In today's Artist Spotlight we meet Ellie Pritts, who is redefining the boundaries of art and technology. A pioneer in blending analogue techniques with emerging digital tools, her work is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. From glitch art to generative AI, Ellie seamlessly fuses tradition with the future, creating pieces that are as tactile as they are transformative.
In this interview, she shares insights into her creative journey, the evolving role of AI in the art world, and how she navigates the physical challenges of being an artist - all while pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Ellie's work also appears in our latest Luxury Insights Report: Art, AI and the Future of Creativity, which can be downloaded here.
What first interested you in the idea of blending traditional art mediums and technology?
My interest began during my formative years, heavily inspired by my father, who is an animator. Growing up, I spent countless hours on the computer experimenting and tinkering. This exposure gave me a deep appreciation for the ways art and technology could intersect to create something entirely new. As I developed my own practice, I became drawn to analog processes like glitch art and analog video synthesis, which have a tactile yet ephemeral quality. Blending these traditional techniques with emerging tools like AI allowed me to push the boundaries of both. It’s a way for me to bridge the past and the future, reinterpreting nostalgia while exploring the expansive possibilities that technology offers.
Do you think AI will continue to grow in popularity within the art industry?
Absolutely. AI is already reshaping the art world, and its role will only grow as more artists and institutions experiment with its creative potential. I can see it becoming indispensable as AI expands the toolkit available to artists, allowing for new forms of storytelling, interactivity, and scale that were previously unimaginable or unattainable for most. I also think the accessibility of AI tools will democratize creative expression, empowering more people to engage with art-making. Of course, as AI becomes more prevalent, the conversation around its ethical and creative use especially regarding authorship and originality will also become increasingly important. But I do think it's important to let artists decide whether they want to engage with this, or any, technology and hold respect for people's decisions and practices in that regard.
Can you tell us more about the physical challenges you’ve faced in the art world?
Navigating life with DADA2 has demanded significant adaptation and resilience, as I often contend with neurological challenges like strokes and seizures, vasculitis, muscle wasting, chronic pain and debilitating fatigue. Tasks, like physically creating, handling, or installing work, can be demanding, and travel for exhibitions often takes a considerable toll on me. These challenges have profoundly shaped my creative practice. Embracing technologies like generative AI has enabled me to work in ways that are less physically taxing while still pursuing ambitious, large-scale projects. These tools have pushed me to innovate, adapt, and continually redefine what’s possible for myself as an artist. I am also blessed to have a solid professional support network to support me in my endeavours.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from the natural world and ephemeral processes that force me to be present; moments that remind me of the beauty in impermanence. I’m deeply inspired by the unpredictable forces that create surprising and often magical results. Anything that brings me joy becomes a source of inspiration, from simple pleasures to moments of experimentation and discovery. For me, creativity is about embracing curiosity and letting the unexpected guide my process. I find inspiration in the unplanned and the joyful.
If your art could be showcased in any museum in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could show my art anywhere, ZKM in Karlsruhe, Germany would be at the top of my list. Exhibiting there has been a dream of mine for years. I’ve always admired their commitment to interactive and immersive work, and their collection is truly spectacular. It would be an incredible honor to collaborate with an institution that has been so pivotal in advancing new media art.
It would also be a dream come true to exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. MoMA has long championed pioneers of new media art, and the opportunity to have my work in conversation with such an influential and groundbreaking collection would be profoundly meaningful to me.
Ellie Pritts is a new media artist celebrated for her innovative fusion of creative technology and storytelling across analog and digital mediums. Represented by MTArt Agency since 2022. Her deep engagement with emerging technologies shapes a practice that fluidly bridges the virtual and physical, inviting viewers into a boundless, transformative world.
