Christophe Muylaert

This artwork is a philosophical homage rendered in physical form. Two cacti stand juxtaposed: a vibrant green living cactus labeled “FAKE” and a digitally modeled, white 3D-printed replica labeled “REAL.” The sculpture reflects Plato’s Theory of Forms by illustrating the ancient philosopher’s belief that abstract, ideal Forms are more “real” than their sensory counterparts.

Here, the digitally rendered cactus becomes the idealized Form—immutable, decontextualized, and symbolically elevated. The living cactus, with all its natural variation and imperfection, is demoted to “FAKE,” despite being the original. This act of labeling echoes Plato’s metaphysical hierarchy rather than contradicting it. The viewer is nudged to question their instinctive associations with authenticity and objecthood.

In parallel, Baudrillard’s theory of simulacra introduces a postmodern twist: the copy, once divorced from its origin, begins to stand in for reality itself. The 3D-printed cactus, now tagged “REAL,” does not merely imitate—it replaces. This tension between philosophical tradition and media critique underscores how meaning is not inherent, but assigned.