MAOTIK: The Pursuit to Reveal the Invisible

Something more—a dialogue between what we perceive and what we’ve lived. French digital artist MAOTIK invites us to look beyond the surface; through his immersive spectral installations and hypnotic audiovisual performances, he challenges not just what we see, but how we experience it.

My work is inspired by a desire to explore different media and environments, and to create generative tools that engage audiences in diverse locations

MAOTIK

Often described as a fusion of art and technology, MAOTIK strives to create an active encounter, not a passive observation, through a pursuit to reveal the invisible. He often incorporates audiences as he stretches perception through the power of generative art, sound, algorithms, and data, fully immersing them in art as an experience.

In Erratic Weather, a performance driven by atmospheric data, MAOTIK explores the intersection of art and science, revealing the beauty in environmental unpredictability; his Sense of Blue, presented at Art Basel in 2021, offered a celestial experience crafted through minimal yet sophisticated tools.

Then there’s his interactive installation, INNER LIFE, which reacts to the movement of the public; the audience generates abstract visual compositions—a blend of watercolour-like paintings and natural behaviours—that trigger soundscapes that shift in response to their actions.

In his latest project at London’s W1 Curates SUPERPOSITION sees him collaborate with DJ Tennis and Ashee in an audiovisual installation designed for W1 Curates’ multi-screen architecture. MAOTIK has earned international acclaim, with his works featured at celebrated events and exhibitions worldwide, from Sonar to Art Basel, Frieze London, and the Miraikan Science Museum in Tokyo, among others.

MAOTIK evokes moments of awakening, expanding the world as we thought we knew it—like the Keymaker in The Matrix, breaking down the barriers between perception, art, and the observer.

Hi MAOTIK, thanks for speaking with us. Could you start by sharing your journey into the arts and what inspired you to pursue a career as an artist?

MAOTIK: I began my career in the arts with my studies in Digital Media Production at the London College of Communication (LCC) while I was living in London. I then went on to complete a Master’s in Digital Arts in Barcelona, which further reinforced my
passion for the field. I am a curious individual, and I am driven by the desire to
explore the intersection of art and technology.

I am committed to pushing boundaries and questioning the role of these two disciplines in our society. By developing my own software to create and perform my work, I merge technical skill with artistic expression. Each project represents a stepping stone for the next, and I am continuously discovering new ideas and techniques that fuel my desire to explore further in my future creations.

Your practice integrates art, science, and technology to create immersive environments, interactive installations, digital architectural sculptures, and audio visual performances. Could we explore your creative process further and discuss the themes that inform your work?

MAOTIK: My main area of focus is the development of real-time systems that have the potential to be applied across a wide range of fields and disciplines. My work is inspired by a desire to explore different media and environments, and to create generative tools that engage audiences in diverse locations. One of the key elements of my practice is the pursuit of revealing the invisible, which I often attempt to do through the analysis of data.

This could potentially involve processing sound frequencies in live performances or utilizing weather data for installations like FLOW.

By integrating these elements, I design systems where I don’t exert full control,
intentionally leaving space for improvisation and unexpected behaviors. This introduces an element of unpredictability, fostering a dynamic interaction between myself and the technology I employ. The result is an interplay where randomness injects life into the artwork, allowing it to evolve organically. This collaborative exchange between artist and machine generates unique outcomes, enriching the experience for both the creator and the audience.

Building on that, how do you see art, science, and technology influencing and enhancing each other in your work? How does this intersection push the boundaries of traditional artistic expression?

MAOTIK: It could be said that technology, much like science, is in a constant state of evolution. Artists have historically been pioneers in exploring new technologies, from the discovery of electricity and photography to other major innovations. Digital media is just the latest in this long tradition.

Every day, I feel encouraged to learn, experiment with, and explore new advancements, given the rapid pace of innovation. I am particularly interested in
exploring the potential of blending different forms of media, such as imagery, sound,
architecture and more, to create immersive and multifaceted experiences.

Digital media, in particular, offers a wealth of possibilities for creative fusion, allowing us not only to combine different art forms but also to explore new frontiers by developing innovative languages of expression. It offers us the opportunity to consider how we listen to music, perceive visual arts, and engage with both in experiential and
transformative ways.

Can we talk about your reality-shifting environments that often challenge the audience’s perception of space and reality, such as in works like Layers of the Earth? What philosophical or scientific questions about reality and perception inspire you when creating these immersive environments?

MAOTIK: The location inspired me for the Layers of the Earth project. Carré Theatre in
Amsterdam has a unique design. It has a traditional stage and a circular floor used for
horse shows. The ceiling height made me think that projecting onto the floor could
create a truly immersive environment. At the same time, I read an article about how the Earth’s inner core had slowed down and started spinning in the opposite direction.

