ABOUT THE ARTIST

Arlo Sinclair is a computer programmer turned artist. What happens when you mix coding, an 80s gaming addiction and fine art? His creations pay homage to the functional beauty of obsolete digital storage (and the data contained therein)… all while infusing each piece with a touch of playful irreverence.

A self-taught artist with a passion for both the creation and collection of art, Sinclair draws inspiration from his extensive assortment of 1980s and 90s technology. In 2014 he began to envision the untold stories that each artefact might hold. He carefully incorporated subtle alterations into these relics, infusing them with commentary on contemporary themes.

For a number of years, his works have adorned the walls of computer enthusiasts worldwide, striking a chord with those who revelled in the nostalgia of bygone tech eras. However, recent years have witnessed the widening appeal of his art, attracting a broader audience with its playful wit and insightful perspectives.

Sinclair’s creative journey is heavily intertwined with the pop culture of the late 20th century, where the worlds of technology, gaming, and art converge into a delightful symphony of nostalgia and modern reflection.

Artist Statement

The subjects of my work are hugely personal to me. Each is an object that could be found at the bottom of a drawer: abandoned but well-loved, and, by the nature of its construction: it’ll exist long after we’re gone.

I find myself pondering what the digital archeologists of future civilisations will conclude about our society from the objects, and data, we leave behind.

Each of my images depicts a piece that has been altered in some way, to perhaps say even more about us as a society. Be it explicitly or in hidden messages I am fascinated by the violence we allow our children to be exposed to in computer games, right through to the politics of the time, and the rise of the tech that ultimately may destroy us. But it’s not all fun: also our humanity, our compassion, and our capacity for good.

We are a big mix of many things, and I’m fascinated with what the objects we leave behind will say about us. So, like a digital footprint I’m leaving my mark on canvas for future generations to find.