Zach Blas is an artist, filmmaker, and writer whose practice spans installation, moving image, computation, theory, and performance. Blas engages the materiality of digital technologies while also drawing out the philosophies and imaginaries lurking in artificial intelligence, biometric recognition, predictive policing, airport security, and the internet. In recent projects like “The Doors” (2019), Blas imagines a new psychedelic age fueled by AI, nootropics, and tech culture. In “SANCTUM” (2018), a sex dungeon-cum-detention recasts security and surveillance through BDSM. Blas has exhibited, lectured, and held screenings at venues internationally, including the 12th Berlin Biennale, de Young Museum, British Art Show 9, Tate Modern, Walker Art Center, 12th Gwangju Biennale, the 68th Berlin International Film Festival, Matadero Madrid, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, ICA London, Van Abbemuseum, e-flux, ZKM Center for Art and Media, and Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo. His 2021 artist monograph Unknown Ideals was published by Sternberg Press and Edith-Russ-Haus für Medienkunst. Blas is an assistant professor of visual studies in the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto.
