MEET DAVID MASTERS: THE VISION BEHIND SURREAL24SEVEN

About Surreal24seven

From New York to Guatemala: A Journey in Contrast

I grew up amidst the vibrant energy of New York City, where creativity was the heartbeat of everyday life. My journey took a dramatic turn when I moved to Guatemala over eleven years ago to manage my father's factory. When it closed abruptly, I faced financial and directional loss. Instead of succumbing to despair, I turned to art. This choice helped me not only understand my circumstances but also dream of a better future, transforming my confinement into an opportunity for growth. This resilience is captured in my piece "Shed Your Skin," where a woman with transformative tattoos sits atop suitcases, symbolizing readiness for change, much like my own life.

Artworks Breaking Boundaries

My art pushes limits and initiates dialogues. On November 17, 2024, "Will Dance for Food" won an international art contest from among thousands of entries, highlighting the power of surreal art to challenge societal norms. This achievement placed me at the forefront of contemporary surrealism. I've showcased my work on prestigious platforms like SuperRare, an invitation-only space for the elite of NFT artists. Each piece on SuperRare is a unique, limited edition, offering collectors a chance to own a slice of emotionally charged surrealism.

Notable Achievements

• Featured in SuperRare's Top 10 Picks by Paloma
  Being featured in this prestigious list helped introduce my work to a new audience, leading to collections by prominent figures such as @redbeardnft and @GeekySky.

• Included in SuperRare's Father's Day Gift Guide
  This recognition, along with being showcased on SuperRare's Instagram, allowed me to reach new art enthusiasts and collectors, broadening my audience and influence.

• Supported by Prominent Collectors
  I have been fortunate to be supported by notable collectors like @IfCircus, @jawniest, @dangiuz, and @Julie_Pacino, whose belief in my work has helped propel my art to new heights.

The Fusion of Art and Technology

As my work evolved and reached new heights, the integration of technology into my process became a natural progression. I craft surreal and imaginative digital artworks by combining multiple photographs into visually striking compilations. The images in my mind are often inspired by the emotions I feel at various points in my life. Since I struggle to express my feelings verbally, I find solace in articulating my stories through art. My emotions can be embarrassing or even childlike, but by channeling them into my art, I'm able to create unique and compelling pieces. When someone views my artwork, I strive to evoke thoughts and emotions; if my art fails to achieve that, I consider it unsuccessful.

My journey began with Photoshop, where I transformed stock photos into entirely new characters and settings through painstaking manual work. Today, I use AI-generated images as raw materials, much like stock photos, but with greater flexibility. AI enables me to design specific elements – like the texture of rotting fruit or the fabric of a dress – which I then refine, manipulate, and integrate in Photoshop to create cohesive narratives.

In "Givers and Takers," for instance, I used AI to generate images of rotting fruit, which I meticulously Photoshopped onto the man to transform him into a decaying figure with fruit inside. I then positioned the woman and added details like liquids and textures to enhance the emotional depth and storytelling of the piece. While AI helps streamline the creation of individual elements, my process remains deeply rooted in traditional digital artistry and storytelling, blending innovation with hands-on craftsmanship to maintain full creative control.

NFTs: A New Frontier for Art

Joining the NFT scene in 2021 opened up a world of possibilities, offering me a global stage on SuperRare. This has led to international exhibitions and collaborations. Despite market challenges, I remain committed to art that resonates deeply.

Stories in My Art

Each artwork tells a personal story. "DISCONNECTED" examines the clash between human connection and digital immersion, while "Color Your World" celebrates the power of positivity amidst chaos. These works are not just visuals; they are conversations meant to provoke thought and emotion.

“Color Your World” stands out as it captures the essence of embracing positivity amidst life's challenges. The woman painting flowers on the floor and walls symbolizes my belief in controlling my perception, choosing to focus on the good.

Over the past decade, I’ve faced financial hardship and uncertainty. Yet, this piece embodies my gratitude for the present and the simple joys in life. Art has been my salvation, transforming my reality much like the woman painting herself and her surroundings.

Creating is a journey of shedding worries, a magical process symbolized by the surreal carousel under the woman’s dress. This piece encourages others to embrace their inner artist, finding joy and contentment in the act of creation.

Cultural Shifts and Inspirations

Moving from New York's hustle to the dangers and challenges of Guatemala had a profound impact on my art. The fast-paced creativity of New York was replaced by the need to survive in a world filled with uncertainty and danger. This shift ignited a desire to return to America, which became a driving force in my work. The tension between the two worlds – one of constant movement and the other of survival and longing – has shaped my style. This duality is evident in pieces like "Shed Your Skin," where transformation symbolizes not just personal growth, but the internal struggle between the chaos of city life and the fight for stability.

Looking Forward

One day, I hope to move to Chicago. This is the dream. Chicago offers the perfect space for me to continue evolving my work and find a harmonious balance between digital NFT art and traditional commissioned pieces, bridging both worlds in innovative ways. Having already been showcased three times at @im_not_art gallery in Chicago, I’m eager to deepen my relationship with galleries in the city and host more physical showings. I look forward to walking along the river, trying the amazing food, visiting street fairs, exploring the galleries, and meeting the friendly people who make Chicago such a vibrant place to be.

Let's Collaborate

If my story and art resonate with you, I invite you to join me in exploring new artistic horizons. Let's create, collaborate, and challenge the status quo together. Explore my work on SuperRare, and feel free to reach out for collaborations, exhibitions, or just to connect via my Contact Page. Together, we can make art that speaks to both the heart and the mind.

Explore 'Will Dance For Food,'

A surreal commentary on society’s fixation with spectacle and performance. While this piece has already found its collector, explore the deeper meanings behind it and discover how each piece in my collection conveys powerful narratives about modern life.

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