Jon Penvose & Qian Gu (OKIE5)

Artist Statement

Jon Penvose and Qian Gu are the founders of OKIE5, a creative collective set at the intersection of architectural innovation and artistic exploration. With Jon’s extensive background in integrating cutting-edge technologies with design and Qian’s profound expertise in new media art and installation research, OKIE5 represents a synthesis of diverse creative energies directed toward redefining the spatial and experiential boundaries of architecture and art.

Biography

Jon Penvose, an alumnus of the SCI-Arc, has carved a niche in the realm of AI integrations and digital environments. His career spans roles as an AI researcher, where he has pioneered applications in game AI with Damjan Jovanovic, to leading creative technology ventures at Scissor Films, innovatively merging Unreal Engine and Touchdesigner with live digital media. Jon's robust skill set in coding, environment design, and AI-driven content production, complemented by his work as a design and technical educator at Houdini School, has consistently pushed the frontiers of architectural and digital design education.

Qian Gu, also a distinguished graduate of SCI-Arc, brings a unique perspective through her experience in architectural design and product management at SoomeenHahm Design Ltd. Her specialization in the conceptual design phase, combined with her hands-on approach in managing both robotic tools and material research, notably in ceramics, has established her as a leader in integrating art with functional design. Qian’s keen insights into the dynamics of product design, from jewelry to installation art, enrich her contributions to OKIE5.

Together, Jon and Qian support artists with a philosophy of innovation that integrates traditional architectural methodologies with the revolutionary potential of digital technologies. Their collaboration through OKIE5 is dedicated to crafting interactive, intelligent spaces that engage, inspire, and transform. With projects that span interactive AI-driven installations to academic research that blends design theory with technological pedagogy, OKIE5 stands as a creator of progressive design thinking aimed at exploring and establishing new collaborations between human and machines in the creative industries.

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