Digital Paradise
Showing the digital stars of our time, these large works zoom in on the digital worlds of YouTube and Twitch. A new type of celebrity has formed, through different means and with different intentions, they form a contrast with the big popstars we all know.
These works are part of museum exhibition #Blessed, which focuses on the connection between classical religious imagery and modern day idols. They tell the story of how in our times celebrities are viewed, and how this compares to worship.In essence, the narrative is about the human urge to seek something higher then one’s self. Whether that comes in the shop of a saint or a celebrity, it seems we as a species have this deeper need to seek these idols.
The paintings combine digital art with classic painting, they reflect on art history while staying very grounded in contemporary times.
Grounded is also a key characteristic of the people depicted in these works. In contrast to superstars like Beyonce, these celebrities show a very human side of their persona. Their careers on YouTube and Twitch are built on a foundation of interaction with their audience, and showing their true colors. They are just like the rest of us, or so it appears.