MX Creator Spotlight: Getting to know Luyang Zou
Luyang Zou is an artist, founder of LAB ZOU, and has seen his works exhibited around the world at the National Theater in London, Today Art Museuem in Beijing and A4 Art Museum in Chicago. He specializes in new media, digital art, and architecture, and his work focuses on story-telling and critical thinking, and include immersive experiences, projection mapping, kinetic installations, spatial sound, and virtual production.
LAB ZOU, his media art studio founded in 2021, continues to push the boundaries of art and technology. Ahead of spending time with Luyang at Adobe MAX, we saw down to learn more about him, his career, and creative process, and what exactly, ‘creative coding’ is.
“In this digital era teeming with diverse perspectives and inspirations from others, what truly matters is harnessing our own perspective towards the world and unearthing our own inspirations. In my case, this is the wellspring of creativity and a reflection of my identity.”
Luyang Zou
Tell us your story on how you got started. How did your artistic journey lead you to code?
I have a background in architectural design. Studying architecture entails more than creating 3D models and 2D visual — it involves using coding to digitize our designs.This is where my journey began. Over time, I discovered that coding could serve as a means of self-expression in my art. This realization prompted me to transition my career towards digital art and new media art.
What exactly is ‘creative coding’, and how does it differ from traditional programming?
From my perspective, creative coding finds its primary application within the realms of new media art and digital art. This doesn't imply that traditional coding lacks creativity, as coders inherently possess a blend of logical prowess and creativity. For artists, creative coding involves the utilization of code as a medium for artistic expression.
What are the main influences on your style and the things you create?
To begin, I believe that one's artistic style and rhythm are not easily influenced. They naturally evolved over the course of my creative journey. As I continued to engage with my art I gradually understood what resonated with me. This passion to convey my emotions became a driving force. Personally, I suspect that my unique perspective on the world plays a role in shaping my style.
Can you describe what it feels like when you are in your creative flow?
Entering my state of flow is like the fourth dimension — time. While this might sound a bit abstract, envision yourself wandering down a street with no clear destination. Suddenly, a street artist begins to play the violin. In that instance, the music prompts a mental deceleration, ushering you into a state of flow. Eventually, time accelerates as the urge to convey my emotions compels me to envision a preliminary scene or a conceptual glimpse of what my artwork could become.
How do you enter the flow state?
For me, it happens spontaneously. I allow all my senses to be attuned to my environment, and in doing so, I can sense the instant or the element that deeply resonates with me, guiding me into my flow state. This could be a bird's melody, the rhythmic crash of waves against coastal rocks, or even sunlight-glinted dust particles.
What role does challenge level play in achieving a state of creative flow, and how can one find the right balance between skill and challenge?
I view challenges as the catalysts for igniting my creative flow. The prospect of obstacles fuels my excitement and enthusiasm, encourages me to achieve my expressive goals. Marina Abramović, a distinguished conceptual and performance artist, once wisely advised that even if one can proficiently draw with their dominant hand and eyes closed, they should switch to their non-dominant hand immediately. This philosophy resonates with me deeply.
What does your work setup look like?
To kick things off, I rely on the Logitech MX Keys S Combo. These tools serve as the tactile extensions of my ideas, offering precise control and seamless navigation through intricate design tasks. I also use two Pantone Color Validated 4K monitors, connected to my primary desktop. I've integrated a soundcard to handle both sound input and output across distinct channels. This comprehensive setup ensures seamless coding and modeling, accurate on-screen visuals, and the ability to fine-tune spatial sound for my projects.
To what extent does the tech in your setup help you in your creative flow?
Immersed in a dark color scheme, my entire setup is curated to eliminate any visual distractions in my work environment. From the walls to the furniture, every element aligns with this aesthetic. This is why I'm particularly drawn to the latest iteration of the Logitech MX Keys S. Its intelligent illumination seamlessly syncs with my workflow — it illuminates when I'm engaged in typing and discreetly dims during moments of contemplation or decision-making, a feature that significantly bolsters my ability to maintain focus.
How can someone with a background in art but limited coding experience get started with creative coding?
The initial challenge in delving into creative coding lies in its array of languages and integrated skills — similar to how painting encompasses oil, watercolor, and sketch techniques. You could start by selecting a preferred artform, researching its expressive methods, tools, and even the coding language employed. Just as artists invest years honing their painting or sculpting skills to achieve seamless self-expression, creative coding similarly demands patient practice and mastery.
How might artificial intelligence and machine learning intersect with creative coding, and what innovative possibilities does this combination offer?
Undoubtedly, machine learning stands as a remarkable asset in aiding coding endeavors. AI can swiftly generate code based on your specified logic or even fine-tune outcomes such as visuals and music. Nonetheless, I firmly maintain that, as artists, we retain the responsibility for the creative essence. While AI enhances efficiency and widens expressive avenues, it shouldn't be seen as a shortcut for achieving solely the "visually striking" results.
What are some of your favorite projects you’ve been working on recently?
Currently, my creative focus centers on a physical installation that encapsulates themes of purity, duality, and constancy. This journey started as I was gazing up at the moon, struck by its pristine, uncomplicated, and romantic essence. Its simplicity lies in the fact that it merely reflects sunlight, with its phases resuming each subsequent month on the same day.
Yet, our eyes have progressively adapted to pursuing artificial lights emanating from screens, neons, and various purpose-driven light sources that establish societal connections. Consequently, the innate childlike wonder of gazing upwards and appreciating the beauty around us has been eroded.
Simultaneously, I'm in the process of outlining an AI-enhanced video art project. This endeavor weaves a profound narrative around my late grandfather's life story, anchored in a deeply personal interview. The narrative is intricately woven through photographs capturing moments spanning his entire lifetime. Born in 1930, his journey serves as a vital lens through which to comprehend the unfolding of Chinese revolutionary history. As those who personally experienced this era grow scarce, I find it incumbent upon me to preserve these invaluable stories.
Meet Luyang at MAX
Want to meet Luyang? Come and see him in action at the Logitech MX workshop October 11 at Adobe MAX 2023. With Logitech’s Head of Innovation at MX Creative Pro Tools, Guillaume Bourelly, they will be revealing an exciting new MX experience designed to supercharge your productivity.
This Adobe MAX 2023 post is sponsored by Logitech.