Dark Fader by Patrick Mertens aka Pat Probleme

About "Dark Fader"

by Patrick Mertens aka Pat Probleme

About the artwork

This abstract, edited photograph is an intriguing image with complex texture and composition. It appears to be a mix of a photograph and digital editing that imitates the look of a relief or etched stone. The photograph is kept predominantly in dark greys and bluish tones.

The primary elements in the photograph appear to come from a musical or electronic context:

DJ mixer or turntable: In the bottom left corner, the outline of a control panel can be seen, which closely resembles the knobs and faders of a DJ mixer or turntable.

Faders and needles: To the right of the control panel are some elongated elements, probably faders (sliders) and/or needles of a turntable, giving the impression of instruments in motion.

What makes the picture unique is the texture applied. The entire image is covered with a pattern of small, regular cubes, like a kind of tiling or mosaic. This pattern lies over the original image, creating an effect of depth and age, as if the scene had been carved in stone. The edges of the objects, such as the faders, appear to have been carved into this texture, adding to the illusion of a bas-relief.

In the background, vague, indistinct shapes and structures can be seen. A crescent-shaped figure, possibly a crescent moon or some other symbol, is visible in the upper-left corner. The overall atmosphere is mysterious, enigmatic and industrial-artistic. It is not a realistic rendering, but an artistic interpretation that combines functionality (music equipment) with a raw, almost archaeological aesthetic.