I recently had the opportunity to chat with acclaimed Franco-Canadian artist Nicolas Sassoon about two of his latest NFT projects, “Islands” and “Waterfalls”. Somehow, we never crossed paths during his time in Vancouver, but it took his move away for us to finally connect. C’est la vie. Here’s a glimpse into the mind of one of my favorite contemporary artists.
Finding His Voice
Jeff Hamada: You have a very specific aesthetic. When did you first feel like you had found your voice as an artist?
Nicolas Sassoon: I think it happened retroactively. The work that I do now started around 2007/2008. I went to art school in France and then moved to Vancouver in early 2008. I didn’t have many resources at the time, just my laptop. I wasn’t inspired by my previous art school experiences, so I decided to explore early computer graphics, which I’d always been fascinated with. I started a blog and released GIFs as studies for sculpture or installations. I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but the feedback was positive. Over time, I realized that I was finding my voice through this exploration.
Nostalgia and Abstraction
Your work often evokes nostalgia for early internet aesthetics. How do you think younger viewers, who didn’t experience that era, interpret your art?
I see my work as a dialogue between early computer graphics and the history of abstraction. While some viewers may feel nostalgic, my goal isn’t just to reference a specific time but to explore that aesthetic in a broader context. Each viewer brings their own perspective and emotional response, which I find fascinating. The visual language of early computer graphics represents an important chapter in the history of abstraction, and I aim to connect it with other aesthetics and eras.
GIFs as Time Capsules
In a previous interview, you mentioned that GIFs allow you to express yourself in ways other mediums can’t. Can you expand on that?
GIFs are like time capsules. They capture moments and emotions, playing on a loop indefinitely. I use them to visualize desires, fantasies, and memories. When I can’t create a physical installation right away, I make a GIF to bring that idea to life visually. GIFs also offer formal constraints, like limited colors and seamless loops, which I find inspiring. They’re a unique medium that bridges the gap between still images and video, allowing for endless experimentation.
The “Islands” Project
Your “Islands” project draws inspiration from the Gulf Islands. Can you tell us more about the concept behind it?
The Gulf Islands hold special memories for me, so I wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia, memory, and utopia with this project. Each animation represents an archetype of the landscapes found in the Gulf Islands—a horizon line, various-sized islands, ocean, and sky. The minimal visual information aims to evoke a feeling of summer and utopia. I collaborated with a friend who composed beautiful soundscapes for each piece, enhancing the overall experience.
Tezos and Web3
You’ve been exploring the NFT space, particularly on Tezos. What has your experience been like, and how do you see the future of digital art evolving?
Tezos offers a lower barrier of entry financially, making it more accessible to artists and collectors. It fosters a diverse community of artists from around the world, which I find exciting. The financial aspect is important, but what’s even more valuable is the sense of community and connection. Artists can shape the space and push it toward something better. I’m excited to see how it evolves and how artists continue to innovate within the space.
The “Waterfalls” Project
Your “Waterfalls” project combines digital abstraction with the theme of water. Can you share the inspiration behind it?
“Waterfalls” explores the intersection of natural and digital aesthetics. Each animation evokes the motions, rhythms, and textures of water using a minimal visual language. Water has always been a significant element in my work, stemming from my experiences growing up near coastal cities. The project aims to create immersive experiences that oscillate between the natural and the digital, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty of both worlds.
Future Aspirations
What’s something you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime as an artist?
I’d love to contribute to a collective space for exhibitions, events, and workshops. Creating a sense of community and celebration, like the underground venues in Vancouver, is important to me. I want to play an active role in shaping the art space, fostering connections, and exploring new possibilities for artistic expression.
Closing Thoughts
Nicolas Sassoon’s work transcends traditional boundaries, blending nostalgia, abstraction, and digital innovation. Through projects like “Islands” and “Waterfalls,” he invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of natural and digital worlds, sparking conversations and connections in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.
