FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Psychedelic

Dive into a Hypercolored World of 3D Animation and Groovy Computer Rituals

Motion capture technology and a plethora of 3D software are the ingredients for Ian Valentine’s digital art.

yama feel light

A photo posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Jun 15, 2016 at 1:25pm PDT

The phrase ‘computer rituals’ sounds like an oxymoron: How can a cold set of numbers and digital processes function in a similar vein to a tribal or religious ceremony? Yet artist Ian Valentine, who describes his work precisely as such, manages to bridge the seemingly intangible gap between the two, using animations and graphics that function as hyper-digital portals into a disparate universe.

Advertisement

goodnight 2016 long live tlc

A video posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Dec 31, 2016 at 5:56pm PST

Valentine’s world is mildly reminiscent of our reality but without any limitations in what form can be or how movement can occur, although the degree to which each is distorted varies from work to work. In one animation, an artificially white and seemingly male human body, genitals encased in a box, dances harmoniously to an instrumental version of TLC’s ’94 hit, "Waterfalls," while inside of an unrecognizable black cell. Odd on a formal level, the piece still obeys laws of gravity and is evocative enough of our own world.

no style tiger stripes @sammmo

A video posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Apr 18, 2016 at 3:54pm PDT

In a different animation, yet another artificially colored body dances in an unfamiliar setting, but suddenly floats into the air while rhythmically moving. It begins to distort itself like a hologram, all while maintaining a stern look of stoic concentration. In a way, Valentine’s works seem to inhabit the same singular universe but follow different laws of physics or physical limitations in each iteration he creates, like the ever-varying, but limitless possibilities depicted in the world of The Matrix.

yearbook 2016

A photo posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

May 10, 2016 at 3:39pm PDT

No matter how outlandish the artist’s universe seems to be, it is ultimately thoroughly grounded in reality: “Most of the figure animation comes from motion capture I perform in my apartment, generally involving some passionate, sweaty dancing done with my curtains thoroughly closed,” Valentine suavely tells The Creators Project. “I really like dancing, and it’s nice that I can make my characters go through the anxiety of showing everyone else my silly moves rather than performing them myself.”

Advertisement

tooth drama yep

A video posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Apr 1, 2016 at 1:08pm PDT

Through a fusion of Unreal Engine, 3DS Max, After Effects, and amongst other software, the artist transports his own body into his own universe through a self-proclaimed process of computer-ritualization: “Computer ritual is the best way I can think to describe the process and output of what I’m making. I become sort of entranced by the computer; the interface acts like a medium for accessing this other world as it’s being built,” the artist adds.

it's ok you do your thing @giraffage

A video posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Mar 9, 2016 at 3:06pm PST

“A lot of the workflow becomes ritualized, and in a way, the creative process in this space has a lot to do with exploration. You create and stir in some basic ingredients, and through a series of inexplicable processes and simulators, those ingredients summon new life. But no matter how stable the components of the workflow become and no matter how many times I perform the same rituals, seemingly new and unexpected imagery comes out the other side.”

ask me tomorrow @nosajthing

A video posted by Ian Valentine (@raycast_future_fantasy) on

Mar 4, 2016 at 6:51pm PST

There are two avenues to plunge yourself into Ian Valentine’s work: his Instagram account or alternatively his artist website.

Related:

[Premiere] 3D Dream Paintings Reach Ecstasy in This Music Video

Trip Out on These DMT-Inspired 3D GIF Artworks

Daedelus Invites You to Remix His 3D 'Labyrinths' Album Art