When god cheats

Six images that explore human behaviour through economics, morality, and social conditions – rooted in a deep interpretation of the bestselling exploration of culture and economics, Freakonomics.

Inspired by the six chapters of Freakonomics.

Main collection

Inspired by the six chapters of Freakonomics, our images draw heavily on our lived experiences. Photography used throughout the generative process reflects our interpretation of key themes and reflections in how these have played out throughout history, spanning locations including: Rome (Italy), Chernobyl (Ukraine), London (UK), Valetta (Malta), and Austin (USA).

Details

Pigment print under acrylic.
56cm x 85cm.
Limited edition of 20, per image.

When God cheats

A space between the worlds of idealism and cold ruin. One side with morality represents – the way that people would like the world to work; the other, cold economic reality.

Experts, information, and fear

Experts thrive when their knowledge, proven or professed, goes unchallenged, carefully rationing information to grip control: selectively shared, artfully obscured, and always serving beyond the surface. Fear is the instrument driving a global economy of influence, where passive acquiescence is too easily mistaken for informed consent, and silence quietly branded as wise endorsement.

The destructive power of hope

To err is to be human, and to hope is to err forward — to mistake longing for truth, and desire for certainty. Hope is the fiat currency of effort not to reward the many, but to sustain their striving.

Innocence, fall, and redemption

Where have all the criminals gone? The classic Victorian novel has a story arc by which the hero experiences innocence, fall, and redemption throughout their lives. Turns out the Victorians were a bit idealistic; solving fall at the source is much easier than preventative measures.

Winning the birth lottery (perfect parenting part i)

We act as if parenting sets the stage for destiny — mostly, it just performs it. Whether you’re forced to protest or privileged enough to stay silent, you’ll quietly resent the show if you lost, and quietly justify your worth if you won.

What’s in a name? (perfect parenting part ii)

How we name is a projection of aspiration and desire. In this space between idealism and cold ruin, where we play god, ultimately in whatever we do, we cannot re-write the birth lottery.

Generative studies

Generative studies are currently in post-production, to be released 02/06/2025.