Matrix
©2009 Craig Ashby
Digital Photograph

Matrix is a strange one. A better story than it is a photograph. A detail of the constant synchronicity of the universe.

While working on the Upper West Side I left work from what I am sure was a frustrating but uneventful day. I decided it was time for a new journal and decided to see what was available at Barnes & Noble. Nothing too eventful.

As I turn the corner onto Amsterdam I notice a group of people gathered around a disheveled smoker. It took me a moment to recognize the smoker as Keanu Reeves. I have seen him many times in the city so no big whoop.

I take a moment to gawk and then quickly turn the corner zig zagging my way to my destination. On the same block as Keanu I find a beautiful brownstone with books laid out on the steps. I rush over.

Then I start to notice that they are math books. Then it hits me how many have Matrix in their titles. Then the whole thing hits me again. It’s the same fucking block.

How is this even possible? The only thing I can relate it to is MMORPGs. So quest like and programmed. Circular and self referential. All praise the great programmer.