Where Art Meets The Subconscious: A Conversation With Artist Fabin Rasheed

Fabin Rasheed, an award-winning Indian artist, designer, innovator, and technologist, is making waves in the art world. With a focus on exploring creativity, technology, and consciousness, Fabin's works delve into a variety of topics such as society, philosophy, and spirituality. His innovative methods encompass various technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, AR/VR, Gestures, Voice, Generative arts, and NFT. Fabin's remarkable creations have been showcased at prestigious international venues such as Art Dubai, Museum of the Future in Dubai, Ars Electronica, NeurIPS Creativity Gallery in Vancouver, Scope Art Show during Art Basel in Miami, Florence Biennale in Florence, Athens Digital Art Festival in Athens, Boston Cyberarts in Boston, and Singapore Art Week.

When it comes to inspiration, Fabin's artistic process is unique. He actively incorporates the subconscious and dreams into his projects. Through a state of semi-sleep known as hypnagogia, Fabin presents questions, problems, or thoughts to his subconscious, which then provides vivid visual images related to these inquiries. This technique not only enhances Fabin's ability to visualize extraordinary concepts but also offers deeper insights into the problems he aims to solve. His recent work draws inspiration from the renowned psychologist Carl Jung and dreamwork practices found in various religious and spiritual traditions.

As a digital artist, Fabin relies on a range of tools and software to bring his visions to life. Web-based frameworks such as P5.js and Three.js are instrumental in his creative process, thanks to their convenience, widespread adoption, and real-time usage capabilities. Fabin also utilizes the Adobe ecosystem for working with images, videos, and generative AI, while tools like Unity3D and TouchDesigner help him create interactive content. Additionally, he incorporates pre-trained AI models from OpenAI and Stability, including DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and GPT, to further enhance his artistic endeavors.

Fabin discovered his artistic side at an early age, spending countless hours sketching and drawing. His passion for digital creativity blossomed when he received his first computer in 1998. While he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication, it was during his time as a researcher at the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati that Fabin's true passion for art and design emerged. This led him to complete a Master's in Design at IIT Hyderabad, expanding his understanding of creativity and its various forms. Eventually, Fabin transitioned from being a designer to an independent artist to express his own unique visions and explore psychological and philosophical perspectives.

Fabin's work is characterized by its versatility and refusal to adhere to any particular style, medium, or message. His broad range of artistic expression encompasses psychology, philosophy, and consciousness. Currently, Fabin's focus lies in subconscious imagery, with a professional study of dreams and hypnagogic states spanning over three years. Through his work, Fabin aims to uncover the connections between these states and real-life events, their role in psychological healing, and their relation to synchronicity and creativity. His interest in this field stems from a personal experience of surviving severe depression, igniting a deep curiosity about his own mental landscape.

Like any digital artist, Fabin faces challenges in his creative journey. Staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, especially in cutting-edge fields like AI, is a major hurdle. The pressure to be active and recognized on social media, which often determines the opportunities available, adds another layer of difficulty. Despite these challenges, Fabin remains committed to prioritizing concept over aesthetics and pushing the boundaries of digital art.

When asked about his favorite piece of art, Fabin mentions "Alappuzha," a tribute to his hometown. This artwork, created entirely through coding without using any painting software, dynamically changes based on the viewer's location, time, season, weather, and more. It showcases Fabin's innovative approach and heartfelt connection to his roots. Another favorite piece, not his own, is "Saint John the Baptist" by Leonardo Da Vinci, housed in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Fabin admires the chiaroscuro techniques and the captivating, spiritual quality of the artwork.

Over time, Fabin's work has evolved from expressing thoughts on philosophical concepts to exploring psychological and spiritual themes. His creations reflect his psychological makeup, studies, emotions, and playful experimentation. Currently, Fabin is focused on studying and creating subconscious imagery, delving into the realms of dreams and hypnagogic states.Technology plays a vital role in Fabin's artistic journey. He sees technology as a tool that enhances art, providing new avenues for creativity and expression. Embracing technological advancements, despite the initial challenges, can strengthen artistic processes and offer valuable insights. Fabin believes in integrating technology into artistic endeavors while remaining mindful of potential risks.

For aspiring digital artists, Fabin advises them to stay open, curious, and vulnerable. By exploring the depths of their being through digital art, artists can witness incredible expressions emerging from within. Fabin emphasizes the importance of setting aside the ego and allowing the creative process to flow naturally. This journey is a continuous one, filled with ups and downs, and requires listening to one's heart.

As for upcoming exhibitions, Fabin recently showcased his work at Strouk Gallery in Paris. He has two group exhibitions on the horizon: one with Digen.Art in Beirut, Lebanon, and another at the CVPR conference in Seattle, USA. These opportunities provide Fabin with a platform to share his unique artistic vision with the world.