Digital sculptures and bodies with androgynous sexuality: SARGON KHNU tells us about gender fluidity in three dimensions. SARGON KHNU is an artist of Assyrian origins who recounts ancient mythology in a contemporary key. He currently works in Berlin creating 3D figures that come to life in the physical world in the form of dysmorphic and androgynous sculptures. Monsters with hybrid sexuality who explore gender fluidity in current society.

The artist's work originates from the philosophy of ancient Mesopotamia and is configured as an experiment about how sexuality is portrayed in society and its impact on shaping our self-perception. The union between the digital work and the physical sculpture allows the artist to create scenarios where philosophy and mythology meet and tell of a parallel world inhabited by plausible entities. His aesthetic revolves around the organic forms of nature and anatomical figures of half-men and half-animals that the artist's inner child interprets according to the models of contemporary digitalized society.

Sargon Khnu: is it your full name? Introduce yourself and name your aesthetic.

Yes, that's my full name. I have Assyrian roots, and I can speak one of the ancient languages of the world, Akkadian-influenced Aramaic. I am an interdisciplinary artist currently based in Berlin. My work explores how sexuality is portrayed in society and its impact on shaping our self-perception and socio-cultural norms. I use sculptures and objects in both digital and physical forms as visual platforms. Currently, I am experimenting with a 3D printer, bringing my digital sculptures to life in the real world, like a phoenix undergoing rebirth. My aesthetic revolves around crafted organic sculptures painted with children's chalk. I also explore the intertwining of bodily and physiological forms of the human body with sexuality.

Three cultural and artistic inspo that inspire you and from which you start.

Philosophy/Society, Mythology, and Sexuality. I draw extensively from philosophical concepts as a foundation for contemplating various questions that drive me to create art. I find parallels between my ideas and the thoughts of philosophers, seeking inspiration and delving deeper into these inquiries. It makes me feel connected and not alone. I also explore moments related to society and its functions in different environments. Mythology has been and continues to be my inspiration since early childhood. I loved reading various mythological narratives and visualising them in my mind. Characters with hybrid bodies, a blend of human and nature, as well as the narrative or how it can be interpreted, captivate me. Sexuality can also be linked to society and philosophy, giving my works an extravagant character. I am intrigued by observing how sexuality influences society and its modifications. It could also be anything from sacred objects to TV shows.

One current element that you repeat in your creations and that you believe makes you recognizable.

This is precisely it - 'Crafted organic and distorted sculptures painted with children's chalk. When I create my artworks, I intentionally distance myself from the works of other artists, granting me the freedom to establish my own style and distinctiveness. When working on mood boards or references, I primarily use photographs or screenshots from real-life situations or fashion, combined with my own perception and narrative. When I work, it is essential for me to immerse myself in the so-called "other world." I mean a state of trance with myself, where you shed the social mask, become open to yourself, and activate your inner teenager or kid.

Centaurs and androgynous bodies: how much ancient Greece is present in your work?

Yes, indeed, that's my juice! As I have Assyrian roots, I have been familiar with the epics and myths of my people since early childhood. I interpret them differently now than in my youth, but it's fascinating to realise that I grew up with such diverse stories. It's not just about Greek antiquity for me; I draw from a broad spectrum, with a primary focus on ancient Mesopotamia. However, I also find it intriguing to seek parallels between these narratives and retellings. You can learn a lot about society through these stories.

You recently held an exhibition in Berlin and before that an auction on Foundation: would you consider the option of staging an exhibition in the Metaverse?

I am open to this and gladly took part. I find the idea of combining a Metaverse exhibition with a traditional one interesting. However, I am also ready to participate in any other form of exhibition, as it is ultimately the interaction of the artwork with the audience, and it can be perceived and have different effects depending on the surrounding environment and space.

I see you are experimenting with the 3D printer, what value do you think it will bring to your work and what would you like to focus on next?

Sculptural work has always been a passion, and I'm persistently pursuing it. The use of 3D printing enables me to manifest my creations physically, offering a fresh perspective and the chance to experiment with diverse materials that I can integrate into the digital medium. Each stage builds upon the previous, inspiring new experiments and procedures. Currently, I am engaged in an artistic fashion project involving objects.