LONDON.- Chandler Cheng is a cutting-edge artist known for his innovative 3D printing techniques and art that merges biological and mechanical elements. His works often blur the lines between the natural and the artificial, challenging traditional concepts of life forms. From the early stages of his career, Chandler has shown a strong interest in exploring future possibilities through art. This interest stemmed from his experiences creating art during the pandemic and his deep contemplation of the fusion of future and technology in the post-pandemic era as he continuously absorbed external information.
Chandler earned a Master's degree in Design Futures from the Royal College of Art and is currently an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts London. His works have been exhibited in numerous international exhibitions and have won several art awards, showcasing his unique perspective and creativity in the art world.
During the global pandemic from 2020 to 2022, Chandler's works were imbued with a sense of anxiety about the future. One of the most notable pieces from this period is "Space Funeral" Through its clever composition and profound theme, this painting reflects his contemplation on the future predicament of humanity.
The focal point of the painting is a skeleton, staring directly at the viewer through the visor of a spacesuit helmet. The skeleton symbolizes death, while the spacesuit hints at future exploration. This combination provokes thoughts on the progress of technology and the fate of humanity: is technology a promise of hope or a harbinger of danger?
Floating black rocks, red flowers, and a document labeled "Space Funeral" together create a picture rich in symbolism. The black rocks represent obstacles in the universe, the red flowers symbolize the fragility of life, and the document underscores the theme, expressing contemplation on life and death choices in the future.
Chandler uses vivid color contrasts and delicate lines to create a stark and tense visual effect. The blue spacesuit and purple skeleton form a strong contrast, highlighting the theme of life and death. The tightly arranged composition guides the viewer's gaze naturally, interpreting a prophecy about the future of humanity.
Chandler Cheng's "Hope" is a post-pandemic creation that reflects his shift from a pessimistic to an optimistic outlook on humanity's future. The focal point of the painting is a deer standing amidst ruins, with its light blue color contrasting sharply against a pink background, symbolizing rebirth and hope after destruction. However, this painting is not merely a simple expression of hope. Observant viewers will notice the holographic glitch-like patches on the deer's body, quietly questioning: Has hope truly arrived? These glitchy patches add complexity to the painting and subtly convey a doubt about the authenticity of hope.
By skillfully using bright colors and flowing lines, the pink background brings a sense of warmth, contrasting with the deer's light blue, highlighting the theme of hope. The seemingly broken holographic effect adds a layer of deep thought to the painting, hinting at the fragility and uncertainty of hope. Through this painting, Cheng reveals his complex feelings about the future in the post-pandemic era: full of hope yet questioning its reality. The image of the deer in the ruins symbolizes both the vitality of nature and humanity's resilience and doubt in adversity. Overall, Chandler Cheng's "Hope" delivers a visual impact and evokes deep emotional reflection. This piece is not just an artistic presentation but a profound exploration of his questions about the future right after the pandemic ended.
Following this, Chandler applied his reflections on humanity's future to his installation art, creating the "Space Sex Hoop" installation. This piece is composed of metal hoops wrapped in soft fabric, gracefully floating in the zero-gravity environment of space, inviting people to experience a new form of intimacy beyond Earth's gravitational constraints. Through this work, Chandler explores not only space intimacy but also poetically expresses the everyday beauty of zero-gravity living. In this context, every action seems to transform into an elegant floating dance, prompting a reconsideration of the aesthetic value of daily activities. These hoops, gleaming under artificial light, are both simple and visually striking, while also providing practical stability. This perfect blend of form and function showcases Chandler's ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, encouraging us to view art and life from a new perspective. Chandler's "Space Sex Hoop" is not just an artistic delight but a profound exploration of future human interactions.
During the creation of the "Augmented Limb" series, Chandler established his creative focus on the curiosity and exploration of the uncertainties of humanity's future. The "Augmented Limb" series is a perfect blend of sculpture and installation art, utilizing 3D printing and mechanical structures to give the works a visually vibrant form while incorporating a humorous contrast. These pieces not only astonish with their intricate craftsmanship but also provoke thought: how far is our reality from the science fiction worlds depicted in works like "Westworld"? Chandler's "Augmented Limb" series is undoubtedly a bold exploration of future possibilities and a profound reflection on the rapidly changing human society of today.
Chandler's creative journey is one of constant innovation and self-challenge. His works blend art and technology, full of imagination and philosophical depth, leading viewers into a future world of limitless possibilities. Through his art, he continually reminds us that the future is both unknown and hopeful. His pieces not only allow us to appreciate their beauty but also prompt deep reflection on their underlying meaning, sparking endless imagination and a passion for exploring the future.
by Jose Villarreal
Editor, ArtDaily
