All images by Mike Campau. Used with permission.
Social media has been making a big impact of today’s generation, not only for making personal connections but also for building a professional network. As such, it has been consuming a big chunk of our daily activities and demanding so much of our attention, sometimes for the wrong reasons. In one of his recent projects, Michigan-based Mike Campau has put together the creative disciplines of photography and digital art to make a compelling case based on the backlash against some of the most popular social media platforms.
Aptly titled ANTISOCIAL, the set is a thought-provoking exploration of the paradox tied to social media today — the more “connected” we are using these platforms, the lonelier or more isolated we seem to feel. At their worst, each social media platform drives us towards certain social anxieties and even ironic realities. Mike presents this message in a frank, bleak, and humorous approach throughout the set.
Each social media platform is represented by colorful sign bearing their signature logo and colors, plus an “antisocial” statement that stands for the negative side that most of us are unaware of — or sometimes choose to ignore. The signs are then set against moody photos of empty parking lots, which Mike saw as a fitting “symbol of our singularly isolated posts, but placed in a location where it can easily be seen by many.” It’s a pretty smart and cheeky way of getting a point across, if you ask me.
As with some photography projects that we’ve featured of late, some may find that ANTISOCIAL is more digital art than photography. Still, we can’t say that the combination isn’t clever. The results catch our attention, get the message across, and make a fine display of creativity and insight.
Visit Mike Campau’s website and Behance portfolio to see more of his photography and other creative projects.
