Welcome to my project, "The Ties That Bind". This project is a blend of my love for storytelling, art, and technology. Each artwork is a virtual model brought to life, telling human stories in ways that push the boundaries of what art can be.
I've always believed that technology can enhance our art, not just add bells and whistles. That's why in "The Ties That Bind", technology doesn't take the center stage - instead, it supports and elevates the storytelling, helping to express the concepts I wanted to explore more fully.
In this project, each artwork exists in two versions - one that lived in the physical exhibition and another that was born and thrived in the digital realm of the blockchain. In the physical exhibition, I experimented with different technologies like footfall camera sensors, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Each piece was designed to be interactive, letting visitors experience art in new, exciting ways.
This idea came from my previous work on dynamic artworks for the "Year of the Tiger" project, where I fell in love with the potential of technology in art. So when I was offered a two-week exhibition venue in March, I jumped at the opportunity to push these boundaries further. The result? A unique fusion of physical and digital art that allowed viewers to engage with the artworks in a totally new way.
Creating "The Ties That Bind" was both fun and challenging. It gave me a chance to explore uncharted artistic territory, melding the digital and physical into a whole new art experience. This journey reinforced my belief in the potential that art and technology hold for our future. Join me as we delve deeper into this project and explore the stories, techniques, and inspirites behind "The Ties That Bind".
Duality of Self
Introduction
"Duality of Self" is a piece very close to my heart. It's a journey into the complex essence of human identity - an exploration of how our introverted and extroverted sides interact and shape us. This artwork was born out of my fascination with the contradictory yet co-existing sides of our personalities. It was a challenge to represent this duality visually, but the dynamic nature of digital art offered a perfect platform.
Physical Exhibition Version
When creating the physical exhibition version of "Duality of Self", I wanted visitors to feel engaged, to feel a part of the art. I worked with the team at Serial Co to have a customised footfall sensor system built in order to make the artwork respond to the number of people in the space. This interactive installation had two distinct pieces that switched between each other, symbolising the extroverted and introverted sides of our personalities.
As the piece switched from one side to the other, it was as if the artwork was in a dialogue with the visitors, responding to their presence. It was a real thrill to see people experiencing and interacting with the art, examining their own personalities and reflecting on how they express themselves in different social contexts.
NFT Version
For the NFT version, titled "The Duality of ETH", I wanted to capture the essence of the physical piece while adding a digital twist. Here, I used Ethereum traffic to decide which stage of the piece was displayed - the introvert or the extrovert. This dynamic change was based on the fluctuating traffic on the Ethereum blockchain, personifying the cryptocurrency as an active participant in the artwork.
I was really excited by this concept of the blockchain directly interacting with the artwork. It offered a whole new layer of engagement for the viewers, inviting them to reflect on the duality of their personalities within the digital realm. It was more than just a visual representation of self-duality, it was a statement on the unpredictable and ever-changing landscape of cryptocurrency.
Creating "Duality of Self" was a remarkable experience. It was a blend of introspective exploration and technological innovation, and the lessons I learned from it continue to influence my work today.
NFT Links
The Duality of ETH - Introvert (sold)
The Duality of ETH - Extrovert
The Invisible March of Time
Introduction
"The Invisible March of Time" is an artwork that delves into the passing of time and our perceptions of it. It's a piece that's close to my heart, as it speaks to our collective experience of time's relentless march. We often feel like time is crawling when we're in the midst of daily life. But whether we notice it or not, time is always moving. The changes can be subtle and hard to see day by day, but they accumulate. The next thing we know, years have passed. This piece serves as a reminder of our mortality, our limited time, and the importance of being present in each moment.
Physical Exhibition Version
At the exhibition, "The Invisible March of Time" presented viewers with a deeply moving digital artwork. It consisted of two independent pieces, each depicting a woman who ages over the course of 30 minutes. The transformation was gradual and almost imperceptible - mirroring how we often perceive aging in real life.
Guests could stand before it, observing the subtle changes as they happened, or return later to see the significant difference. It was an emotional experience, inviting contemplation on the passage of time, the certainty of change, and the fleeting nature of life.
The artwork was designed to encourage viewers to acknowledge that aging is unavoidable and to appreciate the wonder and complexity of life, along with the value of cherishing the time we spend with our loved ones.
NFT Version
On the blockchain, "The Invisible March of Time" took on a new dynamic. In the NFT version, the age of the woman in the artwork corresponded with my own age, changing every year. This unique feature added a personal touch and a heightened sense of connection with the viewers.
When I reach the age of 100, the artwork will fade away and then restart, mirroring the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of starting anew. This design was chosen to echo the themes of time's relentless march, the inevitability of change, and the impermanence of everything around us.
Creating and observing this piece was a personal and poignant journey for me, one that I hope resonated with viewers as well. Through "The Invisible March of Time," I hoped to invite others to connect more deeply with their own experiences of time, change, and the preciousness of the present.
NFT Links
The Invisible March of Time I (sold)
The Invisible March of Time II (sold)
Beyond the Surface
Introduction
"Beyond the Surface" is a personal journey into understanding and acknowledging the layers within each individual. We often form snap judgments about people based on their outward appearance and demeanor. This piece challenges that tendency, encouraging viewers to look beyond initial impressions and uncover the rich depth of character that lies within. Every person has their unique history, their story - this artwork invites viewers to take a step closer and engage more deeply, reminding us that there is always more to a person than what first meets the eye.
