Today we’d like to introduce you to Ker Chen.
Ker, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never imagined myself working in 3D and becoming a 3D artist, but I always aspired to be part of the contemporary art scene. Before attending college, I aimed to become a curator. However, due to familial circumstances, I couldn’t pursue art school and ended up at a university in Beijing, where most of my courses revolved around math and statistics, but it refined my logical thinking. Fortunately, I met numerous artists and curators in Beijing and began my own side projects in art, curation, and event promotion.
After graduating, I intended to embark on a career in event planning and marketing. However, when the pandemic hit, the company I worked for faced closure, and I felt a lack of direction in my life. Feeling lost, I believed altering my life path was the only solution, so I applied to grad school. NYU’s IDM program was the only one to extend an offer. Initially I was considering a path in UX design, but then I was amazed by the captivating digital art courses offered at IDM. It was there that I acquired new skills in 3D design, sparking my interest in continuing my artistic endeavors in this new media format.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Embarking on a career in art and leaving my family and mother country has undoubtedly been a challenging journey. Growing up in a small town in southwest China, I faced unique hurdles as a first-generation college student and the first to leave my family. Navigating my own path, I keenly felt the burden of cultural and familial expectations.
In this intricate journey, I continually strive to comprehend and embrace my personal aspirations. However, this pursuit is not without its challenges, as I grapple with feelings of guilt and wrestle with questions surrounding my group identity. Each step forward has been marked by a delicate balance between honoring my individual desires and meeting the expectations placed upon me by my cultural and familial context.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Ker Chen, an XR/3D artist and experienced designer with a passion for exploring the convergence of moving images, sound, and space. I earned my Master of Science degree from New York University’s Integrated Design and Media (IDM) program, where I am immersed in the exploration of storytelling through emerging technologies. My artistic practice spans across digital, physical, and event mediums.
One of my recent achievements is the creation of “Hunting,” a captivating 10-minute immersive installation. This work delves into profound themes such as self-identity, desire, and spirituality, using the metaphor of hunting to symbolize both prey and prayer. Drawing inspiration from my personal background of growing up in a small town in southwest China within a multi-religious family, I carry the weight of cultural expectations as the first-generation college student and the pioneer leaving the family.
Through the lens of “Hunting,” I embark on a personal journey, seeking to understand and embrace my own desires while grappling with the complexities of guilt and questions surrounding my group identity. This project weaves elements of traditional myths, creating a narrative that reflects my unique experiences. “Hunting” is a deeply personal endeavor, inviting viewers to reflect on their own paths of self-discovery and the intricate interplay between identity, desire, and spirituality.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of the most impactful childhood memories for me was the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. At the age of 11, I was living in an earthquake-stricken region. The aftermath of the earthquake resulted in me losing my home for three months. I vividly recall living along the riverbank and plazas, sharing shelters with over 50 strangers under a plastic cloth roof. It was an immensely challenging experience that shaped my resilience.
Despite the hardship, that summer became a profound exploration for me. I discovered the city in a completely different light, wandering through abandoned, shattered buildings and witnessing the exposed lives of people coping in extreme conditions. This experience of survival in the face of adversity has left an indelible mark on me. It serves as a constant reminder to cherish life and maintain a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and resilience in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kerchen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hereiskerker/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerchen/
