Kirsten Swensen, (b.1992) is a Amsterdam based generative artist whose exploration lies in exploring feelings, forms, shapes and color theory. Drawing inspiration from her experiences with meditation and psychedelics, Kirsten crafts artworks using computational methods like sound, code and data as a paint brush and considers her sketches like algorithmic and poetic entities each expressing their own unique being and flow.
For her, the work often begins with a feeling expressed in video art, installations and drawings. Swensen is interested in the way form and color can evoke certain associations or feelings. In her creative endeavors, the artist harnesses the potential of generative art to traverse the landscapes of form, shape, line, and color, leading viewers on an introspective journey into the recesses of the mind. Inspired by her own profound experiences of meditation and psychedelics, her work serves as a conduit for translating the ineffable sensations encountered within these contemplative states into tangible visual forms.
Within the infinite possibilities of generative art, she finds the perfect medium to capture the fluidity of her own consciousness and experiences, allowing lines to dance and shapes to evolve in harmony with the ebb and flow of thoughts and emotions.
Her art seeks to evoke a sense of joy and serenity, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a journey of self-discovery. Through swirling patterns and vibrant colors, she tries to create living paintings, each expressing their own energy.
Her work has been performed and exhibited in institutions worldwide including Van Abbe Museum, Amsterdam; MMMAD Festival, Madrid; Sedition Art; Blinc Festival, Adelaide; Glow, Eindhoven; Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven; STRP Festival, Eindhoven; DEMO Festival, Amsterdam; and more.
“In my artistic endeavors, I am captivated by the dynamic interplay between human creativity and machine intelligence. I craft algorithmic and generative artworks, spanning both digital and physical mediums. Embracing generative art's procedural nature, I revel in the unexpected moments born from endless possibilities. Orchestrating the process involves setting parameters and curating results, yet it's the computer that brings it to life, often even surprising myself. This dynamic feels akin to a dance, a fluid interplay between creator and creation, where accidents and surprises are welcomed as integral elements of the journey. I am fascinated by how digital programs influence my thought processes and vice versa, leading to intriguing moments of transformation. Through this symbiotic relationship, I explore the fusion of organic and artificial, merged with my own stream of consciousness, experiences, thoughts and feelings, observing how new ideas emerge and evolve into something entirely novel. Each interaction sparks a journey of discovery, where boundaries blur and innovation flourishes.”
Additionally, Kirsten collaborates with musicians, enhancing their work by infusing it with compelling visuals and narrative elements. This collaborative effort enriches the music with immersive storytelling, elevating the overall experience for audiences.
EDUCATION
AKV St. Joost Art Academy - Bachelor of Design, Minor in Art & Technology
EXHIBITIONS
2023 Sedition Art, Online Digital Platform, UK
2023 MMMAD Festival, Group Exhibition, ES
2022 DEMO Festival, Group Exhibition, NL
2022 Sedition Art, Online Digital Platform, UK
2015 Adelaide Festival, Group Exhibition, AU
2015 B-Seite Festival, AV Performance & Exhibition, DE
2015 LPM Festival, AV Performance, NL
2014 Dutch Design Week, Group Exhibition, NL
2014 Van Abbe Museum, Group Exhibition, NL
2014 GLOW, Group Exhibition, NL
2014 LPM Festival, AV Performance, NL
2014 STRP Festival, AV Performance & Exhibition, NL
REPRESENTATIONS
Sedition Art Gallery
Read interview here.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
2015 - Present Freelance Design Director (E-Commerce, Web3 and SaaS space)