Physical Exhibition Version
In the physical exhibition, "Beyond the Surface" began as a simple print of a woman sitting at a table. But the true essence of the artwork unveiled itself only when viewers interacted with it via an Instagram AR filter. The interaction triggered a mesmerizing video that transformed the still image into a moving mirror, with rippling waves that distorted the woman's reflection. This captivating, otherworldly effect was surrounded by a bouquet of flowers and cool blue tones, adding to the immersive experience.
This moment of discovery underlined the artwork's central idea - the invitation to move beyond the surface, to engage more deeply, and to see past the superficial. With the aid of AR technology, this piece not only created an immersive experience but also highlighted the importance of broadening our perspectives and taking the time to understand the layers within each individual.
NFT Version
The NFT version of "Beyond the Surface" carried this exploration into the digital realm. It started with the same static image of a woman at a table, but viewers could unlock its depths by simply interacting with it. On a computer, this meant clicking on the image and typing "beyond", while on mobile devices, a click on the woman's eyes would suffice.
Upon interaction, the image transformed into a mesmerizing video, offering a mirror with rippling waves that beckoned the viewer into an otherworldly atmosphere. Just like the physical version, this digital rendition urged viewers to look deeper, to move beyond the surface, and to see beyond first impressions.
In both its physical and digital forms, "Beyond the Surface" served as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human nature, urging viewers to engage in thoughtful exploration and to truly see the people they encounter. It stands as a testament to the idea that everyone has depth, a story, a history that's waiting to be discovered if only we take the time to look beyond the surface.
NFT Link
Beyond the Surface (sold)
In Suspension
Introduction
"In Suspension" is an artwork born from reflections on life and its fleeting nature. This piece is about those moments in life where we feel suspended in time, especially during challenging times. It explores how sometimes it feels like life just passes us by, slipping through our fingers like grains of sand. This sensation can be particularly overpowering when we're going through a hard time, finding it difficult to remain grounded in reality.
Physical Exhibition Version
In the physical version of "In Suspension", the viewers come face-to-face with a solitary individual sitting at a table, surrounded by a shifting spectacle of light, a symbol of the relentless march of time. This piece was designed to be interactive, using a customized footfall sensor system. The presence and movement of visitors in the exhibition space dictated the speed of the light changes, creating an immersive experience that's unique to each visitor.
This artwork isn't just an observation but an invitation. It asks viewers to sit, to stay, and to share a moment of peace with the figure. In the stillness, the subtle movements of the figure bring forth a sense of suspension, a feeling of being stuck in a single moment. Yet the ever-changing lights remind us of time's continuous march. This dichotomy invites viewers to reflect on their own lives, the power of connection, and the comfort that comes from shared understanding and support.
NFT Version
The digital counterpart, the NFT version of "In Suspension", continues the exploration of the theme but in the boundless space of the blockchain. Just like in the physical version, the artwork features an individual in a state of suspension, surrounded by the shifting states of light that mark the passage of time.
The unique aspect of this digital piece is its dynamism. The artwork evolves based on how long a viewer engages with it. It encourages viewers to sit and be present with the figure, just like its physical counterpart. This engagement not only provides a moment of introspective peace for the viewer but also subtly changes the artwork itself.
The gentle movements of the character in this state of suspension stimulate introspection and deep inner exploration. The power of connection and human support is amplified in this digital space, reinforcing the concept that no matter how alone we may feel, we are part of a community that shares and understands our experiences.
NFT Link
In Suspension
The Weight of the World
Introduction
"The Weight of the World" is an artwork very close to my heart. It's a reflection of the human experience – our struggles, our challenges, and the weight of responsibilities we all carry in life. But more importantly, it's about the power of community and sharing our burdens with others.
Physical Exhibition Version
At the physical exhibition, viewers saw an image of a woman shouldering heavy burdens, visually representing the challenges and struggles we all face in life. The idea was to embody how the world's weight can sometimes feel overwhelming and almost insurmountable. But the magic of this piece was its real-time connection with its digital counterpart on the blockchain.
As the two-week exhibition went on, and more collectors purchased the NFT version of the piece, something amazing happened. The heavy burdens the woman was carrying in the physical artwork began to lighten in real time. It was a stunning visual representation of the transformative power of community and shared struggles.
NFT Version
The NFT version of "The Weight of the World" was an integral part of the overall concept. Each time the artwork was purchased, the woman's load became visibly lighter. This transformation offered a powerful message: we don't have to carry all our burdens alone. By reaching out for support and sharing our struggles with others, we can find relief, feel lighter, and perhaps even find the strength to overcome.
Seeing the changes happening in real time as more collectors engaged with the piece was a beautiful manifestation of this concept. It emphasized that even when the world's weight feels unbearable, we're not alone - a reminder that speaks volumes beyond the digital realm, into our lives.
In the end, "The Weight of The World" is not just an artwork. It's a symbol of human struggle, resilience, and the power of community. I hope it serves as a reminder to us all that it's okay to share our burdens, reach out for support, and face our struggles together.
NFT Link
The Weight of the World (secondary link)
