Summer 2022 | Page 31

It was a bright and sunny day in late March

when we visited Miguel Chevalier at his

Ivry-sur-Seine studio, some twenty minutes

by taxi from the Bastille in Paris. With the

taxi driver dropping us on the main drag

and merely pointing down a side street, our

doubts were soon erased as we came upon

a building with a bright red façade. It would

be the portal into a world of interest and

excitement that would not disappoint.

Miguel and his assistant, Emilie, greeted us with a warm welcome at the door; and entering the reception area, our eyes were overwhelmed by the various shapes and colors embedded in the various items: sculptures, holograms, video displays. It felt more like we were entering a laboratory than a studio or gallery. But make no mistake: Miguel is a world-recognized artist, producing world-class art. A pioneer of virtual and digital art who has, since 1978, focused exclusively on computers as a means of expression, Miguel is a master of his domain who is both gracious with his time and humble about his success.

Opposite:

Extra-Natural 2018

Exhibition Artistes & Robots, Grand Palais, Paris (France)

Curators: Laurence Bertrand Dorléac and Jérôme Neutres

Generative and interactive virtual-reality installation

Credit: Miguel Chevalier

Above:

Miguel Chevalier

Photo Courtesy of:

Miguel Chevalier

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