Ayshia Taskin a.k.a [ a y s h ] is a Intermedia artist and Meta-Archaeologist from a diverse background with a practice spanning a multitude of techniques like building performative sculptures, latex modelling, digital art, moving image, VR world-building, printmaking, installation, web-based and Livestream/VR/Crypto-performance art and Blockchain NFT culture. Ayshia also maintains a vibrant collaborative practice with fellow artists and crypto-collectives.
Her practice focuses on the use and merging of high- and low-tech production methods in a dynamic explorative and x/perimental fashion. Within her video work, Ayshia uses ‘aesthetic corruption’, glitch, 2D, 3D modelling software, generative, greenscreen, AI and data-bending to merge Sci-Fi and mythology with the interplay of both sides of technology by mixing up digital and analogue techniques.
In 2018-19, Ayshia developed the concept of ‘Cypro-Futurism’ and began writing on the subject in more detail; a concept ultimately inspired from growing up in the MENA-region and experiences as part of a diaspora. The ‘Cypro-Futurist’ or ‘Al-Ashiyan’ perspective is inspired by the original contemporary Afro-African Futurist movement and the deep connections between the MENA/Levant shared ethnic, cultural and historical connections with the African continent lasting thousands of years.
Therefore, she also includes notions of ‘future-time’ and ‘extension-experiences’ within her artwork and writing. Ayshia is currently producing a variety of projects which include a visual book exploring Near-Eastern Cypro-Futurism through sentient vegetables, ultra Neo-Expressionist multi-layered mixed-media paintings, animations and moving image pieces.
During the summer of 2019, Ayshia developed [SHIFT:ibpcpa]; an independent performance art biennale which, in association with The Wall Space Gallery, showcases the work of international artists using web-based Crypto, VR and Livestream technologies.
As well as curate shows, Ayshia has been involved in and collects NFT/Crypto artworks since 2020 from a variety of Blockchain platforms and cryptocurrencies. Her interest in NFT and Crypto Art stems from the decentralised nature and accessibility the space offers and her love of experimenting with web-based technologies. Like Fluxus Happenings directly on the Blockchain and the creation of unique ‘Luxury Meta Dining‘ experiences as well as her curiosity exploring what the space could evolve to become.
Ayshia’s works have been shown in Cryptovoxels, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand; ADAF17, Athens; Edinburgh Festival; Venice [Surfaces Festival]; The Festival of Contemporary Art in Athens; Ely Centre for Contemporary Art, USA; Screen-print Biennial, USA; Transcultural Exchange in Boston; Dfbrll8r Gallery at Zhou B Art Centre in Chicago; Taos Centre for the Arts, New Mexico; Hidden Door Festival, Edinburgh; Glasgow International Art Festival; Performance Køkkenet, Copenhagen; Zembla Gallery, Scotland; Noemata/#biennale.no; Bangkok Biennial, Thailand; Galerie XY, Olomouc, Czech Republic; MoWNA Biennial, New York and many virtual exhibitions.
[ a y s h ] currently lives and works in the virtual paradise realm.
Information courtesy of the artist’s website.