Canadian artist FVCKRENDER started making digital art some ten years ago and rose to prominence during the NFT boom. Over the past years, digital artists, including FVCKRENDER, have circumvented the rules of the art world (who mostly excluded them) and reached far beyond the art gallery system and the public. In 2021 alone, his NFT works achieved prices just shy of 20,000 to over 100,000 USD at the leading auction houses for art, Sotheby’s and Christie’s. As we, according to Kelly Ferraro, enter into a bull market of NFTs, his work on Niftygateway, Superrare, and Avant Arte, among others, is well worth a visit. In addition to his Instagram following of 325K, FVCKRENDER has brought his digital art to wide audiences through collaborations with Lil Nas X, Rosalía, Lebron James, and Dior.
Art critic Carlo McCormick described FVCKRENDER’s art as “beguiling and bedazzling,” calling it “the shiny object of desire that catches the eye, seduces the senses and calms the mind….a fiction better than truth” in an essay that accompanied his popular immersive solo show “Catch the Light” at W1 Gallery in London last summer.
Hailing from Montreal and currently based in Montréal, FVCKRENDER credits his art for helping him overcome personal trauma, ranging from depression to a challenging recovery after a severe bike accident.
We caught up with the enigmatic artist about his practice and what keeps him going.
So, how did you get started in digital art? Do you mind telling us a bit about that journey?
I started digital art about 10 years ago due to a bike accident. I had always been interested in digital art, but never found the time or patience to learn it properly. The accident forced me to slow down and take the plunge into this creative field. It was a challenging, yet transformative period that allowed me to discover and develop my passion for digital art.
Do you find yourself to be more meticulous, sketching and planning pieces ahead of time, or are you more spontaneous?
I don’t really like to sketch or plan. For me, art is like a diary. I create a piece in the moment, letting my emotions and experiences guide the process. Sometimes, it’s only years later that I realize or remember the deeper meaning behind a piece.
The themes you play with are out there, often taking on otherworldly qualities. What draws you to that style?
That’s a good question. I think it’s probably a way to escape the limitations of our reality and explore what’s on the other side. Surreal and otherworldly themes allow me to push boundaries and imagine new possibilities. They provide a sense of freedom and creativity that I find therapeutic.
What are a few highlights or milestones you have achieved in your career?
One of my biggest highlights is simply being able to live off my art. It’s a huge milestone to have people appreciate your work for what it is. While collaborations with brands and celebrities are exciting and fun, the most fulfilling aspect is people’s genuine connection with my art. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work resonates with others on a personal level.
Can you tell us about some of your favorite collaborations with other artists or brands?
There have been many amazing collaborations, but working with Lil Nas X is a standout experience. I admire his vision and direction, and he’s a genuinely nice person. His creativity and openness made the collaboration both inspiring and enjoyable. It’s collaborations like these that truly highlight the joy of working with like-minded artists.
What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever drawn from?
I find inspiration in light—how it bounces and reacts on different materials and objects. Sometimes, I get completely absorbed in observing reflections and the way light interacts with a curved metal shape. It’s fascinating how something as simple as light can evoke so much creativity and influence the direction of a piece.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when you first started your career?
Be patient and true to yourself. Create art that you love, get inspired by others, but don’t copy. Finding your unique voice is crucial, and it’s okay to openly share who your inspirations are. Authenticity is key, and staying true to your creative vision will always set you apart.
Visit FVCKRENDER’s website to see more of his work.
