Juliusz Grabianski is a visual artist based in London.
His practice investigates the role of technologically mediated images in creating digital mythologies.




Touching Grass
2023


Deepfake video essay, 8min 30s
Touching Grass is a deepfake video essay exploring the ritual of manifestation, an idea that you can escape your current reality and shift into a more preferable one, simply by believing that a dream life is waiting for you just around the corner. Manifestation gained extreme popularity in recent years, promising an easy escape from one’s struggles - or at least a way to more easily deal with the stresses of everyday life.

The video utilises deepfake technology for its narration, utilising the likenesses and voices of various celebrities and influencers. It is a philosophical reflection on the ritual of manifestation, playing on notions of aspirational hustle culture and alternate realities - themes often found in online spiritual content.

Created during a residency at Garage29 in Brussels, Belgium. With thanks to Zoé Hagen <3