Jonathan Monaghan's 'Den of Wolves' Video Installation at 22,48 m² Gallery in Paris

Jonathan Monaghan's video installation 'Den of Wolves' from 2020 is featured in the exhibition 'Power Trip' at the 22,48 m² gallery in Paris, running until December 18, 2021. The work explores digital trends in art and societal dangers through a looping, immersive environment. It incorporates architectural elements, including the United States Capitol, which Monaghan began depicting before the January 2021 assault on Washington by supporters of Donald Trump. The Capitol symbolizes political power, juxtaposed with brands like Apple and Whole Foods Market to represent smooth capitalism. An empty supermarket aisle hints at catastrophe, evoking Paul Virilio's concept of the 'total accident.' The scene is symmetrically composed with a central dome, recalling Italian Renaissance ideal cities, and is devoid of humans except for three wolves that seize a red cape, scepter, and golden globe, representing absolute power. Abandoned electric bikes and surveillance-eyed monsters add to a sterile, white setting with padded fabrics and gilding, creating a suspiciously calm atmosphere. The installation's narrative structure mirrors video games, emphasizing transitions and slow pacing to assemble fragmentary places akin to utopian dreams. Dominique Moulon authored the article discussing these themes, noting how the work masks reality through a waking dream.