The multimedia artist Carlos Sáez lives and works in Valencia, Spain. His work exists in the conjunction of digital and physical, exploring the relationship between humanity and technology. Meanwhile, while he is deeply absorbed in the dynamics of humans and machines, his main intrigue lies in emphasizing the inherent aesthetics of machinery and its intricate programming. Intriguingly, his creations often straddle the line between mechanistic constructs and revered relics, subsequently offering tribute to the spaces left void by the ceaseless torrent of information.
Originally influenced by Japanese animation and the vast web culture, Carlos Sáez primarily worked with video and web platforms. However, as his career advanced, he masterfully integrated these digital elements into his physical sculptures and installations. Yet, a sense of ‘virtuality’ remained, mostly on a conceptual level.
His artistic approach is anchored in a trinity: emotions, actions, and thought processes. Sáez finds inspiration from fresh encounters, especially those birthed from technological innovations. Moreover, he approaches his art without rigid blueprints, leaving ample space for serendipitous accidents and profound contemplations.
Despite shifts in his techniques and visual methods, a consistent theme threads through his work: a deep investigation into the interplay between humans and technology. Notably, this theme shines through in his sculptures, which spin stories of humanity’s voracious consumption habits. They echo strong sentiments about electronic waste and the emotional void left by its diminished purpose.
In reflecting on today’s challenges, Carlos Sáez underscores the fading utopian visions and points to ‘environmental generational amnesia.’ With each generation, there’s a growing acceptance of deteriorating environments. He expresses concern over our detachment from blending technology with nature. The prevailing notion of ‘technological nature’, driven by unchecked consumption, disheartens him. Yet, he firmly believes, ‘It’s not nature we have to worry about. She will stay.’