Digital Artist Shavonne Wong Kicks Off European Solo Exhibit

Shavonne Wong may not actively seek the spotlight, but she undeniably attracts it.

Now, the 3D artist is gearing up for her second solo exhibition, marking her European debut.

Starting today and running until September 9, Wong’s solo show will be on full display at the NFT Factory in Paris.

The event will showcase iconic works from the artist—including three new pieces—in collaboration with Marie Claire Arabia, the Arabic version of the magazine.

“Drawing inspiration from childhood aspirations, I crafted these three pieces, capturing the innocent dreams of becoming astronauts, mermaids, or explorers,” Shavonne Wong told Decrypt.

Her work, as she explains, revolves around “using 3D virtual humans to narrate human stories.” It presents humans, often women, with enigmatic expressions; while the digital aspect reinforces the surrealist atmosphere of her creations.

“One of my most expressive works is titled ‘I am not happy,’ where a smiling woman is surrounded by emojis depicting sadness and anger,” she said. “This piece touches on the societal expectation of wearing a mask, concealing our true emotions. For instance, customer-facing roles often require individuals to maintain a cheerful demeanor, regardless of their true feelings.”

Recalling her initial days in photography, she was captivated by the aesthetics of fashion magazines. That’s changing though.

Her shift from photography to 3D was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Confined at home and with photoshoots deemed non-essential, she initially turned to computer games, before searching for a more productive outlet.

“If I couldn’t work with real models, I decided to create them,” Wong said. “Thus began my foray into 3D modeling, with the goal of crafting realistic virtual models.”

The move to 3D has also helped Wong transcend the confines of traditional photography.

“Now, I can let my imagination run wild, placing objects in the air or underwater without any limitations,” she said. “The freedom and expansive potential of 3D modeling truly captivate me.”

Besides the world of fashion and photography, her inspirations are deeply connected to universal topics, revolving around universal human experiences like love, childhood memories, aging, and loneliness.

Showcasing the potential of NFTs

Wong is also the founder of NFT Asia, a community aiming to empower and provide exposure to Asian artists.

“The community was born out of a need for a space where Asian artists could connect, especially given the Western dominance in the NFT space,” Wong said.

With NFT Asia, she organizes physical events, underlining the importance of gathering local artists and their communities.

“Physical exhibitions offer a broader audience exposure to NFTs, demystifying the concept and showcasing its potential,” Wong told Decrypt.

Acknowledging that digital art is still in its infancy, she said it’s “always been a part of the traditional art world. However, NFTs have certainly amplified its visibility and appeal.”

In her eyes, the traditional art world tends to be slow in adapting to new trends, often waiting to see cultural shifts before embracing them.

“Given that NFTs have only been prominent for about two years, it’s understandable that many are still trying to grasp the concept,” she said.

She nevertheless thinks that as the technology becomes more familiar and the user experience improves, more traditional art collectors will venture into the NFT space.

“Digital art, supported by blockchain technology to ensure authenticity, is undoubtedly the future; it’s just a matter of time,” Wong said.