RICHARD NADLER: KINOKO DREAMS
Part of a series of articles & interviews released digitally that were first published in the print edition of the Bright Moments Quarterly that was distributed at Bright Moments Paris in Paris, France in February, 2024.
(Self-developed tool - no name): I became involved in digital art in 2021 through an unexpected introduction to the Tezos blockchain and its thriving art scene. Growing up in a family deeply passionate about art, with a grandfather who created captivating works during World War II and a father who collected African art across the continent, I was immersed in a rich artistic environment. My mother, a hobbyist painter, further fueled my connection to the art world, encouraging me to participate in her painting sessions.
The catalyst for my foray into digital art was an invitation from my friend Daniel Liebert to explore the Tezos blockchain and its integration with art, specifically through NFTs. This marked the beginning of my fascination with the intersection of technology and art, leading me to collect over 22,000 NFTs on Tezos and continually expand my collection.
As I immersed myself in this vibrant digital art community, I found inspiration to not only appreciate but also create my own art. The journey began as a response to the incredible pieces I encountered daily, prompting me to explore ways to express my artistic inclinations.
Describing my art involves delving into the profound emotional connection I share with the memories of trips across Japan with my late father. Having spent my formative years visiting him while he worked in Japan, my father was my best friend and mentor. His passing when I was 18 fueled my decision to channel the cherished moments spent together into my artistic endeavors. My art serves as a unique visual reflection of the memories associated with those Japanese travels.
While the question of why an Austrian artist focuses on Japanese-themed art arises, my personal history provides the answer. The embroidery style I employ in my art serves to enhance the tactile experience, inviting viewers to almost feel the need to touch the display as they engage with my creations. This style resonates deeply with me, influencing my choice for its incorporation into my art.
My artistic process involves the utilization of a specially trained and customized AI model developed over the past few years. Each new series requires a fresh round of data training, allowing me to refine the model based on text and images. For instance, my 2023 series, "Yamabushi's Horizons," drew inspiration from books and stories about the Japanese landscape, as well as personal photographs I captured during my journeys.
In essence, my journey into digital art is not only a testament to the transformative power of technology in the art world but also a deeply personal exploration of my memories and emotions, encapsulated in the unique visual language I've developed through my art.
