“CLUB KARMA” is a satirical multimedia piece that uses speculative design and performance to explore the entangled relationships between technology, commerce, art, and spirituality. Blending absurdism with sincerity and concern, the video interrogates how belief systems are manufactured and monetized in contemporary culture, positioning the artist as both shaman and entrepreneur.
List of programs used:
3D Scanning: Artec 3D and Polycam
3D Modeling: ZBrush and Fusion360
3D Animation: Maya
Physical Computing: Arduino IDE
AI Tools: Hailuo AI, DeepAi and Hyper3D
Compositing: Adobe Suite
Original Sculpting: Clay blocks
List of programs used:
3D Scanning: Artec 3D and Polycam
3D Modeling: ZBrush and Fusion360
3D Animation: Maya
Physical Computing: Arduino IDE
AI Tools: Hailuo AI, DeepAi and Hyper3D
Compositing: Adobe Suite
Original Sculpting: Clay blocks
Design Decisions:
Each sculpture was originally modelled in clay, 3D scanned and edited/textured within ZBrush. They were then animated within Maya, and 3D printed in various materials (acrylic, resin and stainless steel).
The fortune reader functions using RFID tags placed within the boxes.
The clay filled boxes depict a perversion and simplification of Michelangelo’s idea which suggested that the job of a sculptor was to remove excess material around preexisting forms.
Venus: Modeled after the ‘Venus of Dolní Věstonice’. The first evidence of figurative ceramic sculpture. This figure speculates how the figure may have looked completed. Its fortune references Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem ‘The Archaic Torso of Apollo.’
The Dog: Inspired by the mythological story of Laelaps, the dog who always catches its prey. In my rendition, The Dog has sunken eyes, and chases in circles after his tail. This references his chase after the ‘Teumessian Fox’. The prey which always escapes
The Bull: A personal mythos I’ve developed which satirizes toxic masculinity. A bull who painfully and proudly props themself up on their genitals which happen to be so large, they’re left glued to the floor.
The Hedgehog: Developed from Schopenhauer’s hedgehog dilemma, this figure depicts a starving little guy. Its associated fortune — “They think you might as well be The Fool” — reflects its own inner voice, despite being the fan favorite for its relative cuteness. It’s sharp yet gentle, and begging to be held, akin to the human condition.
The Fool: Modeled after myself, this figure depicts an upper body grasping a star. The star pierces the figure’s hand, and its color runs like poison through The Fool’s veins. The meaning of the star shifts depending on who is holding it but this warning should register to all. Tread carefully when the future is in your hands.
DP: @vglongo
Testimonial 1: @ethanthwaites
Testimonial 2: @saved_styling
Testimonial 3: @fakehauswives
Testimonial 4: @elverthethird