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April 4, 2025

Interview with Artist Ralph Khoury

We’re thrilled to feature the talented digital artist Ralph Khoury, also known as @gingerpotter21, in this special edition of Cellotape Magazine. Ralph has captivated audiences with his unique digital art style, and we’re excited to dive into his creative process, inspirations, and thoughts on the digital art scene.

We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Ralph and his incredible work.

Interviewed by Caroline Spinks, March 2025

Cellotape: To start, could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got started in digital art? What was it about digital mediums that drew you in, and what have been some key moments in your artistic journey?

Ralph: I’ve been an artist my entire life, using sketching and drawing as a way to express my thoughts and ideas. In 2018, I decided to take my art more seriously, challenging myself to create an artwork every week based on what I was experiencing at the time. This routine not only helped me refine my skills but also shaped the narrative driven approach I use in my work today. 

What drew me to digital art was its endless possibilities. Unlike traditional mediums, digital art isn’t bound by physical limitations, it can be immersive, dynamic, and evolve in ways that push artistic expression to new heights. Some of the defining moments in my journey include having my work exhibited in Times Square and displayed on billboards across different countries. Seeing my art projected on such a massive scale reinforced the power of digital art, proving that it isn’t just confined to screens, it can exist in both physical and virtual spaces, reaching audiences in ways that weren’t possible before.

Cellotape: You have such a distinct style. How would you describe your approach to digital art? Are there particular techniques or tools that you gravitate towards when creating your pieces? How have you developed your unique artistic voice?

Ralph: I wanted to create a character that serves as a blank page, one that anyone can embody. The idea stems from the notion that while everything around us might feel bigger than the individual, the individual still stands out. This concept is at the core of my work, often represented by this blank character navigating vast, larger than life environments. The contrast between the figure and its surroundings highlights the tension between presence and insignificance, making the viewer project their own emotions and experiences onto the character. 

My technique is rooted in a blend of traditional and digital methods. It starts in the most old-school way, pen and paper, where I hand draw every frame. I then scan and refine them in Photoshop before finalizing everything in After Effects. This hybrid approach, merging the physical and digital, is more than just a process; it reflects one of the core themes of my work. Especially in my latest pieces, this duality is present, capturing the ongoing shift between tangible reality and the digital world we’re increasingly immersed in.

Cellotape:  Your work often explores fascinating themes and narratives. Can you tell us about the themes you focus on, such as the conscious and subconscious mind? How do you portray the interplay of empathy between the viewer and the character you depict? What or who inspires your creativity; whether it’s certain art movements, pop culture, personal experiences, or other sources?

Ralph: My work delves into themes surrounding the conscious and subconscious mind, exploring the tension between what we are aware of and what lies beneath the surface. I’m particularly interested in how we interact with both the physical and digital worlds and how these interactions shape our identities. The character I create serves as a kind of universal figure, one that is both an individual and a mirror for the viewer. This allows the audience to project their own emotions and experiences onto the character, creating an empathetic link that bridges the gap between the artwork and the viewer.

The subconscious plays a huge role in my work. I often portray the struggle of reconciling our digital and physical realities, as both can feel simultaneously empowering and alienating. This duality can evoke feelings of nostalgia, alienation, or introspection in the viewer, depending on their personal relationship with the digital world.

As for inspiration, it comes from a mix of different sources, everything from the philosophy of identity, existentialism, and the rapid technological changes we’re living through, to elements of pop culture and art movements. The ever-evolving landscape of the internet and how it’s reshaping society is a constant source of inspiration, as is my own experience navigating these shifts.

Cellotape: As @gingerpotter21, you’ve built a significant following on social media. How do you use platforms like Instagram to connect with your audience? Do you share your creative process, behind-the-scenes content, or engage in conversations with other artists?

Ralph: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have been pivotal in building an audience for my work. These platforms provide an incredible opportunity to not only showcase my finished pieces but to invite my followers into the creative process. I share everything from rough sketches and animations to the challenges I face while creating. This transparency fosters a deeper connection with my audience, turning my art into a shared experience rather than just images on a screen. 

