In the ever-evolving landscape of digital art, few artists have managed to leave a mark as indelible as the subject of today's spotlight. Marjan Moghaddam’s, a tenured Full Professor of Digital Art at LIU's Brooklyn campus, journey through the realms of 3D computer graphics (3DCG) and animation is not just a testament to their skill but a beacon for aspiring digital artists everywhere. Known for her distinctive style that marries post-digital figuration with innovative animation techniques, their career spans decades of evolution in digital art, from the early days of the Amiga to the forefront of today's NFT art scene.

Early Beginnings and Career Path

Our artist's foray into digital art began at NYIT during the nascent stages of computer graphics, initially dabbling with Images, a paint program on the VAX supercomputer, before embracing the Commodore 64. Their journey took a significant turn in the late 1980s when they became a paintbox artist at an early CG & Animation studio at Lincoln Center. This period marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Lightwave 3D, a tool that would become central to their work.

The transition from video production to fine arts did not slow their momentum. By the mid-90s, they were already making waves with major exhibitions and becoming a featured artist in early internet galleries. Their work, characterized by a unique blend of visual music and digital figuration, has been celebrated in festivals and galleries worldwide, culminating in viral successes like the GlitchGoddess and significant public art commissions.

Inspirations and Challenges

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from Nam June Paik to Dali and Sarah Lucas, their work transcends traditional boundaries, exploring themes of identity, technology, and the human condition. Despite facing challenges related to gender, immigration status, and ageism, their resolve has only strengthened, pushing the boundaries of digital art and its place in society.

Signature Projects and LightWave 3D

Among their favorite projects are the fractal animations of the 1990s and the Adorations series of large format prints. These works stand out not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their deep engagement with digital technology as a medium for artistic expression. LightWave 3D, chosen for its ease of use and superior rendering capabilities, has been a constant companion in their artistic endeavors, enabling them to pioneer a style that is both original and profoundly influential.

“I actually like the UI, workflows and separation of LWM and Layout. And I think a lot of the changes since 2018 especially with the new meshing system and stackable modifiers and ability to mix them has really allowed me to develop my style further. I’ve been using Octane for rendering since 2017, and that has been a great addition. I think for me the mix of nodal animation and pose-to-pose tools is the best!“