Mario Salieri's 1995 production, Eros e Tanatos (also known as Eros and Excess

The Thanatos Complex

The story begins on a crisp autumn evening, as Leo unveils his masterpiece in the town's central square. The sculpture depicted Eros, the Greek god of love, and Thanatos, the personification of death, engaged in a mesmerizing waltz. Eros, with his radiant beauty and wings, seemed to be leading Thanatos, who was shrouded in a hood, across the stone floor.

Leo, the artist, was nowhere to be found, but his presence was felt throughout the town. It was as if he had infused "Eros e Tanatos" with a piece of his soul, allowing it to become a portal to the deepest human experiences.

The "Eros e Tanatos" series by Mario Salieri serves as a catalyst for reflection on the essential contradictions of human existence. By engaging with these themes through art, viewers are prompted to explore their own relationship with Eros and Thanatos, contemplating how these primal forces influence their lives. This introspection can lead to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the enduring relevance of these ancient concepts in modern times.

  • VR Porn and Combat Simulators: The newest generation of entertainment content allows a user to switch between a sexual partner and a combat victim within seconds. This is the Salieri interface.
  • Deepfake technology: The ability to digitally kill or embrace a celebrity avatar collapses the ancient taboo. Salieri’s analog manipulations (casting look-alikes, using prosthetics) were the blueprint.