Known for his futuristic, arresting and crystalline visual style, FVCKRENDER’s art which has widespread appeal that has captivated audiences worldwide, stems from a source of ‘personal therapy’ for him and a reflection of our modern age. His artist name, is the alias of Montreal-based artist Frédéric Duquette, who is the mastermind behind innovative art that blends imagination and technology, bridging both physical and virtual worlds. As a result of his prolific portfolio thus far, he has gained recognition at credible auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s; and more notably, his list of collaborators include Supreme, Hypebeast, The Hundreds, Swarovski, Dior, Avant Arte and Spotify.
We were thrilled for the opportunity to speak with FVCKRENDER, a trailblazing modern artist who is eagerly anticipating his upcoming show in Montreal this Fall, in conjunction with the launch of a venue that will blend gallery, coffee shop, bar and event space, as a vibrant cultural hub. In terms of cultural impact, he has mesmerized audiences via his large scale installations, limited edition prints or arresting visuals. Some creative highlights include last year’s “Catch the Light” at W1 Curates installation in London. Popspoken dives into his creative journey, the future of digital art and the inspiration behind his captivating pieces.
Popspoken: How do you see the future of digital art evolving, especially with advancements in VR, AR, and Blockchain?
FVCKRENDER: I see the future of digital art tied closely to blockchain. With proof of ownership, it adds a layer of authenticity and security that’s hard to beat. While VR and AR have potential, they aren’t quite there yet in terms of quality. Blockchain already offers real benefits for digital art, and it’s not going anywhere – it’s here to stay.
Popspoken: What inspired the theme and title “Catch the Light” for your exhibition at W1 Curates and how did the collaboration with hip hop icon Lil Nas X come about?
FVCKRENDER: This show was very personal for me. It was about getting better mentally with anxiety, a moment to catch the light and feel better. Collaborations usually start with a DM on Instagram and a good idea. Loved working with Lil Nas X!
Popspoken: What is in the name “FVCKRENDER”. Sounds angry, was it meant to be so?
FVCKRENDER: (Laughs) I know it sounds angry and it was at the time. I was working on a terrible MacBook, and rendering an image would take 8 hours, only to realize it looked terrible and I had to start from scratch! I think about changing the name every day!
Popspoken: Tell us more about the large-scale “BIG CARE” // sculpture, and what is the appeal of art coming from the “streets”. What is the “street”, even?
FVCKRENDER: My goal is always to push the boundaries of what I can do and how big I can dream. “Big Care” is a good representation of this! I think you’re referring to a parallel Carlo McCormick made between the rise of artists like me, who don’t come from traditional art backgrounds, and street artists like Basquiat, Haring, and KAWS. These guys brought raw, authentic energy from unconventional spaces, breaking norms and creating impactful art. I try to channel that same spirit in my work, evolving beyond my digital origins.
I think that’s what the “street” is. It’s about creating art that feels real and accessible, coming from unexpected places and resonating with people on a different level.
Popspoken: Distributing out art, in this case 300 NFTs, is the new era of “fractionalisation” which ironically stemmed from COVID-19, since everyone started to blur the boundaries between their personal lives and their professional lives, with new terms coined such as #WFH #Hybrid.
How do you preserve the creative integrity and moral rights, preserved within your artistic intellectual property? If it is owned by everyone, can it truly be owned by someone?
FVCKRENDER: I’m all about innovations, and I think this format works well in certain scenarios. The art industry is becoming vast with many preferences, like people who prefer self-custody over centralized exchanges. Some people will always prefer a true 1/1 piece, but not everyone can afford that. Art should be for everyone, so I want my work to be accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their budget. That’s why I’m open to different formats – it lets more people collect and enjoy my art.
Popspoken: What can you share about Montreal, to anyone visiting for the first time. Describe it in a sentence, as well as share some of your favourite haunts, for those who wish to dive into the subculture scene.
FVCKRENDER: Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich cultural tapestry and a thriving arts scene. But as much as I love Montreal, I see it as a creative prison, with so many good artists afraid to think bigger than the city. However, for those looking to dive into the subculture scene, you’ll find hidden gems and creative energy everywhere, from the eclectic neighborhoods to the underground art galleries and indie music venues.
Popspoken: Tell us more about the influence of American culture critic and curator, Carlo McCormick’s writings and curation on your artistic process, as well as how you get inspired creatively. Share some thoughts on what “breaks” the internet these days beyond Donald Trump?
FVCKRENDER: I love Carlo; I had the opportunity to meet him in person during my last show in NYC. He represents everything I grew up on, like skate and hip-hop culture, which has had a big influence on my art. As for what breaks the internet these days, I wish I knew! Honestly, I’m just sitting at my computer making art for myself lately.
Stay tuned for his upcoming projects, here.
