Martin Cregg Photography

Utopia (2004 -)

Utopias’ are generally ‘models’ proposing an alteration in reality or ‘models’ to understand reality. These conceptual models propose invented places - places constructed in the imagination - in this case constructed in an ideal future. This connection with an imaginary and an unattainable social condition is inescapable. The concept proposes imaginary environments which co-exist with real social and psychological conditions.

This reality/imaginary duality can help to devise a useful categorization of a central feature to the theme itself and an interesting point of departure for what would be considered a side-project for the moment. My concentration is on places which are surrounded by a certain utopian trope - advertising hoardings and images which project an ideal futuristic environment. However what is presented is the failure of Utopia. Damaged hoardings surrounding abandoned environments in Dublin, Netherlands and Morocco.