At the vibrant intersection of art and technology, Zenavi creates work that transforms static imagery into living, breathing experiences. Her evolution from traditional digital illustration to interactive, motion-based art represents a broader shift in how creators are using technology to forge deeper emotional connections with audiences.
Zenavi's artistic journey began with digital illustration, exploring “vibrant colours and symbolic narratives,” but she soon felt drawn to something more dynamic. “I always wondered how they might feel if they moved, breathed or changed over time,” she explains about her early illustrations. This curiosity led her toward animation and interactive art, where she discovered new dimensions of creative expression.
“For me, discovering animation software–especially Adobe After Effects–was a transformative turning point in my creative journey,” she shares. “Animation allowed my art to come alive, offering me new ways to express subtle emotions, storytelling depth and dynamic interactions.”
This transition from static to dynamic reflects her vision of technology not merely as a tool but as “a creative partner” that enables her to “transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.” The result is work that evolves alongside technological developments, constantly adapting and experimenting with new possibilities.
One of Zenavi's most representative projects is her “Weather Jar” collaboration with Vivify Music, an interactive artwork that responds to real-time weather data from Jakarta. The piece visually adapts to current conditions–sunny, rainy, day or night.
“I love this idea because it establishes a deeply personal connection with viewers, evoking memories or emotions tied directly to a place and moment they cherish,” she explains. This approach to environmentally responsive art points toward what Zenavi sees as an exciting future direction: increasingly personalised art experiences.
“With advancements in technology, we'll soon have the capability to create artworks uniquely tailored to individual viewers, resonating deeply with their personal experiences, feelings or surroundings.”
Zenavi brings a distinctive perspective to her work, often exploring “themes of vulnerability, strength, identity and personal growth, especially from a female lens.” Her art frequently incorporates symbolic imagery that represents introspection and emotional resilience, “like flowers blooming from empty heads, transparent figures embracing vulnerability or women holding younger versions of themselves.”
This perspective influences the visual language of her work as well as her approach to technology itself, “with curiosity and empathy, aiming to create immersive experiences that resonate on an emotional, personal level,” she explains.
Her projects, including “Seeds of Sorrow, Blossoms of Joy” and “The Light She Holds,” express “the nuanced complexities of emotional growth and self-discovery” from her unique perspective, using technology as “a powerful tool for storytelling and emotional connection, giving voice to experiences that might otherwise remain unseen.”
Looking to the future, Zenavi is focused on bringing her digital interactions into physical forms, a direction often described as “phygital” art. “I'm deeply focused on finding creative ways to blend my physical merch with blockchain technology–creating experiences that bridge digital and real-life interactions,” she explains.
This exploration of the space between virtual and real-world experiences extends to her upcoming projects in interactive art.
For Zenavi, the most significant barrier she's faced was personal–learning to believe in her work enough to take financial risks. “When I first started minting my artwork on the blockchain, gas prices were incredibly high. It cost around $200 just to mint and another $200 to set up an auction,” she recalls.
This investment represented a significant commitment, “especially without any certainty of success.” Yet making this leap taught her “the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, even if it feels intimidating or uncertain at first.”
This philosophy has become central to her advice for others entering the field: “Test, try, explore and experiment as much as you possibly can.”
Despite the exciting creative possibilities of blockchain technology, Zenavi recognises significant barriers to entry that still limit participation. “Although blockchain promised a more democratic art ecosystem, the reality is there's still a high barrier to entry because of how technically complex it can be to understand and use blockchain technology effectively,” she observes.
If she could change one aspect of the current art-tech landscape, she would focus on “lowering the barriers to entry for people coming from Web2.” She points to platforms like Rodeo as valuable examples that “make it incredibly easy for anyone to start collecting digital art without needing technical knowledge or even a crypto wallet.”
This focus on accessibility reflects her broader vision of Web3's potential to reshape artist-audience relationships. “Web3 has removed geographical and traditional boundaries, enabling artists to connect with collectors and fellow creators from around the world,” she notes. This global environment has “cultivated incredibly diverse artist communities and allowed for cross-cultural collaboration.”
Even more significantly, Web3 has “empowered artists to directly build and nurture their own communities.” Unlike the often anonymous transactions of Web2, “Web3 provides transparency and direct interaction between artists and collectors.”
When asked about her inspirations, Zenavi points to two Asian women working at the intersection of art and technology: Shavonne Wong and Emi Kusano.
“Shavonne's visionary approach to creating digital 3D models and pushing the boundaries of AI and art has influenced how I think about storytelling and visual innovation,” she explains. “Her bold creativity consistently motivates me to experiment and evolve my own art.”
Similarly, Emi Kusano inspires her “with her vibrant creativity and fearless authenticity.” Kusano's ability to “merge art, technology and self-expression has taught me the importance of staying true to my artistic voice while continuously exploring new technological possibilities.”
For Zenavi, these women represent “the power of innovation, authenticity and courage within the intersection of art and tech”, qualities she embodies in her ever-evolving creative practice.
Zenavi's approach to building community centres on authenticity and transparency. Social media platforms serve as spaces not only for sharing finished work but also “(her) creative process, experiments and personal stories behind the art.”
Beyond sharing, active participation in Web3 communities and collaborations with other creators have helped strengthen the connections around her work. These interactions provide valuable insights into her audience and help her “create artwork that resonates deeply and authentically.”
Her philosophy of community building is straightforward but powerful: “consistently nurturing real, meaningful connections around shared passions and stories.” This approach mirrors her artistic practice. Both are focused on creating authentic experiences that connect people through emotion, memory and shared humanity.
Zenavi is an artist working at the intersection of digital illustration, animation and interactive art. Her work explores themes of vulnerability, identity and emotional growth through dynamic, technology-enhanced experiences. Follow her on Instagram @zenaviart, TikTok @zenaviart or visit her website at zenavi.art.