Meet Ash Thorp: a visionary artist who blends traditional and digital mediums, and a passionate explorer of the convergence between art and technology.
Ash Thorp is a visual designer whose work has been featured over the years in high profile films like The Batman. Now, his signature cinematic quality and artistry take on a more intimate perspective with the release of his new art series “Nascent”, dropping today, June 27, on ARSNL.art.
Many people know you as a visual designer. Have you always had a fine art practice as well?
Since childhood, I have utilized any and all forms of artistic expression to communicate and understand myself. Even before computers could match the speed of my imagination and curiosity, I eagerly embraced traditional expression of art through pen, paper, oils, canvas, and any medium within my reach. Curiosity has always been at the core of who I am and fuels my artistic journey. I use art as a vessel to explore and seek answers to the countless questions that occupy my mind. Art has been my constant companion my entire life.
“Happiness Pill” in Grid
The Happiness pills seem to touch upon many issues and events that are part of today’s society. Does your art always deal with current events?
I strive to maintain a certain distance from present-day entanglements like politics and religion. However, I cannot deny their influence on me, as they often permeate my surroundings and inevitably seeps into my work, shaping it in various ways. Also, being a history enthusiast, I often immerse myself in historical lessons and literature, seeking a connection or patterns from the past that recur in the present.
“Procreation”
The diptych works look almost like they are videos of real objects rather than digitally created. Have you ever thought of creating physical sculptures of these pieces?
“BLISS”
My ultimate goal is to seamlessly merge the digital and physical realms within my work. Overcoming logistical production challenges is a hindrance, but I am optimistic about finding the best way to bring my work into the tangible world. I envision the convergence of my work between the physical and digital realms will create an immersive and multidimensional experience, pushing the boundaries of traditional art and providing a captivating platform for engagement. It is an exciting journey I’m looking forward to embarking upon soon.
How long did it take you to develop this series of artworks? Will it be ongoing?
The Nascent series isn’t just an output measured by the number of pieces or time on the computer. It represents the culmination of my entire 40-year existence into the art, as every work is a reflection my lifetime's worth of skills and experiences.
Each brushstroke, composition, and creative decision I intently made is a unique contributor to this engaging dialogue communicated within each piece. It is a tribute to the transformative power of art, which continuously shapes and reshapes our understanding of ourselves and the world around us
Who introduced you to NFTs or crypto?
My journey into the world of NFTs began with my friend Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple. He introduced me to the concept and sparked my curiosity about cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and its advancement for artist sovereignty.
It has opened up some incredible opportunities and inspired me to explore this innovative realm further. The transformative power of NFTs has evolved the traditional view of the art world with modern technology, allowing digital art to finally have the spotlight.
Name three of your favorite artists or pioneers in the space.
Refik Anadol on Instagram: “Dear friends, we are so excited to recreate our most ambitious public art and Audio/Visual Performance — Living Architecture : Casa Batlló in Barcelona on the 5th of May! Come, join us to celebrate the genius and beautiful mind of Antoni Gaudí! See you soon :) #gaudi#barcelona#casabatllo”
April 29, 2023
Discuss a piece in your collection that holds significant meaning to you.
Each artwork I create holds immense personal value as they are extensions of my thoughts and experiences. Among this Nascent series, the piece titled "Climax" is a prodigious piece because it was one of the earliest pieces that sparked the internal dialogue and set the trajectory for my artistic journey. My intention was to convey a narrative message within a single image, inviting viewers to engage with their senses. I aimed to make it visually tangible, while also leaving enough room for curiosity and interpretation.
Besides crypto-related topics, what else captures your interest?
Most recently, I became enamored with the realm of Time Trial Cycling, often hailed as the "race of truth." This pursuit, where the rider and machine are pitted against time, has become a profound source of inspiration for me. It has not only helped me channel my focus, but also pushed me to confront my own weaknesses and embark on a journey of self-improvement. Through this discipline, I am refining not just my mind, but also my body, finding new depths within myself.
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@noahbolanowski
Great read!!
@Invisible_me06
Thanks for the article.