Are you addicted to technology? Realistically, how long do you think you could go without using social media, SMS, Google Maps, Soundcloud, or Netflix? (Let’s be real, you’re reading this on your cell phone or your laptop).
Reliance on technology has become a staple of our modern culture, influencing almost every aspect of twenty-first century life. Internet art has even taken on a life of its own, creating a variety of subcultures within the art world. Artists from all over the globe are using computers, new software, and apps to create never-been-seen creative approaches to making art.
London-based artist Yukai Du has created a body of work that is laced with technology from the subject content to the medium. Du is considered an illustrator, but not the Norman Rockwell type of illustrator. Her cartoonish works mostly consist of Mr. Gru looking humans and colorfully animated GIFs – all inspired by our culture’s obsession and dependency on technology. She is inspired by her surroundings, with works depicting families consumed with their own devices, athletes propelled on treadmills, and slightly more surreal illustrations of cellphones transmitting information.
Although there is a slight undertone of mocking our digitally-betwitched culture, Du made sure to design an overall light-hearted group of animations that can be appreciated by everyone.
‘The History of the Treadmill’
‘Digitaized Me’
‘Way Out’
Du’s portfolio includes a lot more than just the above GIFS, so click here to see her illustrations or follow her on social media.
Like this article? Check out the mind-bending GIFS of Raphaëlle Martin, or other awesome digital artists.
