design interviews

Ljubljana, Slovenia – Dmitry Morozov, operating under the moniker ::vtol::, is gaining international recognition for his innovative kinetic sculptures and robotic installations. His work, showcased recently at Sónar+D in Barcelona between June 12th and 14th, 2025, seamlessly integrates robotics, sound, coding, and interactive systems to create pieces that are not merely tools, but entities with a unique presence.

A Philosophy of Agency in Technology

morozov, originally from Moscow, approaches his art with a distinct philosophy.He believes he’s crafting entities possessing agency, rather than simply building tools. This perspective, shared in a recent conversation with designboom, is rooted in a belief that technological art is inherently ephemeral, susceptible to the certain breakdown of electronics, software updates, and mechanical failures. He views his creations as participants in a larger, ongoing performance.

How Kinetic Sculptures Come to Life

The foundation of ::vtol::’s work lies in the meticulous combination of electronic components – sensors,motors,and custom-programmed code. Microcontrollers are integral, processing data from sensors and translating it into mechanical movement. These systems aren’t static; they react dynamically to sound, motion, light, and the presence of viewers, resulting in unpredictable and seemingly responsive behaviour. Morozov diverges from traditional engineering protocols, viewing circuit boards and actuators as sculptural materials in their own right.

Sound generation frequently plays a central role, with mechanical components producing acoustic outputs through vibration, striking, or air movement. These sounds are then fed back into the system, creating intricate feedback loops. The resulting installations function as autonomous performers, adapting to their environment and the individuals interacting with them.

From Tattoo Instruments to Wearable Art

Morozov’s portfolio demonstrates a diverse range of creative explorations. he is known for projects like “Reading My Body,” a robotic instrument that translates tattoos into musical compositions, and “Last Breath,” a wearable mask organ.These pieces highlight his ability to blend technology with deeply personal and conceptual themes. He describes his artistic journey as evolving from a captivation with electronic music and DIY synthesizers to a broader exploration of interactive art and multimedia.

He stresses the importance of the “DIY” ethic, advocating for artists to be self-reliant in their creation process. He believes that maximizing personal involvement imbues the artwork with a unique identity.

The Influence of Analog Technology

Morozov draws inspiration from the unpredictability of older, analog devices. Growing up in the 1980s and 90s, he observed how these devices seemed to react to the user’s mood, a quality he attempts to replicate in his contemporary work. He views devices not as soulless objects, but as possessing a degree of life, admitting there’s much to still be discovered about the interplay between living and non-living matter.

Key Projects & Concepts

Did You Know? The artist frequently enough shares the technical aspects of his projects, encouraging others to build upon his work and contribute to the open-source community.

Pro Tip: When approaching interactive art, consider how the audience’s presence and actions can become integral parts of the artwork itself.

morozov’s work is a testament to the power of combining technical skill with artistic vision. His creations challenge viewers to reconsider their relationship with technology and to perceive machines not merely as tools, but as potentially sentient beings.

What aspects of ::vtol::’s work do you find most intriguing – the robotic elements, the sound design, or the interactive nature of the installations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!