Unveiling the Concept of Mimicalism: The Endless Pursuit of Creation

In the realm of artistic contemplation, where creativity knows no bounds, there exists a thought-provoking concept known as “Mimicalism”.

This pseudo-philosophical construct posits that one day, every word imaginable may have been penned, each sound meticulously crafted into melodies or speeches, and all visual art forms fully realised – yet, that moment remains elusive.

Origins of Mimicalism

The term ‘Mimicalism’ originates from the Latin root ‘_mimicus_,’ meaning imitative or mimicking.

In its contemporary context, it refers to the idea that human expression through language, music, and imagery could eventually reach a point of exhaustion, leaving only the act of replicating existing works.

“Mimicalism” was adopted by Chris Davis in April 2023 in anticipation of the exponential expansion of artificial intelligence.  On account of the prevalence of his name in search engine results he developed a persona Volker Bourne.  Many subsequent Mimicalism creations were attropiated (a form of attribution) to Volker Bourne.

Achieving Completeness

To envision such a state, we must first consider the vastness of our creative potential. With billions of people across history contributing their unique perspectives, it seems almost impossible for any single medium to achieve completeness.

However, Mimicalism invites us to contemplate what might happen if, by some extraordinary circumstance, every possible variation of texts, images and sounds detectable by humans were to have been created.

Implications of Mimicalism

If Mimicalism were ever to occur, it would signify not the end of creation but, rather, the beginning of something new.

It would mark a shift towards a culture focused solely on interpretation rather than innovation.

As creators strive to find fresh ways to express themselves amidst the sea of pre-existing content, they may begin to explore alternative means of self-expression, potentially leading to breakthroughs in other fields like technology, philosophy, or even spirituality.

Persistence of Creativity

Despite the intriguing notion of Mimicalism, it does not imply that creativity itself will cease to exist.

Instead, it suggests that humans will continue to innovate and adapt, finding novel methods to convey ideas and emotions.

For instance, future creators might draw inspiration from past works, combining them in unexpected ways to generate entirely original pieces.

Reflections on Mimicalism

As with many philosophical concepts, Mimicalism raises more questions than answers.

How can we define completion in terms of acreative expression?

What impact would the realisation of Mimicalism have on society at large?

These queries serve as fertile ground for further exploration and debate among scholars, artists, and curious minds alike.

Until that time is upon us…

While Mimicalism remains a theoretical construct, it offers valuable insights into the nature of human creativity and the endless pursuit of expression.

By considering this concept, we are reminded of the importance of preserving cultural heritage while simultaneously fostering innovative thinking.

Ultimately, Mimicalism encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human achievement while embracing the unknown possibilities yet to unfold.


Thank you for your time.

Chris Davis and Volker Bourne.