CODAzine is highlighting the public art community to share stories about leading creative professionals and the innovative art they are creating. This month, Ferdi Alıcı, New Media Artist, Director and Founder of OUCHHH answered our questions about his creative process and what he's up to now. Thank you to SNA Displays for sponsoring this series.
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1. What is the longest amount of time you have ever worked on a project?
I once devoted nearly two years to a large-scale installation that merged sculpture and interactive lighting. The extended timeline allowed me to refine every detail, from fabrication techniques to user experience.
2. What are the most challenging aspects of your projects?
Ensuring the technology works flawlessly while preserving the artistic vision is challenging. It requires juggling both creative direction and technical logistics, often under tight deadlines.
3. How do you approach integrating technology and art in a way that feels seamless and engaging?
The integration of art, science, and technology has been at the core of my work for the last more than 15 years. My main inspiration is science, and I view data as the paint and algorithms as the brush, forming the foundation of my creative process. This approach ensures the technology naturally amplifies the artistic concept.
Click below to see a video of one of OUCHHH's projects!
4. What’s your favorite response to your work?
When someone says it sparked their curiosity or that they felt an emotional connection, it’s incredibly rewarding. It means the piece resonated beyond just its visual or interactive elements.
5. What’s your process for turning a concept into a fully immersive experience?
As an artist, I find satisfaction in the complexity of the creation process. In the real-time systems I design with data and AI algorithms, my main goal is to blend “algorithmic beauty” with a cinematic narrative, ultimately creating poetic public art that touches people’s hearts. I begin with mood boards and scientific research, and then continue exploring the technical aspects of how the work will physically come to life.
6. How does collaboration influence your creative process?
Collaboration brings fresh viewpoints and problem-solving strategies. It pushes me to consider new possibilities and helps me refine ideas more effectively.
7. Define success for your installations.
Success means participants leave with a sense of wonder or curiosity. If it prompts them to think differently or inspires further exploration, I’ve achieved my goal.