Sedition's community manager, Vladislav Alimpiev, recently had the opportunity to interview artist Mark Titchner about his background, artistic practice, and involvement with the Sedition platform. Presented in a Q&A format, their conversation offers insights into Tichner's creative process and thoughts on the evolving art world.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic practice?
Mark Tichner: As a London-based artist, I primarily work with text, focusing on public art that explores non-gallery spaces and municipal areas. My work often reflects the urban experience and the myriad of influences that constantly impact those living in modern cities.
Q: How has your creative practice evolved over time?
Mark Tichner: I began my studies in painting at Central St. Martins in London, but quickly ventured into contemporary practices like sound art, video art, and installations. Language became an integral part of my work in the early 2000s, and my practice has since evolved to include collaborations with communities and creating works specifically for places like psychiatric hospitals.
Q: What is the source of your artistic inspiration?
Mark Tichner: Reading and constant reflection on the ever-changing societal environment fuel my inspiration. I gather texts and ideas from various sources, often working with them after they've resonated with me for a while.
Q: How has your experience with Sedition been, and what interested you about the concept?
Mark Tichner: I joined Sedition back in 2012 as one of the first artists on the platform. I was drawn to its accessibility, global reach, and the opportunity to create work specifically for it. Over the years, my works on Sedition have reflected different aspects of my practice, evolving alongside the advent of NFTs and new technologies.
Q: Could you tell us about the works you have on Sedition?
Mark Tichner: My works on Sedition often mirror the projects I'm working on at the time. The first piece I created used 3D software to explore virtual space, while other works have been video iterations of billboards or public projects. I enjoy the experimental nature of creating for Sedition, often using the platform as an opportunity to be more playful and work with sound in my videos.
Q: What inspired the artworks The World Isn't Working and Please Believe These Days Will Pass?
Mark Tichner: Both works evolved over time to address different issues. The World Isn't Working originated from a political campaign and has come to represent various societal problems. Please Believe These Days Will Pass initially held personal meaning, but later adapted to address the Brexit referendum and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Tell us about your upcoming Sedition collection, Those Years and These Days.
Mark Tichner: This collection delves into the experience of time and the intangibility of memory. I aimed to create an amorphous space that represents the shifting nature of our memories and our perception of time. Each work in the collection is unique, representing a different year, and explores the concept of what a year is meant to be.
Q: What are your thoughts on the developments in the NFT and AI spaces in the art world?
Mark Tichner: The NFT space has grown rapidly, and I view it as a separate community with its own language and technology. AI is a fast-moving field with the potential to significantly impact the arts, literature, news reporting, and politics. The implications are both exciting and concerning.
Q: What does the future hold for you and your work?
Mark Tichner: I plan to continue working on public projects and exploring new ideas. I'm also closely following the developments in NFTs and AI, as they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the art world as a whole.
To learn more about Mark Tichner's work, his thoughts on the evolving art world, and his experiences with the Sedition platform, be sure to watch the full interview video. Don't miss this opportunity to gain deeper insights into the creative process and inspirations of this fascinating artist: