On our hunt for interesting collection on the NFT space, we have encountered many interesting concepts, and the work of INTRAFACE is one of them. They are exploring digital creativity with a universe of bold abstractions, vibrant palettes, and thought-provoking concepts. The ethos of “merge with your TV” encapsulates this vision, urging us to reflect on how our physical and digital worlds collide.
At Block, we love to talk with the creators of such collections, so it was a pleasure to discuss INTRAFACE’s unique philosophy, process, and the inspiration behind their body of work.
Concept and Vision
On the Tagline "Merge with Your TV"
Q: Your tagline, “merge with your TV” is both intriguing and evocative. Can you share the story behind this concept and how it reflects your vision?
A: I explore the physically and psychologically all-consuming relationship between human bodies and media. I depict human forms as transformed, distorted, and overtaken by the very devices we use to consume media—until the boundaries between body and machine dissolve entirely.
Anyone familiar with the films of David Cronenberg will recognize the kinship my art has with his vision. Humanity has always been shaped by technology, and stories about this merger have been told for centuries. Yet, these narratives often swing between naively utopian or hopelessly dystopian extremes. Cronenberg, however, resides in the gray area. He explores the ambiguities of this fusion—its pleasures and pains alike. His fascination with the symbiosis of technology, medicine, and the human body has profoundly influenced my artistic vision.
The idea of merging humans and machines taps into deep-seated anxieties about the erosion of these boundaries. ‘Merge with your TV’ encapsulates this unsettling relationship. It challenges viewers to confront its complexities head-on.
Exploring Use of Abstraction
Q: Your work shows vibrant colors and abstract forms that seem to tell stories beyond words. What inspires these choices, and how do they help you communicate your ideas?
A: The two defining stylistic choices in my work are using a bright pastel color palette and incorporating ‘retro’ technology that feels out of place in an age dominated by smartphones and social media.
I use pastel colors not to 'soften' the horror in my work, but to amplify the ambiguity I’ve mentioned earlier, and, in fact, to heighten the unease. I like juxtaposing grim and unsettling elements with cheerful, seemingly innocuous ones, as it adds an extra layer of dissonance to my work. These hues also give the images a surreal, dreamlike quality, reflecting how technology constructs its own glossy, alluring alternate reality—one that often masks its more troubling implications for humanity.
Retro devices, on the other hand, evoke a disarming sense of nostalgia. At the same time, they remind us of the fleeting nature of the technologies we fetishize, as they rapidly become obsolete. These worn-out, vintage electronics contribute to the overall sense of decay and corrosion in my work.
The Process
Technology and Creation
Q: The digital medium offers infinite possibilities. What’s the process to create these pieces, and what role does technology play in it?
A: Technology is central to my creative process. I primarily use Stable Diffusion, an open-source image generation tool, which offers remarkable flexibility when paired with a mix of self-trained and freely available LoRAs and checkpoints.
The raw outputs often have unexpected artifacts, which I tend to embrace as unique elements rather than flaws. For non-photorealistic goals, these 'imperfections' can transform into desirable quirks, often leading to delightful surprises. Still, AI-generated images frequently display noticeable issues, like distorted anatomies or illogical proportions, which I may refine. My process nearly always includes a secondary stage of manual editing—cutting, combining, pasting, and inpainting—where I either amplify these inconsistencies or address them, ensuring the image aligns with my creative vision.
NFTs and Social Media
Q: The NFT space has opened up new opportunities for digital artists. How has joining this space influenced your work, and what challenges or opportunities have you encountered along the way?
A: I’m still finding my way! It’s a world with its own trends and jargon, and I’m still figuring things out. What excites me is the ability to connect directly with an audience and cut out the 'middlemen.'
There’s a lot of variety in the NFT world—something for everyone. That said, new artists and collectors must tread carefully because scammers are out there.
The accessibility of this space appeals to me. While I love visiting art museums, exhibitions are curated by gatekeepers, making it tough for emerging artists to break through. NFTs, on the other hand, allow artists to present their work to anyone interested. It feels like a more open, democratic platform for art.
Q: Your Instagram profile shows a dynamic range of your creations. How do you use social media to connect with your audience, and how does this interaction shape your practice?
A: While I wouldn’t call myself super active, it’s going amazingly well so far—I gain new followers daily!
Knowing that my work resonates with a global audience motivates me to keep creating and sharing. I’d love to engage even more with my followers to hear their thoughts. It encourages me to grow as an artist.
Looking Ahead
Q: The digital art scene is constantly changing. What themes, mediums, or technologies are you excited to explore next in your artistic journey?
A: I’ve got a few digital art projects in progress that will explore different themes, and I’ll likely upload them under a separate alias to keep things distinct.
As for new technologies, I’m still very excited about software like Stable Diffusion. I plan to explore AI art further. Of course, a lot depends on budget, but I’m optimistic about the future.
Q: If there’s one experience or message you’d like your audience or collectors to take away from your art, what would it be?
A: Beware the digital abyss—our humanity hangs in the balance!
For those interested in exploring or collecting their art, visit INTRAFACE at: