Rewrite and Technological Glitch Aesthetic

Today I wanted to delve into a new subject by visiting something with which I am familiar. Yes, Rewrite! See the two images below side by side to best see the juxtaposition.

In the top image is a cavernous and foreboding room filled with columns and only lit by small white lights that illuminate barely any ground. One fact is certain – the existence of extra floors if barely visible in the far left. This place, whatever it is, clearly indicates something beyond human materials, though they clearly have human origins.

 

The bottom image is obviously the same image but featuring inverted colors. One aspect of the scene that is not portrayed here: the image slowly moves diagonally back and forth as to create the illusion of visual separation.  This approach, which goes beyond mere psychedelia, calls to mind the glitch aesthetics which engages in purposeful image manipulation. This image swaps the sources of light, where the original source of light (the circular lights shown in the left image) becomes dark representing a lack of knowledge. The viewer’s understanding is flipped on its head and symbolically excised by the light which is represented by the bright invert colors. The instructive power of glitch is thus revealed by this scene. 

The separating effect adds to this particular feeling – one’s knowledge is tangential and is obviously separated from reality, providing an opportunity to convey a message. Thus, glitch aesthetics create a strong sense of isolation. This scene in Rewrite is accompanied by the main character hearing voices in his head that make his reality uncertain, thus pairing well with the glitch aesthetic.

What importance does this isolating glitch aesthetic have? Rewrite emphasizes environmentalism and treating the Earth respectfully, so these images juxtaposed suggests the weakness of human technology. The assumption that complex technology is superior is then overturned by the use of these images in combination with dialogue. The main character, someone who is stubborn and strongly attached to his ideals, is implicitly questioned and he fails to provide a true response. Glitch manages to force his inability to accept the futility of human technology and of not changing his views into plain view. As a result, he manages to change his perspective and acknowledges the bizarre situation in which he finds himself.