Artist Spotlight: SUPER UNKNOWN
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Super Unknown
Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up and how did you find yourself interested in design? Was there a pivotal moment that you can remember?
Hi! My name is Dominik and I’m from Poland. I’ve been designing since I was a child. My breakthrough was the day that I discovered the warp tool in Photoshop. I started creating caricatures of friend’s pictures I took with my old compact camera. I was so young but it made me want to learn the program better and design even more.
People often attribute nostalgia to A E S T H E T I C and Vaporwave. Why do you believe this is such a powerful force for so many people? How do you translate that feeling into your art?
I’m from the generation that remembers VHS tapes and Walkmans. I’ve been watching the same tapes from my childhood over again. I love the aesthetics of VHS tapes and the space it leaves for nostalgia and imagination.
What inspires you the most about creating your artwork and what kind of image or idea are you trying to convey to your audience?
I often use Greco Roman statues and figures to convey platonic idealism. I really wanted to combine the ideas of ancient beauty with more modern concepts. Due to the contrast between present and ancient art and ideas, this fusion has been created. It has it’s own unique style, especially by the fusing of glitch art, which through deconstructing itself enables us to hit inorganic structures and release extra emotions.
How do you feel like the cultural and philosophical themes of Vaporwave have influenced your artwork?
I’m not trying to convey everything word for word. I more often base my work on emotions and visual pleasure than hidden phrases that usually mean nothing.
Do you have a work ritual? Take us through the process of creating your art.
First, I choose the face and prepare it. Then I try to compose everything else beginning with a collage, smoothly deconstructing it through the use of glitch art and colors.
Who are some of your favorite artists, business people, creatives or intellectuals?
I admire musicians the most, but I couldn’t choose a favorite because I have too many of them. Nevertheless, I love their way of expressing emotions. For me, music is the perfect medium that fuels me to create.
Papers, numbers, etc. don’t cheer me up as much as the words from those who admire my work. Their admiration is the greatest honour for me.
Please tell us something about yourself that we may not know that influences your work.
I’ve been through a hard state of depression that occurred during a really prolific time for my art. Now I can openly say that I’m doing good, really good. Now I can create even more. I’m really into music. I listen and I passionately create. I love modelling and design. I take photos and shoot movies. I’m trying to do as much as I possibly can.
What are your plans for the future and direction of your work? How do you see yourself growing as an artist?
I would love to construct an analog effect for glitching, but my main purpose is to establish my own clothing brand. I also want to travel around the world and play, record, and play again.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Be honest and open. If you have a lot of ideas but you have no clue how to act on them, the only thing you can do is develop your skills. If you have skills but no ideas, then open your mind and just present your emotions as they are.
Final Thoughts?
Search for your own unique way of expressing yourself.
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