Digital artist JJ Low talks about his relationship with fashion as an artist, and how he uses his art to push boundaries.
Of the rare upsides to emerge from this pandemic, the renewed investment in digital ideas across industries is easily one. Years ago, the notion of selling digital images in an auction would have seemed outlandish, if not impossible.
While the fashion industry has been historically reluctant to jump on the technological bandwagon, we have seen designers in recent years experiment with various digital mediums from virtual runways and future-wearable NFTs. Fashion houses and designers alike have experimented with various digital mediums from virtual runways to future-wearable NFTs and as digital art becomes more prominent in the industry, its interest in art is now ever more restless and desired as it arrests opportunities at a whole new level.
Keen to depict the surrealism of worldbuilding through his works, JJ Low is at Singapore’s forefront of digital art in fashion media. “The digital dimensions I create are usually ones that are disconnected from reality.”, says Low. “3D gives [fashion] that extra kick, spark, and flair which is just enough to catch your eye and peak one’s interest. It brings a unique perspective to the image and departs from the conventional physical backdrops that people have gotten so used to.”
View this post on Instagram
For those who are not familiar with your fantasy world yet, who is JJ Low aka @jjlowxyz? What is your background?
I am a freelance self-taught 3D artist that specialises in digital environments, image-making, and 3D sculpting. I majored in Visual Communications during my polytechnic years where I studied graphic design, motion graphics, and photography.
Does your work simulate an alternate world or is it a more critically aware version of the one we already live in?
The digital dimensions I create are usually ones that are disconnected from reality. My realms vary depending on the concept and subject which range from aliens, and mechanical creations to nature-inspired environments, or a blend of multiple influences; whatever that enhances and amplifies the vision of the project.
View this post on Instagram
I like to envision that my environments exist in higher dimensions where the laws of physics are nonexistent. And the subjects themselves are on an otherworldly plane.
Fashion is integrated within most (if not all) of your pieces. Why do you think the fashion world gels so well with yours?
I believe that fashion is always looking for something new to grab onto. Particularly in the digital age where we are overstimulated and bombarded with so much content, it’s pretty easy to get lost in the sea of scrollable content.
3D gives that extra kick, spark, and flair which is just enough to catch one’s eye and pique his interest. It brings a unique perspective to the image and is a departure from the conventional studio backdrops that we have gotten so used to.
View this post on Instagram
The standard of what is considered a beautiful image has changed drastically in fashion media. Your work seems to be a part of this change in Singapore. What are your thoughts?
I did not expect to be a part of this movement, to be honest! Working with magazine publications and such was a dream of mine that I never thought would be an actual reality. I hope my artworks are able to inspire others just like how many others have inspired me.
Do you consider your work to be beautiful?
Beauty is subjective but yes, I do find my artworks beautiful. It’s more so with the projects that I have more creative control over such as @abysmal.khaos, which is a clothing brand my friend and I created that I feel exemplifies that visual eye candy. Similar to the way I find deep-sea creatures beautiful: it’s odd, at times terrifying but there’s a certain uniqueness and beauty that shines through. But in general, I do find all my works beautiful in their own distinctive way.
View this post on Instagram
You usually present bodies and faces far from the established beauty canons. Do you think art is a good way to question what is socially considered right or wrong, beautiful or ugly, desirable or criticisable? In your case, what’s behind your intention to run away from normative standards?
I do feel that art is an excellent medium to challenge the status quo. As artists, we can often convey and weave narratives that push against conventional norms and plant seeds of thought, sometimes even without saying a word.
To be honest, I just wanted to try something new and explore the limits of what we consider humanoid or human-looking. I find it so much more interesting rather than replicating something from the real world.
Of all the pieces you’ve done so far, is there any you’re particularly proud of? In your opinion, what is essential in your creations to make you feel that they are good enough?
The piece that I draw to the most is the recent work I did for a magazine that featured Singaporean musician yeule. I created 3D water sculptures that swirled and expanded around them. Visually, it was pretty simple but it was pretty mesmerising.
I value the storytelling aspect of my creations. I am most satisfied with my work when they have effectively communicated my intentions across.
View this post on Instagram
Do you think fashion advertising and campaigns are headed towards a 3D future? Will the system now that includes models, photographers and stylists become obsolete?
Yes, of course, it is pretty hard to escape 3D now since we are currently entering an age of content consumption with VR/AR as well as the birth of the Metaverse and NFTs. So I do not see 3D going away anytime soon.
3D is a supplement to the work so I do not think that models, photographers, and stylists are going to be out of jobs as of now. However, I do think in the future, there is a possibility of 3D taking over.
Could you recommend us other digital-based artists that inspire you?
I have discovered several digital artists that have collaborations with musicians. For example, someone I look up to is Frederik Hey man. He creates mind-bending visuals for the likes of Arca, Lady Gaga, and Gentle Monster. The amount of time and detail that goes into each of his scenes is truly astonishing. I love how prevalent the themes of technology and rebirth are in his works. I also admire Rodolfo H. and Bryan Hyunh’s works.
They usually work together to create the most jaw-dropping, ethereal visuals mostly for musician Grimes and also several other fashion editorials as well.Lastly, Olia Svetlanova. Svetlanova mostly deals with eccentric alien-looking beings and forms and her works have inspired me to try out my very first 3D sculpture. She recently created visualisers for the American singer-songwriter, SASAMI for a track off her sophomore album.
RELATED ARTICLES
