Troika, Reality Is Not Always Probable, 2025

2025

Medium

1536 Colorful dice

Dimensions

97 × 57 cm

Status

In Gallery Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-155793

"Reality is Not Always Probable" (2025) is a wall object whose pattern results from the arrangement of numerous of colorful cubes. Based on Troika's interest in the connections between chance and control, the work represents the materialization of a computer-based simulation. For the latest works in the series, Troika developed a more complex algorithm than before, inspired by John Horton Conway's "Game of Life." In 1970, the mathematician developed a simple set of rules - an algorithm - applied to a simple grid of game pieces that could be used to explain complicated procedures. His algorithm was then used to model population growth, musical compositions, artificial life forms and even evolution. His simple "game" has influenced biologists, scientists and philosophers. Troika take this up to form different patterns using the algorithm, where these are not predictable, but can arrange themselves in each new process. In this work, Troika begins with a random row of colored cubes in the top row and each subsequent row is then determined by the row above. Unlike early works in the series, the algorithm is no longer binary and defined to take into account the color of the cubes, from which the organic, growth-like patterns then emerge. Troika refers to the historical use of dice as a means of determining fate, chance, and luck. The throw of the dice is based on the laws of probability, to which the process of the algorithm is contrary. It is autonomous and can exist independently of everyday life, while real life is increasingly influenced by computer-based systems. The work illustrates Troika's investigations to make visible how new technologies permeate physical reality and its individual perception.