The Metamorphosis Of Tomorrow

Artist Chong Yan Chuah interrogates the future, while breathing life into an alternative digital realm.

- Asha Farisha

Humans are naturally drawn to the unknown; mysteries excite us. Within ourselves, there will always exist a deep desire to question. Philosopher Oscar Wilde challenged how society perceives beauty, and Carl Jung delved into the intricacies of human behaviour; these renowned thinkers have driven us to probe the depths of our consciousness. Time shifts, yet the ageold questions of “whys” and “what ifs” persist. We find ourselves on the precipice of a new era characterised by the dominance of artificial intelligence and technology. In this age of constant digital innovation, what answers might we seek?

Meet Chong Yan Chuah, an architect and poet of virtual space, with a title that, while seemingly extravagant, aptly captures the essence of his creative pursuits. “Do you know those shower thoughts that send your mind into a spiral?” he laughs. “I like to read, and I’d say I’m a deep thinker. The digital meta-worlds I’ve created are an extension of my mind and thoughts. They represent a delightful alternate twist on how I think reality can manifest, or perhaps, what it may evolve into in the future.”

Birthing Somni, a studio that merges art direction and research, Chong Yan nurtures his creative vision through the intricate language of computer code. As a collaborative haven for creative minds, Somni holds the pledge of transforming imagination into visuals and alternate worlds on your computer screen. “Digital world-building knows no bounds, which is why our clientele spans a wide spectrum, from partnering in Research and Development for an architectural firm to crafting CGI artworks for SONY Music,” he explains.