Marjan Moghaddam, a trailblazing digital artist, has revolutionized the landscape of contemporary art with her boundary-pushing work that seamlessly merges form, representation, and technology. Let’s delve into the captivating evolution of her artistry and explore the transformative impact she has made on the art world.
#GlitchGoddess Interventions: A Digital Rebellion
Moghaddam’s #arthacks and #glitchgoddess series have become emblematic interventions in the art scene, disrupting traditional norms with digital prowess. Notably, her #GlitchGoddess intervention at Frieze New York 2019 stunned audiences as ethereal digital goddesses materialized within the exhibition space, challenging conventions through mesmerizing virtual-reality performances.
Through these interventions, Moghaddam reclaims the gaze by infusing 3D computer graphics (CG) animated bodies with music and voiceovers, defying conventional representations of femininity and highlighting women’s agency in the art world.
The Glitched Odalisque: Subverting Orientalist Fantasies
Central to Moghaddam’s oeuvre is the Glitched Odalisque, a figure that boldly confronts the Orientalist fantasies perpetuated by nineteenth-century paintings. Through glitch aesthetics, Moghaddam empowers the Odalisque to transcend historical objectification, asserting her own narrative and challenging the passive gaze imposed by Eurocentric painters.
Pioneering Digital Art: From Fractals to XR
Moghaddam’s groundbreaking journey in digital art began in the mid-1990s with immersive virtual reality installations rooted in fractals, catching the attention of Internet pioneer Josh Harris. Her ongoing series of #arthacks continues to challenge curation norms, while her exploration of digital embodiment and extended reality (XR) democratizes exhibition spaces.
Beyond the screen, Moghaddam’s physical sculptures and augmented reality (AR) experiences adorn public art projects globally, garnering recognition from Forbes and Adobe for her innovative contributions.
A Retrospective and Beyond: Celebrating Moghaddam’s Legacy
In 2021, the Museum of Contemporary Digital Art (MoCDA) honored Moghaddam with a retrospective showcasing her career-spanning digital art. Her influence extends beyond traditional galleries, with AR experiences enriching spaces in the UK, Orlando, and Scandinavia. Moghaddam’s enduring legacy continues to redefine the possibilities of art in the digital age, inviting audiences to explore the intersection of technology, embodiment, and narrative.
As we navigate the dynamic realm of digital creativity, Marjan Moghaddam remains an unparalleled force of innovation, inspiring us to challenge norms and embrace the limitless potential of art in all its forms.