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Next Big Thing: Gabriel Massan

By Galerie editors
Abstract 3D shapes with colorful textures and intricate patterns against a white background.
Gabriel Massan, Tunnels/Fullness, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Through exquisitely rendered digital creations, Gabriel Massan conjures worlds the artist would want to live in, devising immersive encounters that allow the viewer “to cross realities and implant uncertainties of time into everyday life.” 

Person wearing a knitted hooded scarf, with a neutral expression and curly hair, looking directly at the camera.
Gabriel Massan. Photo: Hick Duarte

Artistic inspiration: “I increasingly correlate my need to externalize figures to the fact that I am not exactly aware of what my cultural heritage is,” says Massan, who was born in Brazil and now resides in Berlin. “In my genealogical tree I could only access my grandparents, because of the historical trauma caused by the colonization of Brazil.”

“It’s exciting to see the format of a game opened up to collaboration not only across players but with other creators as well”

Bettina Korek

Abstract 3D sculpture with colorful textures and organic shapes forming a circular loop on a white background.
Artwork by Gabriel Massan. Photo: Courtesy of the artist
Colorful, abstract 3D sculpture resembling interconnected butterfly shapes against a white background.
Artwork by Gabriel Massan. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

Up next: “Through February, I will be part of the digital pavilion at the Bangkok Art Biennale, launching the second act of my series ‘Ball of Terror’ while in residence at Fact in Liverpool, and presenting the prerelease of the interactive game/experience Third World: The Bottom Dimension, which I have been developing with Serpentine Arts Technologies and Tezos.” 

Abstract 3D shapes with colorful textures and patterns overlapping on a white background.
Gabriel Massan, Tunnels/Fullness, 2022. Photo: Courtesy of the artist

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2022 Winter Issue under the headline “Next Big Things.” Subscribe to the magazine.

Click here to see the full list of “Next Big Things.”