Image Commercially Licensed from: Depositphotos

By: Anne Schulze

Standing out in the fiercely competitive art world often requires an unconventional approach. Shuwan Chen epitomizes this strategy by pushing the boundaries of visual art’s traditional norms and expectations. She introduces new artistic creativity as she explores and harnesses the aesthetic potential of digital glitches, leading to unique pieces that are recognizable and impactful and carving a niche for herself in the industry. 

In an interview with the New York Weekly Staff, Chen delves into her journey of defying unconventional boundaries and her vision behind co-founding :iidrr gallery as a space where bold artists’ unique art is celebrated and given the deserving spotlight. 

Can you explain the concept of art created from digital glitches? How do you harness these glitches in your creative process?

My art revolves around the concept of transforming digital glitches into art. These glitches are usually seen as errors in the digital sphere, but I see them as moments of unexpected beauty, blending technology and creativity. They represent the imperfections in both the digital and physical worlds.

I collect and modify digital images with intriguing glitches with advanced software and machine learning. Blending technical skill and artistic vision leads to unique artworks, like photographs and sculptures, that challenge conventional views of beauty and perfection.

By materializing these digital flaws, I aim to stir thoughts on technology’s role in shaping our perception of beauty and art. This stretches traditional art boundaries, encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty in the unforeseen and rethink art in the digital era.

What is most rewarding about transforming digital glitches into art forms?

The most rewarding aspect is uncovering beauty in the unexpected. Glitches are mistakes, but within these errors lies an opportunity to create something truly unique and thought-provoking. For me, it’s about challenging the viewer’s perception, making them pause and reconsider what constitutes art and beauty. Each glitch tells a story, often unexpected, sometimes chaotic. Capturing and transforming these into tangible art pieces allows me to explore the delicate balance between order and disorder, perfection and imperfections, reflecting the inherent unpredictability of life itself. 

Ultimately, seeing the audience engage with my work and witnessing their reactions and interpretations is the most rewarding part. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that through my art, I’m able to provide a new perspective, spark curiosity, and perhaps even change the way people think about the intersection of technology and art.

How does your process of creating art differ from traditional visual artists?

My artistic process diverges from traditional methods by incorporating technology and digital elements. Unlike typical visual arts that use manual skills and materials like paint and clay, I start digitally, employing tools such as 3D modeling software and machine learning to create art. My initial step involves gathering digital glitches or ‘waste,’ which I then sculpt digitally.

After creating the digital design, I transition it to the physical world through techniques like 3D printing or traditional photographic methods, creating tangible sculptures or prints. This combination of digital and physical mediums distinguishes my work from conventional art.

My background in Sociology and Japanese studies shapes my art. It’s not only about how it looks, but also about expressing ideas about society and culture. This mix of academics with art and technology adds depth to my work, combining visual appeal with meaningful messages.

How has your multicultural background shaped your artistic expression?

Growing up in China and then studying and working abroad has greatly influenced my art. My Chinese roots deepen my understanding of traditional culture and art, which I mix with modern and international styles. Studying Sociology and Japanese in Australia helped me learn about different societies and cultures, which I also incorporate into my work.

Learning about Japanese culture added to my understanding of art forms and styles. My time in London introduced me to a wide range of artistic approaches. All these experiences have helped me develop a unique style that combines Eastern and Western art. This way, my art appeals to many people, blending my Chinese background with global themes and techniques.

As the co-founder of :iidrr gallery, what steps did you take to bring this venture to life?

Bringing :iidrr to life was a journey that combined vision, collaboration, and perseverance. As a co-founder, my first step was to define the mission and vision of the gallery clearly. We wanted :iidrr to be a space that showcased innovative digital and physical art and fostered a community of artists who were pushing the boundaries of these mediums. Once we had a clear vision, we next found the right location. We sought a space in New York that would be accessible and appealing to a broad audience yet conducive to our exhibitions’ unique and interactive nature. 

Building a strong network was another vital step. This involved connecting with artists, curators, and art professionals who shared our enthusiasm for contemporary art. Developing a robust programming calendar was essential. We planned a series of exhibitions and events that would showcase diverse artistic talents and engage and challenge our audience. This programming was designed to reflect our commitment to innovation and cultural dialogue. 

Lastly, marketing and outreach were significant in bringing :iidrr to life. We utilized various social media platforms to promote our gallery and its events. Engaging with the online and offline community helped us build a following and establish :iidrr as a notable presence in the New York art scene.

What inspired the name “:iidrr”? Is there a particular significance behind it?

