BLOOM Collective is proud to present LUX, a meditation on Light in all its forms; Light as physical phenomenon, light as emotional and spiritual metaphor, natural and synthetic light, light as the illumination of new knowledge, of speculative futures and of course light’s necessary counterpoint – darkness. 

With digital art, light can be directly manipulated, programmed and simulated – giving the artist total freedom to create, untethered by physical reality or restrictions.

In this exhibition BLOOM artists have utilized that freedom to extraordinary effect; There are poetic simulations of light and the natural world, speculative hybrid bio-forms, unexpected reflections, beautiful contemplations darkness, and a striking study on the power of the screen.

Technobotanica represents the latest phase of an ongoing explorational project dealing with speculative design concepts of hybrid bioforms. These cybernetic organisms establish a symbiotic bond with their environment, utilizing artificial electronic components to attain an enhanced functionality that supports nourishment, growth frameworks, and novel defense mechanisms.

As part of the LUX release, the artwork series explores visualizing surface materiality through light. While Hummel's earlier works used up to 200 materials to portray objects accurately, Technobotanica utilizes just three: a mirror-like metal chrome, a translucent material, and a special effects material. Through a meticulous arrangement of spotlights across the composition, the individual subjects and their intricate details are brought to life with vivid illumination, captivating the viewer's attention.

In his Anthem series, Lisser explores Leonard Cohen’s well known refrain with a cracked mirror as motif. These works suggest that the broken, the fissured and the fractured can show us the world from a new perspective, reflecting things that are not visible in the whole and pristine.

Digital workflows have an unique ability to manipulate light and reflection in a way that is not possible with traditional artforms. In many programmes, the camera itself is invisible, and objects can be given physical properties to artistic effect. Here, the flowers are only visible as reflection, not as solid entities themselves. Lisser has used this to symbolise that the broken and cracked -can infact - reveal new understandings and perspectives on life itself.

"The Illusion of Connection" is a digital diptych that delves into the paradox of our hyper-connected era. In this two-part series, it focuses on the irony of our times where we are surrounded by devices that promise constant connectivity, yet often leaving us feeling more isolated than ever.

The juxtaposition shown in the works not only highlights the superficiality and transient nature of many digital interactions but also touches upon the deeper loneliness and isolation that can accompany our reliance on devices for connection. The imagery of individuals drawn to the light of their screens, reminiscent of moths to a flame, further underscores the almost compulsive attraction to digital devices, despite their potential to detract from more meaningful human connections.

In the darkness, I am found by light. It touches me tenderly on its endless journey into the void. I resist the light, feeling its slow advance upon me. Gradually, it wears away at me, leaving its marks. Eventually, this void will consume everything.

In this piece, Stephan delves into the realm of Dysthymia, a form of enduring yet subtle depression. The various visual elements convey the complexity, duality, and eventual acceptance inherent in those who grapple with Dysthymia. Much like light in nature, it serves as both a destructive force and a revealer of the hidden beauty within the darkness.

This artwork was crafted using photos captured of city lights during the holiday season. These images were then taught as an AI model, resulting in a fusion of surreal abstract shapes and images. These elements served as the inspiration for the piece combined with digital painting, distorting the festive season into a surreal new world.

While city lights add to the beauty of our surroundings, they also mask the natural light of the sky, obscuring the wonders of nature. Despite this, they serve as a testament to our collective ability to create beauty. Just as the lights of the city come together to form a beautiful spectacle, so too can we join forces to create something truly remarkable. In this way, while city lights may dim the brilliance of the natural world, they also shine as a symbol of our potential for unity and collective creativity.

I closed my eyes and threw myself into the storm, even though I knew it would hurt.

The wind carried us and it felt amazing. Together we flew.

The higher we got, the more I started fearing the fall.

I had to let go. I had to protect my heart.

Part of me wish I never looked down.

All of me hope we'll find each other in another life.

Before you go rebuild you heart, be sure to miss me one more time.

This is the first artwork in a collaboration between Moteh and musician Alex Vargas.

Starlings murmur in vast formations as a safety measure, security in numbers. The patterns of their murmuration emerge due to the phenomenon known as the selfish herd effect. Each individual starling instinctively gravitates towards the flock, gradually compacting it further. This continuous movement persists until the flock reaches a point of dispersion, only to regroup and repeat the dance once more. A reflection on the nature we once took for granted and the one we now inhabit. Our ongoing destruction, constantly repeated, and reflected in this very moment.

The release of the artworks are part of the official NFT Paris Events, featuring two extraordinary gallery exhibitions. The vernissage is open for everyone!

IHAM GALLERY PARIS

Vernissage 24.02.2024 ᛫ 15h - 18h

NFT FACTORY PARIS

Vernissage 28.02.2024 ᛫ The exhibition runs till 2. March