Miguel Chevalier was among those pioneers who used computer tools and software as a method of visual art creation when the term “digital art” was coined in the early 1980s. In a span of four decades, he broadened his expertise and took the international art scene by storm with large-scale interactive digital installations shown on LED screens. He also built a name around sculptures created with a 3D printer, and laser cut and holographic imagery. His latest oeuvres include META-NATURE AI 2023 in South Korea, A L'INFINI 2023 in France, Digi EXTRA-NATURAL 2023 in Germany, and DIGITAL MOIRÉS 2022 in Luxembourg.
In Thailand, his generative and interactive virtual-reality installation, “Magic Carpets Bangkok 2018”, at ICONSIAM’s river park offered mesmerizing immersive experiences and received positive feedback from both local and foreign visitors.
This year, Chevalier is participating in Siam Paragon’s “Co-Creation” project, and is showing an interactive spectacle called “Kinetic Waves” and a generative artwork on a circular LED display called “Vortex 2023”. Digital art enthusiasts can now check out these showcases at Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX on the shopping center's 4th floor.
Recently, the globally renowned digital artist shared his thoughts and experiences on digital and virtual art at a session entitled “Digital Art Talk with Miguel Chevalier".
What inspires your digital work?
Chevalier: I was born and raised in Mexico where the countryside is abundant in nature. I take inspiration from natural surroundings and present them in the form of digital art. I continuously experiment with unprecedented interpretations, various artistic means of expression, and new shapes and patterns in order to perfectly showcase the charisma of digital art, which differs from paintings, photographs, and videos.
What is your work process to create digital art pieces in one project?
Chevalier: In the past, I devised computer programs or algorithms to execute my artwork myself. But now I focus more on the ideation process and have two computer engineers who develop programs and algorithms in alignment with my ideal concepts. I also have one technician who helps me with the installation and presentation process. We work as a team and brainstorm to execute a project together.
What are the advantages and challenges of being a digital artist?
Chevalier: Digital art is ever-changing and has various forms so I have more freedom to come up with fresh and limitless creativity. However, as my work relies on digital tools and technology, I have to stay updated on the latest and emerging technologies all the time, and learn how to use them as quickly as possible, especially artificial intelligence (AI). Many people are daunted by the development of AI. Personally, I think it is an excellent instrument that can help artists broaden their imagination and create a variety of trailblazing masterpieces.
Another challenge for me as a digital artist is knowing how to preserve my digital art. In 20 to 30 years, can I still update the main software that executes my artwork? Or will it be supported by changing technology? So, the question is how to keep the software still functional in every situation.
What are the perks of being a digital art trailblazer?
Chevalier: Of course, I have more experience and expertise. I know how to manage the lead time of one project, and how to conclude every process punctually and professionally. However, it is not an excuse to rest on my laurels. I have to be more curious in order to broaden my horizons. I travel a lot these days to gain new experiences and ideas. Meanwhile, I also have to learn from other artists’ works in order to see how the world changes and how I can improve my future work.
What do you think about people who attend art exhibitions or events just to create content for their Instagram?
Chevalier: I am happy with that! As my work engages spectator interaction, I expect to see a variety of input from them, which ultimately result in different outcomes that I may not have seen or anticipated. I think this is a way to encourage the freedom to access artistic expression as well.
Interactive art needs sensors to respond to participants’ movements and body heat or even requires them to be part of an artwork. Do you also consider this as part of your work process?
Chevalier: Absolutely. We have to think about the potential outcomes one interactive feature would create. Then, we have to repeatedly test to see whether the results are accurate as expected. So, in the process, we have to imagine as many interactive situations as possible and verify if our artwork responds to each action precisely.
What do you think about “sustainability”?
Chevalier: I always take sustainability in account when creating my oeuvres. For example, I use a 3D printer to create art out of plastic recycled from leftover fish nets, trawls and plastic bottles. For work displayed on LED screens, I usually schedule an auto shutdown at a specified time in order to save electricity. Actually, digital art doesn’t require as much international logistics, so I think it also helps save energy in a way.
'SIAM PARAGON NEXT TECH x SCBX,' is a 'Collaborative Tech Ecosystem,' located at the 4th Floor of Siam Paragon. This cutting-edge tech community is envisioned as a dynamic learning hub, designed to empower young individuals, students, and those interested to unlock their potential and exchange knowledge, preparing them for a future in the digital era amid rapid technological advancements.