The Art of Chad Wys

We recently discovered Chad Wys, an artist, designer, and writer from Illinois who digitally modernizes classic works of art by juxtaposing contrasting colors and styles. Wys experiments with as many mediums as possible in order to engage and challenge the viewer to visual information, objects, images, art, and decorations. Specifically, he looks at how each of these are manipulated in culture and how they impact our experiences.

Wys is definitely one of Maniac’s new favorite contemporary artists.  An online presence is important for emerging artists, like himself, in order to be successful.  The internet is the most powerful tool in terms of communication, and to not take advantage of it and keep portfolios to the material world would be somewhat foolish.

“I think the solution to being widely seen and perhaps even understood as an artist is to be present, persistent, consistent, and to create ‘good’ work.  But the better ‘remedy’ for the social noise is to not expect to overcome it, and to not desire to overcome it; it ceases being an obstacle at that point.”-Wys

The way in which Wys’s contemporary and historical forms interact with one another is what really makes a difference when it comes to innovation.  His artistic direction and decisions are not only thought provoking, but also surprising.  Without his uniqueness and experimentation, no lines would be crossed between different genres, mediums, and time periods.

“Despite everything, and true to my postmodern roots, in the end as in the beginning I leave the activity, reception, and understanding of my work entirely in the viewer’s hands. It is meant to mean different things to different people who are at different stages of understanding.”

We can’t get enough! Check out more of the colorful artwork here!