The inclusion of guest artists at California Institute of Arts offers a rich opportunity to foster intercultural exchange, enhance student-initiated events, and extend invitations to broaden the scope of creative practice. Zelia ZZ Tan, as an interdisciplinary artist and an MFA student, seeks to navigate both aesthetic and social realms, expressing identities through avatars across a spectrum of performing arts and visual studies.
Cover: Image provided by Claudix, NON FUCKABLE TOKENS (NFTs)
This interview serves as an exploration and expansion of the FoxTail project, initiated by Zelia. At its core, the initiative questions the essence of the performing body, investigating its evolution and impact on our understanding of movement and presence. For this dialogue, Zelia engaged with Claudix Vanesix, an emerging XR artist whose innovative approach bridges theater and extended reality. Together, they delved into the concept of the human body as a sophisticated technology—one capable of perceiving and experiencing dimensions beyond its physical limits. They discussed sensory boundaries, the ways technology can enhance and nurture human experiences, and how immersive media redefines performance and narrative storytelling.
Throughout their conversation, Zelia was captivated by Claudix’s insights. Their dialogue revealed art as more than an expressive medium – it emerged as a catalyst for deep introspection and genuine connection. Claudix’s reflections on community and immersion resonated deeply, inspiring Zelia to explore new creative boundaries while reaffirming the transformative power of art in bridging live and mediated experiences.
Claudix Interview
Zelia – I’m curious – how do you navigate the different modes of expression in your work, spanning from live performances to VR videos?
Claudix – For me, it’s essential to feel a connection with my audience, regardless of the medium I’m working in. In live performances, the audience’s immediate feedback shapes my work, while in VR, the experience becomes more detached from me as the creator, reaching audiences I may never meet. It’s about adapting to the unique dynamics of each medium while maintaining an intimate connection with the viewer.
Zelia – How do you perceive the transformation of your body across different mediums, particularly in VR?
Claudix – Working in VR made me realize how exclusive the medium can be due to hardware limitations. This prompted me to explore ways to mediate the VR experience, such as incorporating my physical presence as a performer wearing the headset. By bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms, I aim to make the experience more immersive and accessible for the audience.
Zelia – How do you envision fostering diversity within your creative community?
Claudix – Initially, my work relied heavily on personal experimentation due to limited resources. Over time, as I’ve gained access to more opportunities, I’ve taken on the role of facilitating learning and collaboration within my community. I’ve done this by sharing my experiences through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, empowering others to explore their own creative paths.
Zelia – Could you elaborate on how collaboration unfolds within your creative community?
Claudix – As I expand my reach, I aim to create spaces where artists from diverse backgrounds can share ideas and collaborate on projects. Events like Lady Future is Already Past (“La Futura ya pasó”) created with AMiXR collective from Peru serve as platforms for showcasing a variety of works and fostering dialogue within the community. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
Zelia – What challenges have you faced in sharing your work with such a broad audience, and how have you overcome them?
Claudix – Balancing artistic integrity with audience engagement is always a delicate process. Staying true to my creative vision while remaining open to feedback is key. I often experiment with different storytelling techniques, visual styles, and interactive elements to make the experience more immersive and engaging. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance between artistic expression and accessibility without compromising the integrity of the work.
Zelia – How do you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology in your art?
Claudix – When I was in SXSW festival, I met a creator with a budget exceeding a million dollars for a Rift headsets VR experience, only to discover they were incompatible with new Meta headsets after Rift was discontinued. It’s a reminder of the instability of technology. Creating MP4s allows us to document and preserve our work across various platforms, ensuring reproducibility on computers and smartphones.
Zelia – What challenges do you see in the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on art creation?
Claudix – It was a significant realization for us that creating an MP4 allows us to save and document our work for a longer time. MP4s are widely compatible with computers, and their metadata ensures accessibility across platforms. To preserve this artwork in a collection and ensure it remains available to audiences 50 or even 100 years from now, we need to consider the necessary hardware conditions. We discussed this with Patricia Falcão, who works in the time-based media preservation department of Tate Modern. She shared insights from their extensive experience preserving digital media, which helped me better understand XR preservation.
Zelia – How do you ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your art amid evolving technology?
Claudix – I collaborate with Asimtria, a collective that creates artisanal headsets made out of cardboard to promote accessibility to VR in rural areas. We’ve chosen not to blindly accept exclusive technological conditions. For us, an MP4 is smarter than an APK, as it ensures broader accessibility beyond specific hardware requirements. Institutions must also account for hardware conditions to ensure long-term preservation.
Zelia – I’m intrigued by the language between AR and VR and how they can merge. Your thoughts on creating immersive experiences resonate deeply with me. How does your background in theater influence your approach to digital media?
Claudix – My theater background shapes my approach to digital media, viewing the human body as an eccentric technology with sensors for light and wavelength reception. I aim to project energy that transcends technology, touching audiences on a deeper level regardless of the platform used.
Zelia – I’m curious about the care you bring into the digital space, especially in crafting narratives that transcend specific platforms. What’s your approach to creating immersive experiences?
Claudix – For example, I alternate between looking at your image and looking at the camera. I feel this is part of developing an awareness of being observed while showing the other person that you care—that you’re attentive to their presence. When I approach digital media, like video, I carry this consciousness with me, rooted in my performer training.
Zelia – Your insights into the intersection of technology and human experience are fascinating. As technology evolves, there’s a delicate balance between empowerment and loss. I’m intrigued by your vision of immersive experiences and how they might shape our perception and interaction with the world, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital realms. How do you see the intersection of technology and human expression evolving in the future?
Claudix – Even if people don’t yet have the ability to fully perceive what I’m projecting—like a tongue to taste it—I feel that if I channel enough energy, it’s like expanding my electromagnetic field, you know? You can’t see it, but it will still touch you. While we don’t yet have the technology to fully realize some of these ideas, I feel like our imaginations are slowly discovering new purposes for technology, such as creating avatars that have their own agency and voice.
Zelia – What responsibilities come with technological advancement? How does personal experience shape your engagement with technology?
Claudix – It comes down to the narratives we choose to support and the purpose behind specific technological tools. I ask myself: what is this object or medium being used to say? And do I want to be part of that? If I feel my experience can bring more diversity to this space, I might engage with it. But I also allow myself the choice to opt out, challenging the assumption that we always need the latest technology. Sometimes, it may not be necessary. For now, I remain flexible—exploring the possibilities but staying open to the idea that I might one day decide not to work with a specific kind of technology. Every day, I consciously decide: do I still want to engage with this? Right now, the answer is yes, but I can see a point in the future where that decision might change, especially as we approach a potential point of no return.
Zelia – What are your thoughts on technology as a reflection of societal values?
Claudix – I strive to stay critical and not become so immersed in my work that I lose sight of the broader implications—such as the exploitation of labor and the ecological impact of technology. These concerns constantly revolve around me as I explore this space.
Claudix – Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions. They allowed me to elaborate on things I don’t usually have space for. This conversation has been enriching for me, and I truly appreciate it.
Zelia – Thank you for sharing your insights! Let’s continue envisioning the future of immersive experiences and their impact on human perception.
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