The computer graphic artwork “we live by fiction, while we hunt for facts” is an abstract composition that explores the themes of fiction, facts, and information. The central figure is a silhouetted person lying on a pillow labeled "FICTION", suggesting our deepest self in sleep seeks narratives to live by rather than following the facts.
The two central figures are prominent, abstract human-like figures in the center of the composition. The left figure appears to be blue, representing "fiction," while the right figure is white, possibly representing "fact." The blue figure reclines on a pillow that reads "FICTION," emphasizing its association with the title. Ironically, the white figure of fact allows us to perceive where fiction sleeps.
In the background, repeated, scrambled text that seems to contribute to the theme of information overload or the noise through which one must sift to find truth is intruding.
Above the central composition, a crow carrying a key, reinforces the idea of "hunting for facts, ” while suggesting only destined scavenging will allow the reconciliation of fact and fiction— both essential for a healthy human existence.
So in this work Skyler suggests that without a good story, the key that is participatory for all members of society and meaningfully encapsulates what are the main brush strokes of each citizen’s day, the crow is left with disparate rubbish.
Finally, in terms of color scheme, use of stark, contrasting colors (blue for fiction and white for fact) serves to differentiate the two concepts visually. The green and gold colors used in the frame add a rich, almost regal quality, perhaps suggesting the value or treasure of finding the truth.
The overall composition suggests a tension or contrast between the subjective, imaginative world of fiction and the objective, factual world of information and data. The title, "we live by fiction, we hunt for facts," reinforces this idea and invites the viewer to consider the role of fiction and facts in our lives and how we navigate between the two.
The use of the silhouetted figure also adds a sense of anonymity and universality to the piece, suggesting that this is a shared human experience, rather than a specific individual's story.
Overall, the image prompts the viewer to reflect on the relationship between fiction and facts, the ways in which we construct and consume information, and the underlying human need for both narrative and truth
