Seph Li
Seph Li is an artist based in London, United Kingdom.
Seph Li is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '21.
Seph engages technology to create poetic interactive experiences within defined systems. He searches for dynamic equilibriums in nature and traditional culture, then re-imagines them into interactive systems through digital technology. Dynamic fluids, flocking fishes, and physics hypotheses are some of the concepts that serve as entry points for Seph's abstract artworks. In his interactive systems, the artist defines the rule, visitors are invited into the system to co-create generative content along with algorithmic code. His ink series work blends advanced digital technology with traditional Chinese culture by abstracting visual elements from landscape ink paintings.
Devanshi Shah
Curator
“If there is a single aspect about consuming art during the global lockdowns that came to the forefront, it is the ability of art to communicate its meaning through the digital realm. Seph Li's work has the potential to hold value both when physically and digitally viewed. By using digital tools to transform space Li's work has an immersive quality to it when viewed as a film.”
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How did you get started as an artist?
I started with making video games in college, and, after a while, I realized that the experimental video games I made were more aligned with broader media arts criteria - my key interest is actually interactivity. I then went to the media art program at UCLA for more experimental art practice, which I still carry on today.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
I search for interesting concepts from all fields and find connections between them. I then apply my rules to the connection to transform it into a self-contained system that can be encoded into an interactive art piece.
And how about what inspires you?
My favorite piece is Chris Burden's Metropolis II at LACMA, I think it is a perfect example of a complex system turned artwork. And I'm also heavily influenced by traditional Chinese cultural elements.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
Communicating my concepts, which are usually deeply tied to Chinese culture, to western audiences. And also fighting with technical limitations.
Seph Li working on a project
Describe a typical day in the studio or wherever you make your work.
I spend a lot time in front of my computer, reading articles from online science magazines, figuring out why my code doesn't work as expected, or how can I fix the motion that is too fast, and with much luck it will turn into something nice. Or I pet my cat to spend the afternoon.
Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?
I've had a few not-so-successful attempts on mechanical installations - I'd still very much love to trying on those.
What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?
I've been working on a new type of AR experiment. Instead of putting virtual objects to physical space as in AR, it analyses camera feed using ML and captures our physical objects into digital worlds - so that I can put everyone's daily life into my imaginary story to create stories that belong to everyone. I will soon release a demo of the project, hopefully in January.
How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?
It's very exciting to be selected! And I’m very honored to be listed along with these amazing fellow artists.
See more of Seph Li’s work
Discover Contemporary Art
ArtConnect is the leading destination to discover emerging contemporary artists worldwide.