Felix (58) Possibly 2017 - 2027

Gerrit Meerman made this photograph titled Felix (58). At first glance, we see a man in a flight suit seated in a complex simulator setup within an ordinary domestic space. The juxtaposition of high-tech equipment and mundane surroundings raises questions about the blurring lines between reality and simulation. The man is identified by name and age, suggesting a narrative about personal identity and the human relationship with technology. Made in the 21st century, in a time when technology is getting deeply integrated with private life, it offers social commentary on the increasing prevalence of simulation in our lives. How are gender roles changing due to changing technology? How does art itself partake in changing social norms? The role of the historian is to consider the context in which this image was made and how it reflects on the social and institutional forces at play. Researching the artist's intentions and the subject's background, we can start to unpack the layers of meaning embedded in this photograph and consider how this seemingly domestic scene engages with larger cultural conversations.