We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ker Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ker, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Growing up in a multi-religious family and being the first-generation college student in my family, coupled with my current life in a diverse city like New York, has sparked my interest in the ever-changing nature of cultural identity and the role that modern technology plays in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. My artistic exploration revolves around the intersection of moving images, sound, and emerging technologies, all of which play crucial roles in the contemporary world. Through my work, I aim to guide the audience in contemplating themes such as myth, identity, and modern values, and how they interact in an ever-evolving world.

Hunting is my thesis project at IDM, it’s a 10-minute immersive experience that explores themes of self-identity, desire, and spirituality through the metaphor of hunting (Pray/Prey). And luckily Hunting has been chosen as an Official Selection for Happy Valley Animation Festival.

Hunting weaves elements of traditional myths creating a narrative that reflects my own experiences. Hunting is a deeply personal project that invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the complex interplay between identity, desire, and spirituality. Hunting combines 3D animation and AI moving images to create a 10-minute installation-based film that reflects on the relationship between myth, identity, and modern values. The installation is a double-sided projection mapping on a circular 360-ring-like screen that hangs from the ceiling, inspired by the rooftop paintings of historical shrines, cathedrals, temples, and mosques.

more info you can find on my project website: https://www.kerchen.com/hunting

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Ker(柯巧) Chen (She/They)

Ker Chen is a multimedia artist who signals through creating virtual worlds and producing live experiences. Ker explores myths, fortune-telling, and AI algorithms to capture data points from the future and validate the present. Concerned with the simulation of sensations by endogenous chemicals, Ker strives to find elements of control within the invisible and chaotic aspects of existence, looking inward to the body, outward to the surrounding environment, and beyond to the external world.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative individual is the ability to express my own emotions and experiences through my art. Creating art is not just a means of self-expression for me; it’s a therapeutic process. Through art, I’m able to confront and process my emotions and the traumas I’ve experienced, which has a significant impact on my personal growth and mental health.

Additionally, when my artwork is completed and presented to the world, it acts like a signal sent out to others. If someone is able to receive this signal and feel a resonance with the emotions expressed in my work, they might find a sense of understanding and acceptance through my art. This invisible connection that is established through creative expression with others, making my work not just a personal expression but also a bridge for emotional resonance and healing for others.

Seeing my art impact others, and possibly even aiding them, brings me immense satisfaction and pride. This feeling is indescribable and stands as one of the most beautiful and valuable rewards of the art creation process.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I firmly believe that creating art is a process of building connections with the world and other people. My goal is to immerse the audience in an environment that evokes a sense of déjà vu, allowing them to relax and engage with the experience. By utilizing immersive technology, I strive to create enchanting artistic environments that transport the audience, making them feel as if they are truly part of the artwork.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kerchen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hereiskerker/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerchen/