James Clar Filipino-American, b. 1979

James Clar (b. 1979, USA) is a light and media artist whose work explores the conceptual and narrative potential of light and technology. Using sculptural light works, video and electronic media, he investigates how technological systems shape the way we receive information and communicate, and how they influence our perception of reality, time and space. His works often examine how systems of communication enhance certain types of information while limiting others, creating modulated effects that become a central theme in his practice. Clar studied film at New York University and received his Master’s degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, where he focused on new technological production processes and their application to artistic narrative forms.

Clar began working with architectural lighting and media systems early in his career, developing an interest in the relationship between technology, perception and visual structure. His practice combines elements of design, film and digital media, using light as both a material and a conceptual tool. Through installations, moving image and sculptural works, he experiments with the ways technological environments shape experience and construct new forms of narrative.

His work has been exhibited internationally at institutions including the Weisman Museum, Los Angeles, Cantor Arts Center, Stanford, the Asia Society Texas, the New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York; the Glucksman Museum, Ireland; Pera Museum, Istanbul; Ayala Museum, Manila; Cam Framis Museum and MACBA, Barcelona; and SeMA, Seoul. Clar has been an artist-in-residence at Eyebeam Atelier, New York, Fabrica, Italy, and the FedEx Institute of Technology / Lantana Projects, Memphis.

He has been commissioned to create large-scale installations for Julius Baer at Art Dubai (2021), 21c Museum Hotels, Oklahoma, Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art, London, and Fraport Headquarters, Frankfurt. His work Render (Tree) was featured in Noor Riyadh (2021), and his recent work When the Sky Reaches the Ground was presented in the festival’s 2025 edition.

His work is included in private and institutional collections, and has been shown in museums and public art programmes worldwide.

Clar lives and works between New York and Manila.