By: Zach Miller
Can technology shape creativity? World-renowned creative artist Tak Salmstyan proves that art and technology may coexist in one medium, or rather, on a single canvas. The creative arts open up numerous dimensions where technology can be blended, and Tak has done just that. His vision has led to a distinctive blend of mathematics and art, which he refers to as BinArtism™.
Born in Armenia during the Soviet period, Tak Salmastyan has explored new approaches to modern visual storytelling through his concept of BinArtism™. Tak’s journey began in Soviet Armenia, where his heritage and curiosity laid the groundwork for his creative mindset and passion for production and expression. After moving to Los Angeles, he embraced his new environment’s cultural and technological influences, inspiring his groundbreaking work. Today, Tak is based in Los Angeles and He continues to create visual works that have garnered attention from many.
Tak’s artistic philosophy, BinArtism™, is a painting style rooted in the binary number system of 0s and 1s. This technique uses binary digits to represent human, animal, or abstract silhouettes, with 0 symbolizing the feminine and one the masculine. The background often features binary-encoded words or phrases, adding layers of meaning to each piece. By intertwining numerical expression with artistic creativity, BinArtism™ captures the essence of our digital era.
This method serves as a creative tool and draws inspiration from modern life. The titles of Tak’s paintings, such as The Binary Numbers in Love: The Zero & The One, suggest how dualities like order and chaos, or logic and emotion, can coexist.
Photo Courtesy: The BinArtism™ by Tak Salmstyan
Tak’s perspective on art goes beyond aesthetics. He does not want to be confined by labels like surrealist, cubist, impressionist, or more but prefers to identify as an “artist” only. “My paintings are not about what we saw, what we see, what we will see,” he explains. “My paintings are about what we felt when we saw, what we feel when we see, and what we will feel when we will see.” This emotional depth sets his work apart, inviting viewers to explore their reactions to the interplay of colors, forms, and codes.
Tak’s unique identity plays a significant role in his creative persona. A friend once referred to him as a “Spiritual Hooligan,” a term Tak found meaningful and later combined with his name, Takvor, meaning “The King.” This fusion led him to adopt the title “The King of Spiritual Hooligans,” reflecting his bold approach to art and life.
Photo Courtesy: The BinArtism™ by Tak Salmstyan
Beyond his paintings, Tak is a passionate educator who views teaching as a way to inspire future generations. His students often speak of his ability to motivate them to excel in all aspects of life. For Tak, education and art share a common goal: encouraging people to think creatively and embrace their potential.
Through BinArtism™, Tak Salmastyan explores the intersection of technology and human emotion. His work offers a fresh perspective on the evolving nature of art in a high-tech world, blending innovation with imagination to reflect contemporary times.
Published by Charlie N.