The inspiration for the name, “:iidrr” came about unexpectedly during a summer coding course I attended in 2020. In that class, we were asked to build a website and come up with a name. I’ve always been enthusiastic about creating spaces that gather people with shared interests, especially in art and technology. While brainstorming for the website, I accidentally typed ‘iidrr’, and it instantly resonated with me. The randomness of how ‘iidrr’ came to be felt fitting, as it reflected art’s creative and unpredictable nature. 

To give it a distinctive, tech-forward edge, I added a colon at the beginning, symbolizing the blend of technology, art, and the element of surprise that we wanted to capture. Since then, ‘:iidrr’ has become a digital space where artists can connect, share, and explore the intertwining of art and technology. 

What unique experiences and artworks does :iidrr provide to its visitors?

Visitors to the gallery can expect to see a diverse range of artworks, from digital installations that interact with viewers to sculptures born out of advanced 3D printing technologies.

One of the key experiences is the integration of interactive elements in many of our exhibitions. Art should not just be observed but experienced and interacted with. Some of our digital installations use sensors or augmented reality, inviting visitors to become a part of the artwork altering it with their movements or choices. We also feature works that challenge the conventional use of materials and methods. This includes artists who use traditional mediums in unconventional ways or combine different materials to create something new.  It’s about presenting art that delights visually, provokes thought, and challenges perceptions. 

We host talks and workshops that allow visitors to engage more deeply with the art and the artists. These events are opportunities for learning, discussion, and community building, where visitors can gain insights into the creative processes and concepts behind the artworks.

By curating diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, :iidrr have contributed to the vibrant art scene in New York, providing visitors worldwide with experiences beyond traditional art viewing. 

How have you overcome the difficulties in establishing and sustaining :iidrr?

Establishing and sustaining :iidrr has been a journey filled with challenges but also immense learning and growth. One of the primary difficulties we faced was finding the right balance between our artistic vision and the commercial realities of running a gallery. We had to ensure that our passion for showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing art aligned with practical aspects like market viability and financial sustainability. To overcome this, we focused on building strong relationships with artists, collectors, and the broader art community, which helped us create a diverse and appealing program of exhibitions. 

Another challenge was staying relevant. We continuously scout for emerging talents and new technologies that can bring fresh perspectives to the gallery. We also adapt our programming to reflect current trends and discussions, ensuring we remain a dynamic and forward-thinking space. 

In your perspective, what does it mean to be ‘unconventional’ in visual art? Do you believe that embracing an unconventional approach has its advantages?

Being ‘unconventional’ in visual art means breaking away from traditional methodologies and expectations to explore new territories and expressions in art.  Unconventional art often pushes boundaries, asks questions, and dares to be different, allowing for greater creative freedom and innovation that leads to more engaging and thought-provoking artworks that resonate with contemporary audiences often looking for something fresh and meaningful.  

In the context of digital art, being unconventional involves integrating the latest technology and exploring the interplay between the digital and physical worlds in novel ways to add a deeper layer of meaning and interaction to the artwork. 

Moreover, unconventional art has the power to connect with viewers on different levels. It can stimulate intellectual curiosity, evoke emotional responses, or provoke debates. This can be particularly impactful in a gallery setting like :iidrr, where we aim not just to display art but to create an immersive and interactive experience for our visitors. 

What makes you an unconventional visual artist? What aspects of your work and approach make you unconventional?

I find elegance in the imperfection of glitches. I manipulate these glitches into new forms using advanced digital tools, turning them into new visually compelling and conceptually rich artworks. 

Another specific aspect that sets me apart is my approach to materiality. For instance, in my ‘Glitches(0,0)’ series, I create digital images and bring them into the physical realm through 3D printing. This process results in tangible sculptures that embody digital concepts, offering a unique experience that challenges the viewers’ perception of digital art. 

My background in Sociology is also vital. It enables me to infuse my art with a deeper understanding of social and cultural dynamics, which is quite unconventional in digital art. My art doesn’t just appeal aesthetically; it engages viewers intellectually, inviting them to ponder societal and cultural themes. 

Can you tell us about some of the recognitions and awards your work has received? How have these honors influenced your career?

One of the most significant recognitions was receiving an Honorable Mention at the International Photography Awards. This accolade was for my ‘Glitches(0,0)’ series, which explores the beauty of digital imperfections. Receiving such recognition on an international platform was an honor and a validation of my approach to blending technology and art. 

Another milestone was my participation in major exhibitions like the ‘Island of Light’ Exhibition at NYU CSSA. These platforms allowed me to present my work to a broader audience and engage with other artists and critics. 

I am fortunate to have received these recognitions that enhanced my visibility in art and established my credibility as an innovative visual artist. They have opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations and have been a source of inspiration to continue exploring uncharted territories in digital art.