Verse is proud to present as its 5th edition of Verse Solos, Intimacy, an exhibition of William Mapan's most recent works which mark a turning point within his practice. Intimacy features two new series from two new algorithms that consider the relationship between the artist and the computer in creating generative art.
Mapan is known for his distinctive flair, and his works in these series deliberately distance themselves from compositions with polished finishes. Rendered purely through code prompts, they explore the imperfections of seemingly arbitrary sketches, comprising lush and playful representations of primary paint materials. In these series, Mapan purposefully creates an organic aesthetic suggestive of analogue methods. As a nostalgic ode to childhood’s untainted creativity, the works’ textures suggest the use of mediums such as crayons, felt-tip markers, and coloured pencils. The intention to recreate the effects reminiscent of paint, to channel the tactile – the subtle smudges, the soft brushstrokes, and the hushed nuances – is an endeavour that underlines his commitment to infusing the digital with an almost tangible materiality.
About the artist
William Mapan is a digital art pioneer, currently based in Paris. With a background in software development, he combines computer science with his passion for pigment, light and texture. One of Mapan’s most notable works is his 2021 Dragons series, in which he shared a portion of the works’ ownership with his collectors during the process of creation. He often combines contrasting ideas which juxtapose one another. In Dragons, he highlighted the symbolism of the mythical beast that represents wisdom in China, but is often associated with destruction and decay in Western culture.
Frequently alternating between different mediums, Mapan relies on creativity, chance and the exact shades of lightness within each of the works. In the Anticyclone series, he capitalised on the contrasts between dark and light to produce works focused on the erratic patterns of weather phenomena. Notably, Mapan codes, creates, and teaches at Gobelins, l’école de l’image in Paris.
