Sasha Katz: From the Early Days of Computers to the Poetics of Digital Femininity
As a child, I was already deeply passionate about computers — even though the personal computers we had in the 1980s were, in truth, quite limited. Early graphic software offered very little: you could draw a few rough, jagged lines, and that was about it. When it came to 3D graphics, two things were almost set in stone: first, that the images created were crude, technical, and cold; and second, that almost everyone developing such software was a man.
Thankfully, things have changed dramatically over time — both in terms of the visual quality of 3D graphics and in the diversity of those who use and master these tools. If we look at today’s creative environment of NFTs and decentralized art, we must completely rethink our old idea of 3D art and imagine an almost boundless creative landscape, where imagination and poetry become as central as technical skill.
This is exactly the case of Sasha Katz, a visual artist based in Athens, Greece. After studying Illustration at the British Higher School of Art and Design, she began teaching 3D modeling. Her artistic practice revolves around exploring female sensuality and the poetry of the body. Katz’s work challenges and redefines conventional standards of beauty, celebrating diversity and the unconventional. In her 3D heroines, she seeks the essence of digital tenderness and fragility, using these qualities to express her deep admiration for women.
Her works have been exhibited internationally in galleries and museums such as Pan American Art Projects, PAL Project, Francisco Carolinum Linz, Decentral Art Pavilion, Nox Gallery, Galerie Charpentier, Artcrush Gallery, Mad Arts, and IHAM Gallery, among others. Her work has been featured in Kunstforum, It's Nice That, I-D, Juxtapoz, and Vogue Italia.
Sasha kindly agreed to this brief interview, which sheds light on her thoughtful vision of what it means to be an artist today and her conception of art itself.
Sasha, what has been your journey as an artist?
I’ve been involved in digital arts for about a decade. My path as an artist has been a mix of exploration, discovery, and happy coincidences. I started as a graphic designer, but even in art school I was drawn to the potential of 3D art. The transition wasn’t easy — there was a whole 3D universe to master and a new set of tools to learn. Yet it opened up a world of possibilities and allowed me to experiment in ways I had never imagined.
A crucial moment in my career came when I began gaining recognition online. The artist community on Tumblr was incredibly supportive and vibrant. Connecting with artists and art lovers from around the world was both inspiring and motivating. That exposure also led to collaborations and opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise.
Before becoming a digital artist, did you work with traditional media?
I’ve always worked mainly with digital media. During art school, I experimented with traditional techniques, particularly oil painting. Although I enjoyed the process and tactile experience, my traditional works never led to a professional career — they mostly became gifts for friends and family, which was rewarding in its own way.
Which artists have influenced your creative growth over time?
Over the years, many artists have influenced my creative evolution, each in a unique way. These include Tamara de Lempicka, Mikhail Vrubel, Marc Chagall, and the masters of ukiyo-e printmaking such as Kitagawa Utamaro, Ando Hiroshige, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, and Torii Kiyonaga. Also Christo and Jeanne-Claude and Zinaida Serebriakova, among many others.
How do you compose your works? What’s your creative process like?
My creative process is a mix of structured planning and spontaneous inspiration. I start with characters I’ve sculpted over time, each with its own unique story and potential. I constantly update a mental list of directions for these characters, imagining different scenarios and narratives they could inhabit. I pose, sculpt, and simulate every scene detail. Then I texture everything to give the characters and their environment a lifelike quality. Lighting is the final step — it creates the atmosphere and unites all the elements to serve the original narrative.
Which artists inspire you the most today?
I follow many artists across different fields who inspire me both as an artist and as a person. Some of them are Mariah Vestica, David Lisser, Mae, Alien Queen, Anders Brasch-Willumsen, Goldcat, Nikolina Petolas, Dani Leoni, Hanie Soltani, and many others.
What do you think is the greatest advantage of digital art today?
I’d say the greatest advantage of digital art lies in its versatility and accessibility. It offers artists a vast range of tools and techniques that can be easily manipulated and refined. It allows us to explore new forms of expression and interactivity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What are the key aspects of 3D modeling techniques in art?
3D techniques revolve around planning, precision, and storytelling.
Do you believe art is mainly a personal, reflective process or something that requires dialogue with others?
I believe the truth lies in balance. Through solitary exploration, artists discover their authentic voice and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. But sharing that work with others opens doors to unexpected perspectives and dialogue. Art cannot exist in a vacuum — it needs viewers, their interpretations, and their critiques.
What kind of relationship do you have with your collectors? Do they influence your artistic journey?
Some of my collectors have become close friends, and I’m truly grateful to have met them. The NFT space has allowed me to communicate directly with my collectors. Before NFTs, I often didn’t even know who was buying my works through galleries. Now, I can talk to them directly — and that’s wonderful. They definitely influence my journey, allowing me to focus more on creating art rather than producing commercial work for brands.
In the past, the artist was often seen as “cursed,” while today many artists resemble entrepreneurs. How do you see yourself?
I’m completely comfortable balancing both roles — artist and entrepreneur — and I have enough energy to pursue both directions.
