Image
![Simulated digital recreation of man](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_01.jpg?itok=z3NqoiN7)
Dougal Henken
Superbland
Superbland opens up new paths in understanding graphic design within the realm of the hyperreal. It begins with a study of simulation in graphic design contexts, building upon established forms of meaning-making by testing and developing a variety of mapping and modeling processes. Further, it pushes against the notion of simulation as a purely digital experience and expands the definition to include a variety of physical and phenomenological events. Whereas previous studies of simulation seek to understand the technical, the singular, and even the divine, Superbland probes the use and function of simulation in more banal and unremarkable locations, raising the commonplace to a position of artistry. In this way, it pushes the reader to consider the nature of visual language less as constative facts and more as persuasive performances.
Image
![Simulated digital recreation of man](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_01.jpg?itok=z3NqoiN7)
Test 1
wavefront .obj file
83954 vertices
2023
A anatomical model of the author, with camera clipping revealing his interior structure.
Image
![Two posters with text and image, one says SOMETHNG, the other says NOTHING](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_02.png?itok=UKiMGV1J)
Test 2 — "Brachiopraxis"
inkjet print
27"x40"
2023
Two posters detailing the nature of physical confrontation with fists.
Image
![Digital simulation of aluminum can, crushed](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_03.jpg?itok=3_8dM1O-)
Test 3
FBX file
32 vertices
2023
The model of discarded "Bang Energy" can found in Providence, RI, reduced to 32 polygonal surfaces.
Image
![Large format poster with various crosses that says "From up here you all look like a bunch of assholes"](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_04.png?itok=JolXG-AT)
Test 4 — "The Word"
inkjet print
80"x80"
2022
Descriptive text over a grid of typographic daggers, charting the ranges of judgement.
Image
![rotating fist made of material](/sites/default/files/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_05.gif)
Test 5
silicone cas
5" x 4" x 3"
2022
The shape of a fist, cast in skin-safe silicone gel.
Image
![two posters that say "The Physical" and "The Digital", one with a banana, one with a finger](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_06.png?itok=QvaTnwqH)
Test 6
inkjet print
27"x40"
2022
Two posters diagramming the separations between physical and digital experience.
Test 7
photogrammetric scan
3840px x 2160px
2023
The flat projection of a sidewalk applied to a wooden pallet, paired with two retextured cans and a Covid-19 rapid test.
Image
![printed paper opened and laid on ground](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_08.jpg?itok=jlWX3f8C)
Test 8 — "Municipal Power"
news print publication
23.5"x29.5"
2022
A newsprint circular, distributed in Providence, RI, mapping municipal power boxes and their accompanying marks.
Image
![digital simulation of rotating aluminum can](/sites/default/files/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_09.gif)
Test 9
GIF file
1280px x 720px
2023
A crushed 12oz can, retextured with new messaging.
Image
![graphic depicting the human condition](/sites/default/files/styles/full/public/2023-05/GD_DougalHenken_10.jpg?itok=r_6nUGJE)
Test 10 — "Memetic Worlding"
inkjet print
36"x24"
2022
A poster charting the intersections and overlaps of digital and physical spaces through memesis.