Anthromorph is an Amalgamation of Fantasy, Biology and Digital Intervention
Mixed media artist Anthromorph explores mythical realms and worlds through Playform No-Code AI collaboration.
Through performance and virtual manipulation, mixed media artist Anthromorph challenges the human form and social constructs, which inhibit us from endless possibilities of identity and self-presentation. The artist offers viewers a reality where natural influences like animal patterns, alien textures and forms integrate with human features. Through Playform’s AI capabilities, Anthromorph’s body of work investigates themes of transformative process, metamorphosis and state of becoming.
Previously exhibited at Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nevada, the artist received a Bachelor’s Degree in 3D Effects in Performance and Fashion from University of the Arts London, UK.
Playform sat down with digital creator and performance artist Anthromorph to talk about transformation and evolution, the age of Instagram, and the future of art and AI.
Playform: How did you begin your path as an artist and as Anthromorph?
Anthromorph: The way I started was very organic and I didn't plan to create this character, Anthromorph. When I was younger I always used to draw figures without faces. my art always used to be without faces. I think that was triggered from having face dysphoria and gender dysphoria in general. I lived in a conservative environment, so I was forced to perform as male. In University I had a project where I had to make some masks for a performance. What I liked about the mask was that I could not really see while performing with it, and so I could not see the audience. I couldn’t tell what movements I was making, and for me that was very empowering. It allowed me to actually feel how my body felt while performing without judgement. It gave me a very nice sense of perception, and that led me to want to create more, I started taking pictures and filming videos of myself with the masks. Then I began using Photoshiop and morphing or transforming these images of myself, which also coincided with the beginning of my transition. It was a vessel for me to stick on an identity that I could relate to.
P: Your work references different types of body forms beyond the human form, what kinds of formations influence Anthromorph?
A: Nature had always been a huge inspiration for me because I grew up in Greece, and I would always play with trees and insects, I would observe nature around me. When I realized I was very queer, nature was the only environment that was not rejecting me. In nature, you can really just be whatever you want. I was very drawn to that, and I also grew up watching animal documentaries which also influences my work. I am inspired by the idea of rejecting the human form because the human is what was rejecting me, and going back to an animal form because nature embraced me.
P: Do you think AI is art, and if so how does AI enhance your work?
A: I find the distinction of what is and isn’t art very fascinating. Personally, I think we should see using AI as an extension, as a tool. Using a paintbrush is an artificial tool also. I see that incorporating technology into art allows a new fluidity. I think as long as the tool is tied or connected to the user, any tool can be ours, really. To me, AI is like an organism that offers endless possibilities of results, which is very empowering to be able to have access to as an artist. It's a tool that can be used by any kind of person, and reflects back to you a transformed input, almost like a mirror. AI mirrors humanness in such a way that shows so much about yourself. I see technology as an extension of Anthromorph.
P: You exhibit most of your work online through Instagram. How do you think Instagram plays a role in art?
A: Instagram is a digital space to perform and present in a different or distorted form. It is a platform that legitimizes expression because it is a space where people can break the boundaries. Instagram gives access to a visual presentation in the cyber world, and it relates back to questions of the body and identity because it creates a new, different footprint in a new online dimension.
P: Where do you see the future of art going?
A: I think the queer body art or identity art will have an impact in the art world. I really think we're at a crossing point, as humans, considering what it means to be to be a human. Also with the rise of the Internet, identity politics are being discussed like never before now.
P: What are your specific influences or inspirations for your work?
A: As I mentioned earlier I have always been influenced by the natural world, and specifically by biology and physics. I am fascinated by the deconstruction of reality and the unknown through science. Through science and understanding the natural life force, you come to terms with the idea that reality is an illusion and we are just existing in the material world. Once you are able to let go of the material world, you can explore the human identity in all its forms and possibilities. These ideas are what most influences my work.