From Fantasy to Reality: An Interview with Artist FVCKRENDER

Montreal-based artist FVCKRENDER, aka Frédéric Duquette, pushes the boundaries of imagination and technology while blurring the lines between the physical and virtual worlds through his ambitious experiential art. FVCKRENDER carries more than just a striking presence; he embodies a journey of frustration, resilience, healing, and a touch of humour in the world of digital artistry. Originating from the artist’s early days spent rendering on a sluggish MacBook, FVCKRENDER has pushed on to make his dreams a reality – where limits don’t exist and all is possible.
How did the name FVCKRENDER come about, and what does it signify for you?
The name FVCKRENDER came about because I was rendering on an old MacBook, and it would take about 7 hours to see the finished artwork, only to realize I had to redo everything from scratch. It was a real pain. Rendering is much faster now, so I joke that I should change my name to LoveRender or something!

What is your typical workflow when creating a new piece?

Honestly, I try to think as little as possible. I just want to create artwork that captures the current feeling and emotion of the moment. Sometimes we overthink and try to perfect everything, but I prefer to let the muse play and see where it takes me.

Can you share some insights into the business side of being a digital artist?

It’s challenging. You have to wear many hats – marketer, video editor, content creator, social media manager, cold caller, artist, color grader, graphic designer, and even banker. Balancing all these roles just to find a few minutes to create art can be tough. But despite all that, it’s the best job in the world.

What do you hope people take away from your art?

I hope my art makes people feel good or helps them learn something about themselves. Art has healed me a lot over the past few years, and I still have more healing to do. I want my work to offer that same sense of healing and self-discovery to others.

How do you see the digital art landscape changing in the next decade?

The digital art landscape is scaling rapidly, and everything is becoming digital. This is just the beginning, and I see it continuing to grow and evolve significantly over the next decade. The possibilities are endless, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this movement.

What has been your most challenging project to date, and how did you overcome those challenges?

Honestly, life in general has been the most challenging project. Balancing personal struggles with creative work is tough. I overcome it by taking things one day at a time, staying focused on my goals, and letting my art be a source of healing and expression.

If you could live in any of your artworks, which one would it be and why?

I’d be too scared to live inside one of my artworks, to be honest! They are meant to clear the negativity and emotions of the moment. They help me heal, and the only way for that to happen is to leave them in the past so I can move forward.

Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re excited about?

I’m currently building a beautiful art gallery in Montreal with my fiancée Baeige and her sister. It’s set to open in October this year. The gallery will be a place where we educate people about digital art and art in general. I can’t wait for this project to be completed; it’s so exciting, but it’s also making me bald, and I’m only 32!