"Through these narrative-driven installations, I find emotions of mystery and contemplation, encouraging viewers to reflect on their interactions with technology and the evolving dynamics between the virtual and real worlds, creating immersive environments that resonate deeply and invite ongoing exploration and interpretation."

Our interview with Tairan Hao discusses their process and thoughts behind their work.
Interview by Richard Starbuck.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? Where did you study?

My name is Tairan Hao, and I am a multidisciplinary new media artist specializing in interactive installations, animation, video, and sculpture. My work explores the intersection of personal identity, socio-political environments, and technology. I began my artistic journey in China and later pursued higher education in the United States, earning a BFA from California College of the Arts and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout my career, I have sought to blend traditional artistic practices with cutting-edge technology, aiming to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences for my audience.

Your art frequently explores the intersection of virtual and real worlds, looking at how technology affects society and individual identity. How do your personal experiences and interest in digital gaming influence your work, and what conversations do you hope to start about the future of technology and society through your interactive pieces?

Growing up in a rapidly digitalizing and changing world, I have always been fascinated by the impact of technology on our daily lives and identities. My interest in digital gaming during my earlier days significantly influenced my work, offering a unique lens through which to explore virtual environments and interactive narratives. Digital games provide immersive experiences that blend storytelling, interactivity, and visuals, which are elements I am trying to incorporate into my art. Through my works and installations, I am exploring and building conversations about the implications of technology on society and individual identity. I want viewers to reflect on how digital spaces, information, and interaction shape our perceptions, behaviors, and relationships, and to consider the potential futures we are confronting as we become increasingly intertwined with technology. My interactive pieces engage audiences in these reflections, creating immersive experiences that challenge and foster dialogue and contemplate the evolving dynamics between the virtual and the real. By integrating elements of digital gaming, and tangibility of the technological elements, such as interactivity and narrative depth, I seek to highlight the transformative power of technology while also encouraging a critical examination of its influence on our lives. Moreover, I am exploring fostering a dialogue about the balance between technological advancement and the preservation of our humanity.

Your sculptures often use light and reflective materials, like the chrome-like figures and glowing installations, which have a strong visual impact. How do you choose and work with these materials to enhance what viewers experience, and what do they represent in your pieces?

In some of my works, I use light and reflective materials to investigate and explore their ability to transform spaces and evoke a sense of wonder and introspection. These materials, such as chrome-like figures and glowing installations that blurs the boundaries between the physical and virtual realms and define the relationship between what's been defined and its definer. They serve as metaphors for the merging of human and technological elements, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of our modern existence. When selecting materials, I consider their visual, narrative, and historical context of it, the concept and cultural relationship to the work, and their ability to engage viewers on multiple sensory levels. The reflective surfaces, for instance, allow viewers to perceive the existence of themselves within the work in another perspective, creating a personal connection and self-reflection. Through the implementation of the selected materials, I aim to create immersive environments that invite viewers to explore their own reflections and the larger societal narratives embedded within the work. My goal is to evoke emotions of curiosity and contemplation, encouraging viewers to consider the deeper implications of the technological landscapes we inhabit.

Many of your works seem to tell stories or create a sense of mystery, like the arrangement of animals around a large egg or the suspended, otherworldly figure. Can you describe your process for creating these narrative-driven installations and what emotions or messages you aim to convey through them?

Creating narrative-driven installations involves blending conceptual development with meticulous execution to weave intricate stories. My process often begins with a central theme or story inspired by mythology, literature, or personal experiences. For example, "Birth", 2022 features an animal figure in a botanical environment, integrated with a millimetre-wave radar sensor linked to a water tank. This setup triggers bubbles to emit from the animal figure's rear, symbolizing the genesis of new life forms and interactions within virtual realms. The inspiration for this piece comes from observing virtual world game characters, many of which are animal-based, yet their behaviours and biological chain rules are reimagined. In this work, inorganic bubbles serve as key elements, generated by a software code program that dictates their size, direction, and sensitivity. This code responds dynamically to the presence of viewers, adjusting based on their distance, number, and level of physical engagement, inviting the viewers to become part of the work. Through these narrative-driven installations, I find emotions of mystery and contemplation, encouraging viewers to reflect on their interactions with technology and the evolving dynamics between the virtual and real worlds, creating immersive environments that resonate deeply and invite ongoing exploration and interpretation.

Tell us a bit about how you spend your day / studio routine? What is your studio like?

My studio routine is a blend of structured and spontaneous activities, allowing for both focused work and creative exploration. I usually start my day with a review of ongoing projects and a plan for the day's tasks, which can range from sketching and prototyping to coding and assembling installations. My studio is a dynamic space filled with a variety of tools materials and people from different field, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of my work. There are areas dedicated to digital workstations, fabrication, and assembly, as well as spaces for meditation, contemplation, and inspiration. I find that maintaining a balance between structured routine and open-ended exploration is key to fostering creativity and productivity in my practice. I often spend time experimenting with new materials and techniques, which can lead to unexpected discoveries and innovations. Collaboration is also an important part of my process, and I frequently engage with other artists, technologists, and thinkers to exchange ideas and explore new possibilities. My studio environment is designed to support a fluid and iterative creative process, where ideas can evolve and take shape organically.

What artwork have you seen recently that has resonated with you?

Recently, I was deeply moved by Krzysztof Wodiczko's projection "Monument." This work involved collaborating with twelve refugees resettled in the United States, projecting their filmed likenesses and spoken narratives onto the historic 1881 monument to Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. Wodiczko's choice of the Farragut monument was significant, as it draws parallels between the Civil War's refugee crisis and the current plight of refugees from Africa, Central America, South Asia, and the Middle East. The projection transforms the monument into a living testament to the refugees' diverse and harrowing journeys, giving voice to individuals often overlooked in historical narratives. The combination of visual and audio elements creates a powerful, immersive experience that brings attention to the refugees' struggles and resilience. This work resonated with me because it effectively bridges historical and contemporary issues, using public art and technology to foster dialogue about current important topics. It underscores the importance of addressing social justice through art, encouraging viewers to reflect on the ongoing impacts of war and conflict on human lives. The thought-provoking experience through this projection inspires me to explore the potential of public art and technology, an immersive experience to enact social change and bring marginalized voices to the forefront.

Is there anything new and exciting in the pipeline you would like to tell us about?

I am currently working on a new interactive installation that explores the concept of digital duality and identity fragmentation in the age of social media. This project will incorporate augmented reality and real-time data visualization to create a dynamic environment where viewers can experience the dual nature of their online and offline personas. I am exploring and examining the complex relationship between technology and human experience, and I am excited to share more details as these projects evolve. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, I hope to create works that not only engage viewers on a sensory level but also provoke deeper reflections on the implications of our digital lives. These upcoming projects represent a continuation of my exploration of the intersections between art, technology, and identity, and I am eager to see how they will be received and interpreted by audiences.

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All images courtesy of the artist
Interview publish date: 04/07/2024