
The intentionality of putting one foot in front of the other. A pace that is manageable. You can feel as real as you want to be. Everyone has their sources. Sometimes you think you’re being clever, but you really couldn’t be more stupid. Probably not a great cycle to get caught in.
Is nicheness now a necessity? Do I need it, or does it need me? The mainstream will never disappear, it can only evolve. Changing shape, changing form. How many Elon Musk tweets can you count on your ‘For You’ feed?
A constant feeling of everyone seeing something you’re not.
Localism dominates, whilst your experience is sacred. Whether you treat it as such is another question. Similarity breeds connection. How close are you to those around you? Do you feel more or less connected?
The intentionality of putting one foot in front of the other. A pace that is manageable. You can feel as real as you want to be. Everyone has their sources. Sometimes you think you’re being clever, but you really couldn’t be more stupid. Probably not a great cycle to get caught in.
Has the truth ever really mattered? As long as it satisfies something inside you. How can you see it as anything but a blur?
‘If you are really nice you won’t even make it to hell, just sit at its gates.’
A more sentient audience. One that can shape the way you exist. What part of this content makes me a puppet? A continuous input rather than a monolith of output.
What is better than an echo chamber? One that you barely have control over. Looking at something for one second extra can shape your reality. What aggravates you, what makes you sad, what makes you happy? Does it feel nice to be isolated in your own cultural and ideological sphere?
What is the opposite of mainstream? Freedom or a black hole? What does it matter anyway when you can just scroll right past it.
Bathing in the blue light of a screen, what could be more serene?
p.s. you can always make a Big Mac salad…
‘If you are really nice you won’t even make it to hell, just sit at its gates.’
A more sentient audience. One that can shape the way you exist. What part of this content makes me a puppet? A continuous input rather than a monolith of output.
What is better than an echo chamber? One that you barely have control over. Looking at something for one second extra can shape your reality. What aggravates you, what makes you sad, what makes you happy? Does it feel nice to be isolated in your own cultural and ideological sphere?
What is the opposite of mainstream? Freedom or a black hole? What does it matter anyway when you can just scroll right past it.
Bathing in the blue light of a screen, what could be more serene?
p.s. you can always make a Big Mac salad…
