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SERWAH ATTAFUAH

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SERWAH ATTAFUAH

3D DESIGNER
‍SHE/HER
DHARUG LAND, AUS

WORDS BY

CAIT MONAHAN AND SOFIA DE LA CRUZ

16/02/2023

16/02/2023

Australia-based, multidisciplinary artist and musician Serwah Attafuah felt confined by the boundaries and constraints of physical art, so sought escape through digital means.  Attafuah found a way to bend reality through surreal cyber dreamscapes populated by strong ancestral and contemporary themes. Below Attafuah speaks about her collaborations with Nike, Mercedes Benz and Sotheby's as well as her pioneering efforts in the afro-surrealist digital art scene.

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

WHAT DOES THE METAVERSE MEAN TO YOU?

To me, the metaverse is an ever-evolving virtual universe full of limitless possibilities. A safe space. It is a place to explore, collaborate, create and share. It serves as a bridge between the digital world and our physical world, bringing people together in new and exciting ways. The metaverse isn't just about entertainment; it's about creating meaningful connections and positively shaping the future.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START DIVING INTO DIGITAL?

My background as an artist is in oil painting and traditional art. I started making 3D and digital art in my early teens when it became harder for me to afford painting essentials and I also realized how tight the space was. I felt as if I had to create my own medium, so I started looking for something autonomous that I could do virtually anywhere, at any time. It felt fascinating to me to discover the tools to build something I didn’t even think was possible.  

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

"The metaverse isn't just about entertainment; it's about creating meaningful connections and positively shaping the future. It is a safe place to explore, collaborate, create and share."

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

What have you learned about design and identity in digital ecosystems?

Personally, it has allowed me to unlock new facets of my identity as I can break the boundaries that the physical realm holds. We have the opportunity to design and create our own selves, unique to us. We can also explore different universes where we interact with other users in real-time, allowing us to share experiences, ideas and stories. 

What do you think these new universes can offer the fashion and beauty industry?

Web3 can allow the fashion and beauty industries to create engaging shopping experiences that are accessible to customers regardless of their location and enable retailers to track customer trends and generate insights about their shoppers in real-time. These insights can offer a new level of customization allowing users to experiment with different looks in a virtual space and purchase items based on their exact needs.

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

"Digital ecosystems have allowed me to unlock new facets of my identity as I can break the boundaries that the physical realm holds. Within them, we have the opportunity to design and create our own selves, unique to us."

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

How do you think Web3 will change the way younger generations grow up?

I hope it will have a positive impact on new generations. With access to smart contracts, AI-driven interfaces and cutting-edge digital experiences, we will hopefully have unprecedented levels of control over our own lives. With this access comes opportunities for education, collaboration and creativity that will help shape the way we approach problems in all aspects of life.

Does your digital twin resemble your physical appearance?

In some ways, yes. I call my digital avatars "Afrofuturistic reflections or abstractions of self." To create them, I first build carbon copies of myself and then manipulate them digitally. My avatars are a mixture of all my experiences and inspirations. I'm never too tied to their appearance because they are evolving creatures.

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

How do you think Web3 is influencing the IRL?

I think it has helped us as a society to question the world around us a bit more, such as examining whether tech giants, governments and creative industries are working for or against us. By removing many of the obstacles associated with traditional methods of communication and commerce, Web3 is helping us create a more equitable society where everyone can benefit from new opportunities and improved access to services regardless of location or economic status.

What are the biggest trends that have caught your attention when looking at digital fashion’s influence on IRL fashion?

I’ve seen a major 3D printed garment trend pop up within the past three years, which I think directly ties to digital art aesthetics. 

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

What excites you about the future merge between humans and machines?

It has always excited me. I grew up reading and watching all kinds of sci-fi and cyberpunk media. Most books I'd read, such as Neuromancer, would always portray some character with a bio-implant that would make them faster, stronger, and smarter – I always wished I could do the same. In fact, The Cyber Dada Manifesto by Dale Nason and Troy Innocent was tacked up by my desk for years. I am particularly interested in the possibilities of enhanced human capabilities, such as increased memory, improved decision-making and expanded creativity. I hope that the merging of humans and machines promises an increase in efficiency while creating a more connected world, giving us all access to the same data and tools, so we can achieve greater things together.

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

"My avatars are a mixture of all my experiences and inspirations. I'm never too tied to their appearance because they are evolving creatures."

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

SERWAH ATTAFUAH

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