Lawrence Lek (b. 1982, b. Frankfurt am Main) is a simulation artist based in London. He creates site-specific virtual worlds and speculative films using gaming software, 3D animation, installation and performance. By rendering real places within fictional scenarios, his digital environments reflect the impact of the virtual on our perception of reality. He studied at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, Architectural Association, London, and The Cooper Union, New York. Recent exhibitions include: Hyperpavilion, Venice Biennale (2017; The New Normal, UCCA, Beijing (2017); Glasgow International, Tramway, Glasgow (2016); SeMA Biennale Mediacity Seoul 2016, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul (2016); Missed Connections, Julia Stoschek Collection, Dsseldorf (2016); Secret Surface, KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin (2016); Software, Hard Problem, Cubitt Gallery, London (2015); and The Uncanny Valley, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge (2015). Lek received the 2017 Jerwood/FVU Award, the 2015 Dazed Emerging Artist Award and the 2015 Tenderflix/Tenderpixel Artist Video Award.
Welcome to Play Station (2017) 2’40”
Set in 2037, Play StationTM takes place in a science fiction version of the White Chapel Building, transformed into the headquarters of a mysterious technology start-up known as Farsight. A world leader in digital automation, Farsight trains employees to outsource their jobs as much as possible, rewarding top performers with access to exclusive entertainment and e-holidays. Access to this virtual world is through a mandala-like installation of VR headsets, video training guides, and voiceover tutorials. House in the cavernous atrium of the recently re-invented White Chapel Building, Play StationTM reflects on the continuously changing boundaries between workplace and playground.
Farsight Corporate Promo (2017) 5’05”
*Corporate Promotional Trailer from the creators of Play Station*
Set in 2037, Play Station takes place in a science fiction version of the White Chapel Building, transformed into the headquarters of a mysterious technology start-up known as Farsight. A world leader in digital automation, Farsight trains employees to outsource their jobs as much as possible, rewarding top performers with access to exclusive entertainment and e-holidays.
Access to this virtual world is through a mandala-like installation of VR headsets, video training guides, and voiceover tutorials. House in the cavernous atrium of the recently re-invented White Chapel Building, Play Station reflects on the continuously changing boundaries between workplace and playground.