BunBun is a Montréal-based multimedia artist & VJ whose style is best described as brightly-hued, ultra-textured, beat-synced, and holographic-like. Their artistic talents have graced the stages of numerous international festivals, concerts, conferences, and clubs, including shows at Bass Coast, Boiler Room, HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts, Jazz Fest, MUTEK Montréal & Japan, NODE – Forum for Digital Arts, SXM Festival and WOMB Tokyo. BunBun has had the privilege to share the stage with many world-renowned musical artists such as Alicia Keys, Black Coffee, Bob Sinclar, Claptone, Gipsy Kings and Phish.
You’ve been VJing for a while now. What’s your genesis, the BunBun origin story?
The name BunBun has been a part of my life since 2011. It was a pet name given to me by a former lover, and over time, it evolved into my artist name. The name translated well when I moved back to Hong Kong in 2012, and I carried it with me as I travelled all around Asia, South Africa, and America. Eventually, I relocated to Montreal, where I was granted a British working holiday visa to live and work in Quebec. I had originally intended to continue my career as a web designer, but when things didn’t go as planned, I had to pivot—and that’s when I discovered VJing.
What are you up to these days? What are some of the projects you’re working on?
I’m currently back in Asia for an artist residency in Nuanu, a creative city in Bali, Indonesia. The residency focuses on creating immersive, real-time audiovisual content using TouchDesigner. I’ve also been diving into generative AI and interaction design, experimenting with how these technologies can enhance immersive experiences. It’s an exciting time to be pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this field.
Over the past couple of years, you’ve been everywhere. What is the key, the secret to your involvement in so many projects?
Since the pandemic, I’ve had the privilege of performing internationally in places like Paris, New York, Tokyo, Vegas, and Saint Martin in the Caribbean. These opportunities didn’t happen overnight; they’re the result of years of hard work, relationship-building, and collaboration with other artists. The key has been persistence, staying open to new opportunities, and nurturing a network of like-minded creatives who support and elevate each other.
Mutek & Moment Factory, among others, are creating spaces for discussions on AI, digital art, immersive projections, and much more. Have you learned anything surprising or insightful in recent years that you’d like to share?
In recent years, I’ve been fascinated by the accelerating convergence of the digital and physical realms. The boundaries between them are dissolving, paving the way for fluid, interactive experiences that respond in real-time to both the environment and the audience. Moment Factory leads the way in creating immersive environments where technology and art merge seamlessly, allowing the audience to actively engage with the experience. Meanwhile, MUTEK continues to push the limits of digital art and music, exploring how these elements can craft sensory-rich environments that invite meaningful connection. This shift is redefining what it means to create art: it’s no longer about controlling the narrative but fostering co-creation, where technology becomes as much a participant as the artist or viewer. We’re entering an exciting era, where these evolving dynamics open up limitless possibilities for deeper engagement.
DJing & VJing now go together more than ever. Tale of Us’ Afterlife or Eric Prydz’s Halo as taken the world by storm, but we can also it on mainstages of major festivals. How have you seen the evolution of your artform over the years?
The evolution has been remarkable. When I started, my focus was mainly on real-time visual content and projection mapping. These techniques have now become mainstream, and the possibilities have expanded exponentially. Today, there’s a deeper level of collaboration between VJs and DJs. Visuals are no longer just an accompaniment; they’re integral to the experience, helping artists shape their identity and tell a compelling story. Visual storytelling is now a key element in creating a memorable live show and establishing a unique brand.
Your field is constantly evolving. It grows rapidly with the integration of AI & the constant evolving of technology. For the geeks out there, is there any specific piece of tech you’d like to highlight?
TouchDesigner is a powerful tool for creating real-time, interactive multimedia. It lets me build complex systems that seamlessly integrate video, audio, and interactivity, allowing for immersive, responsive experiences. Its flexibility to incorporate AI and other emerging technologies makes it ideal for pushing the boundaries of interactive art.
In your wildest dreams, where do you see your artform going in the years to come?
I’ve always felt like we’re living in some kind of simulation, and my goal is to create artwork that fully embraces that concept. I want to craft mind-altering, holographic-like experiences that blur the boundaries of reality and perception. My vision is to create immersive experiences that pull people deeper into these alternate realities, allowing them to lose themselves in a new dimension of sensory exploration.
What advice would you give your younger self, regarding your artform?
I wish I had discovered VJing sooner, especially during my years in London and Hong Kong. Those were pivotal times, immersed in both nightlife and the design world. At the University of the Arts London, I explored Max/MSP, and at Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design, I delved into Maya and 3D animation—skills that have enriched my VJing practice but could have been more effectively applied earlier. If I had known about VJing back then, it could have helped me build my professional reputation in these vibrant creative hubs, collaborate with more like-minded artists, and tap into emerging trends and technologies. It might have even accelerated my growth and helped me refine my style sooner.
—
IMG 1 VJ BunBun x Alicia Keys
IMG 2 VJ BunBun x MAPP MTL X MUTEK
IMG 3 VJ BunBun x Sxm Festival Sint Marteen
IMG 4 VJ BunBun x Valhalla Festival Canada
IMG 5 VJ BunBun x Robot Heart, Burning Man
IMG 6 Vj BunBun x Coopérathon
IMG 7 Lasers by VJ BunBun x FrontRite Requiem
Comments