Julien Pacaud: of gods and men

In the far distant future of the year 10,000, everyone has become a god. Yet, emotions persist and have to be dealt with. Invoking a profound 70s and 80s sci-fi film aesthetic, here is a story of fallen gods. 

Julien Pacaud is a contemporary French artist and illustrator known for his distinctive digital collages and surreal artwork. His creations are characterised by their vintage aesthetics, clever juxtaposition of elements, and thought-provoking narratives. Pacaud’s artistic process involves combining and manipulating various vintage illustrations, photographs, and textures to craft visually striking and imaginative compositions. He often uses elements from old books, magazines, and photographs, giving his work a nostalgic and retro feel.

Recently, Pacaud began exploring AI art creating several enchanting collections. In keeping with his previous methodology, his AI art explores themes of identity, perception, time, and the human condition. Perhaps his most captivating AI works are those belonging to the Fallen Gods of the Year 10,000 series.

As a preamble to the collection, Pacaud asks what it would be like if Eric Rohmer directed an adaptation of an Isaac Asimov story. In a bid to answer that question and reverse engineer a narrative, inkeeping with Pacaud’s methodology, I have asked ChatGPT for a description of what an Asimov tale signed by Rohmer might entail. 

 

Julien Pacaud: of gods and men
Julien Pacaud: of gods and men

As a preamble to the collection, Pacaud asks what it would be like if Eric Rohmer directed an adaptation of an Isaac Asimov story. In a bid to answer that question and reverse engineer a narrative, inkeeping with Pacaud’s methodology, I have asked ChatGPT for a description of what an Asimov tale signed by Rohmer might entail. 

The Answer:

If Eric Rohmer, the renowned French film director known for his exploration of human relationships and moral dilemmas, were to direct an adaptation of an Isaac Asimov story, it would likely result in a unique and intriguing blend of science fiction and philosophical introspection. Here’s how it might play out:

In the far distant time of the year 10,000, the cosmos and the intimate interweave in a mesmerizing tapestry of visuals and emotions. In this future world, everyone has ascended to god-like status, wielding immense cosmic powers that govern the fabric of reality. 

The fallen gods, once human, grapple with the burdens of their divine abilities. They wander through the astral plains and traverse shimmering nebulae, carrying the weight of emotions that persist even amidst their godhood. Each god’s emotions manifest as swirling, radiant nebulae of various hues, reflecting their innermost feelings. The hues shift and blend, mirroring the ebb and flow of their emotional landscapes.

As fallen gods soar through the celestial expanse, one poignant tale unfolds between Nyx and Eos who share an intricate bond. Eos embodies the radiance of dawn, while Nyx embodies the depth of twilight. Their emotions intertwine like  cosmic dance steps, as they share fleeting moments of intimacy amid the vastness of space. But even as their love burns as bright as dying stars, they struggle to reconcile the intensity of their emotions with the cosmic responsibilities they bear.

Throughout the narrative, the film embraces a mesmerising visual aesthetic of neon-lit constellations: cosmic cities pulsate with colours reminiscent of retro synthwave art, creating an otherworldly ambiance that draws viewers into the enigmatic future.

As the fallen gods navigate their emotions and cosmic roles, the film delves deep into themes of love, sacrifice, and the inherent longing for human connection, despite godly powers. The cosmic and the intimate are inextricably linked, showcasing the profound complexity of existence as they explore the boundaries of what it truly means to be a god.

Pretty on point I would say. 

Julien Pacaud: of gods and men
Julien Pacaud: of gods and men

Words by Fabrizio Mifsud Soler.

Discover the numerous iterations of Julien Pacaud’s Fallen Gods of the Year 10,000 on julienpacaud.com

Images courtesy of Julien Pacaud.

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