One of the most exciting aspects of social media is how it acts as an evolving canvas where I can experiment, gauge reactions, and fine tune my approach in real time. I’ve found that many of my works are deeply rooted in my personal observations, yet my audience often brings fresh interpretations to them, which is fascinating to me. For instance, one of my pieces explores the modern state of love through digital means, especially through dating apps. I initially titled it “Digital Love,” but a follower suggested “Love Bytes,” which was such a clever twist on the idea that I ended up renaming the artwork to “Love Bytes.” This exchange is a perfect example of how social media helps shape the narrative of my work, adding an interactive layer to the art itself.

Cellotape: You’ve worked on some incredible projects—could you tell us about a few pieces that stand out to you? Are there any particular works or collaborations that have been especially significant in your career or that you’re particularly proud of?

Ralph: It’s hard to pick just one piece of my work, as each one holds a special place in my heart. However, if I had to choose, one of my favorites is a piece called “Mind Your Scrolling”. It’s a clever concept that transforms a train window into a screen, where you can scroll to speed up the journey, offering a commentary on how modern life has conditioned us to constantly seek efficiency. In just a few seconds of animation, it encapsulates a pivotal part of our contemporary experience. This work also won the FTNFT Animation Award in Malta a few months ago, which was a huge honor.

In terms of collaborations, there have been many meaningful ones. One ongoing project with ArtCrush Gallery stands out, as my art is being broadcast on billboards across the globe, from South Africa to Indonesia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It’s been amazing to see my work in such diverse locations, reaching a broader audience. Another major milestone in my career was having my art showcased in Times Square. It’s still surreal to think about, as I never imagined that my art would be displayed in a place so iconic, let alone visit it. To see my work on that massive screen was a dream come true and a defining moment in my journey.

Cellotape: The digital art world is constantly evolving. Are there any challenges you’ve faced in your career, whether with technology, maintaining originality, or navigating the competitive online space? How do you keep pushing yourself creatively and stay ahead of trends?

Ralph: One of the biggest challenges in the digital art space is standing out amidst the fast paced, ever changing landscape. Algorithms shift, trends emerge and fade, and sometimes originality can feel diluted. What I’ve learned over time is that staying true to my artistic identity is far more important than chasing fleeting trends. It’s easy to get swept up in what’s popular, but I’ve found that consistency and authenticity resonate more deeply with my audience.

Another challenge I’ve faced is the perception of digital art itself. Many people still view it as less valuable compared to traditional mediums, but I believe this is changing. More collectors and institutions are recognizing digital art’s unique ability to capture and reflect the complexities of the world we live in today, especially in a time where the digital and physical worlds are merging.

To stay creatively driven, I focus on evolving my themes and pushing the boundaries of my work while staying grounded in my core vision. My early pieces were simple black and white stills, and there’s a clear evolution in my work from then to now, where it’s become colorful, dynamic animations. Moving forward, I hope to continue expanding in that direction, exploring new techniques and ideas to keep my work fresh and innovative.

Cellotape: Looking ahead, we’re excited to hear that you’ll be presenting work at Art Dubai 2025, as part of the digital section titled “After the Technological Sublime”. This section is curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, Project Curator for Serpentine and an Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art. You are exhibiting your work and are represented by espace, a forward-thinking, dynamic gallery based in Dubai and Geneva. Could you tell us more about your project and how it bridges the physical and digital worlds? What are your goals for the future of your work, and are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about? How do you see the future of digital art, and what direction would you like to explore next in your practice?

Ralph: Art Dubai 2025 is an incredibly exciting milestone for me. It offers an opportunity to showcase my work in a space through espace that celebrates the intersection of technology and art. The espace booth will delve deeper into the blurred lines between the physical and digital worlds. The goal is to create an immersive experience where viewers can feel the tension of existing in both realms simultaneously. This project is all about exploring dualities, how we interact with both tangible and virtual realities, and how these worlds overlap. Having the chance to present this concept on a grand stage at Art Dubai Digital, while moving beyond the confines of screens and bringing physical presence to the experience, is something I’m truly excited about. Working with espace to make this happen is a collaboration that makes it even more meaningful.

Looking beyond Art Dubai, I’m eager to expand into more physical installations and high-end collections, while maintaining digital storytelling as the backbone of my practice. The potential for digital art is limitless, and I’m passionate about pushing its boundaries and defining what’s next for the medium. There are so many directions I want to explore, whether that’s through more immersive installations, collaborations with other artists, or continuing to experiment with new technologies that help me bridge the gap between physical and digital spaces.

CREDITS:

Interviewee: Ralph Khoury
Words & Interviewer: Caroline Spinks
 
 
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