An Interview With Chris Dorland

Canadian-American artist Chris Dorland, explores the intersection of physical and digital realms through his contemporary works. Using technologies like surveillance and drones, he examines how reality is perceived and reproduced in our increasingly digital world. Dorland's distinctive fusion of analogue and digital techniques results in visually dense paintings and digital pieces that delve into computer culture and artificial intelligence. His vibrant "glitch datascapes" offer a compelling commentary on our technologically mediated existence.

Chris Dorland Portrait by Jason Schmidt

Congratulations on your upcoming exhibition, "Clone Repo (server ruin)" at Nicoletti Gallery. Could you tell us a bit about the origin of this show and how it came together with the gallery?

My first time exhibiting with Nicoletti was in 2020, right before Covid. Clone Repo (server ruin) is my second exhibition with them. We had been discussing our next project together for some time. It’s exciting to be presenting these new 'Interface' paintings in London, because it will be the first time they are being exhibited.

What are some of the key themes or concepts you're exploring in this new body of work?

Visualisation systems, archives and decay.

Can you share a little about the process of creating the work for this show? Were there any new methods or challenges you encountered?

One of the key things that makes this work different is the use of metallic pigments. It pushes the work into a whole new direction. The paintings are much subtler as a result of the silver metallics.

How does your approach to layering and deconstruction differ between the two mediums you're presenting?

I work in both painting and video. With painting, you’re trying to hold a viewer's attention with an image that will never move again once the piece is completed. With video, you’re also trying to captivate the viewer, but the image is constantly in motion. It’s kind of like opposite ways of getting to the same result.

What do you hope viewers take away from the exhibition?

The hope is always that the viewer will think or feel something new, that you are providing a new way for them to experience the world we live in.

Who are some artists whose work has significantly impacted your own?

The filmmakers Paul Verhoeven and Michael Mann have both been hugely important to me.

What do you most enjoy about being an artist?

Being an artist is a contemplative way of life that allows for a lot of reflection and problem-solving - the solitude and the self-direction. I love that, although I still feel like I never have enough time, no matter how much time I seem to have.

What is your favourite book or film and why?

I’m currently reading Haruki Murakami’s memoir “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running”. As a runner myself, I’m finding the book to be incredibly moving and inspiring.

Looking ahead, what are some of the projects you have planned for the future?

I have some really exciting things on the horizon for 2026. The first monograph on my work is coming out and I’m also working on my first institutional solo show. These are both really profound milestones for an artist.

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