The fourth work from the Ecxtasy collection. “Hope” is about putting your trust back into the universe. It gives one the ability to see who is trustworthy and who is not for a short period of time.

About Ecxtasy Collection

The Ecxtasy collection explores society’s desire to find resolve from external forces, whether chemical or spiritual. It presents the ‘quick fix’ as both tongue-in-cheek humor and a worthwhile internal reflection.

Thoughts from artist Popquiz Gods on his piece “Hope”

How would you describe your practice?

I improvise in many different disciplines (music, performance art, computer science). My overall creative process is emotional from what I feel like saying and the best way to represent it. For this current collection, I worked in collage (GIMP/Photoshop), then moved into rendering and programming (Unity3d). The silver lining throughout my process is the computer, but I have yet to start combining my performance art background. I also try to not be hard on myself as an artist because to do that is a colossal waste of time.

What was the inspiration behind this piece?

Our need to be superheroes and the escapism, whether through technology or pharmaceutical/recreational drugs. The mythological elements within my work are also a commentary on spirituality. Each pill has an exaggerated effect that is more video-game-like than authentic or even possible. You’ll notice that each work ends with this line: “for a short period of time”; illustrating that in the end, we must always come back to our reality to find our true strength and beauty.

What do you believe is the role of art and the artist?

This is a potent question. I believe there are two schools of thought (for me at least): there is the entertainer side and the critical-thinker side; both are essential for a resilient society/culture. Artists should help relax, entertain, and bring the masses to new places and worlds; but they should also reveal the collective subconscious of society whether good or bad and make the Individual think critically about their current state and the world they live in. An artist’s role is to be a dream-factory, but that dream can take many forms either to entertain or educate. Artists must be free to express and reflect critically at all times; doing so is a vital healing and rejuvenating process for any society.

What about Neon Door led you to submit?

I loved the quality of work and curation! I think Neon Door is leading the pack when it comes to representing art in new ways. I truly respect the philosophy as well, in opening new doors and translating visual art into the 21st century. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my work with Neon Door.

How do you see your work evolving?

I gave a clue about it for another answer, but I would definitely say bringing my performance art background into future works.  And telling a story through monologue and movement.  I’m especially interested in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and combining these elements. All exciting endeavors, but one day at a time.

Photograph is a still from Hope by Popquiz Gods

Robert Esposito is an artist from Toronto, Canada; currently living in Montréal. His work explores hyper-reality, interface, and entertainment. Popquiz Gods is a central studio for his work and collaborations.

Instagram: @popquizgods
Twitter: @popquizgods
Facebook: @popquizgods