This made me want to learn more about the Earth’s layers. I then came up with a story about going on a journey to the center of the Earth, combining science, music and art. Other projects such as Flow, Light Bearers and Erratic Weather are also profoundly influenced by the natural environment and address significant issues such as climate change, which has a global impact. Although I do not seek to achieve strict scientific precision in my work, I find it intriguing to integrate tangible data, such as meteorological patterns and wind speed, into my systems.

By doing so, I create data-driven experiences that enable the audience to physically engage with these elements, evoking sensations comparable to observing a sunset or walking by the ocean.

In your installation Inner Life, human movement was central to the experience. How do you think movement-based interaction enhances the connection between the viewer and the digital world? What does this reveal about the evolving relationship between the human body and technology?

MAOTIK: Innerlife is a site specific installation that offers the audience the opportunity to engage directly with the artwork. The system is designed to track users’ positions and generate visuals and sound based on their movements and behaviors.

In designing this type of experience, my aim is to provide participants with the freedom to explore and connect with their emotions in their own way. This approach differs from traditional methods, where as a creator, you might anticipate a specific reaction. Instead, I observe a range of responses, some people stand still, others jump, run, dance or simply sit down and contemplate the piece. The multi-user aspect also encourages interaction between participants, fostering a sense of connection much like what we experience in public spaces.

Collaboration plays a key role in your practice, spanning multiple disciplines—from music and dance to architecture and science. How do these collaborations inform your creative process? Are there any particular challenges or Insights that arise when working across such varied fields?

MAOTIK: I have a deep appreciation for all forms of artistic expression. I am always interested in the practices of other artists and enjoy merging different creative worlds together. My focus is on the project, not my individual role as the artist. I am convinced that each project is enriched by the contributions and inspirations of everyone involved.

The result is something unique that is not solely a reflection of one artist’s vision, but a collaborative creation shaped through study and collective effort. I also love
collaborating with scientists and researchers. I have learned a great deal from them
and find that our approaches are quite similar. Both fields involve experimenting,
rapidly prototyping, and refining ideas to achieve meaningful results.

Your latest collaboration, SUPERPOSITION with DJ Tennis and Ashee at London’s W1 Curates, is an audio visual installation specifically designed for the multi-screen architecture of W1 Curates. Can you tell us more about the project, how it came about, and what visitors can expect to experience?

MAOTIK: A few months ago, DJ Tennis reached out to me with the idea of collaborating on an immersive experience inspired by a music album he had been working on with Joseph Ashée. I was immediately drawn to the concept of creating an audio-responsive architectural installation, especially in a venue like W1 Curates, known for its world-class screen quality. This project is a collaborative effort between myself, DJ Tennis’s new project, Teenashee, and W1 Curates.

It merges visuals, sound, and architecture into one cohesive experience. The audience will be immersed in a responsive environment, embarking on a sonic journey through a unique space filled with luminous screens and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Looking ahead, what new themes or projects are you passionate about exploring? How do you envision the evolution of your work in the coming years?

MAOTIK: I want to explore narrative and storytelling within the realm of digital media. As I’ve already stated, I’m driven by a passion for researching new forms of expression and telling stories that transcend the limitations of linear time, unfolding through events. My work is defined by its generative aspect, which I achieve by using algorithms that change the content with each exhibition. This approach gives the system a sense of life, creating an evolving piece that I never tired of, because it constantly iterates and adapts.

I view it as a living organism. I’m also intrigued by new game engines like Unreal, which allow creators to produce cinematic experiences from home. Currently,
I’m exploring collaborations with filmmakers to develop fully immersive experiences that are grounded in strong narratives. I’m trying to create deeper, story-driven engagement, while also inventing new media support to experience it.

Lastly, could you share the philosophy that guides your art? How do you understand the core importance of art in your life and career?

MAOTIK: I believe that our character is shaped by our life experiences, the environment in which we grew up, and the depths of our unconscious mind. Having spent my childhood in the countryside of Brittany, surrounded by nature, I think these early experiences have had a significant impact on my work. The natural world I was immersed in during my formative years has deeply influenced my artistic perspective and creative expression.

I am interested in exploring physical experiences in sound and immersive environments. I find that sound is a remarkably powerful medium for conveying emotions, and I believe that combining it with imagery within these new immersive spaces can enhance its impact even further. This fusion of sensory elements creates a richer, more profound experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the audience and a more powerful emotional resonance.

©2024 MAOTIK