Matthew Lau

Matthew Lau

Creative Technologist in Singapore, He/Him

About

Matthew practises creative technology through a design lens and believes that design should serve a purpose beyond just creating functional and accessible work. He believes that it is about establishing a connection with audiences through expression. His technological interests lie in explorations around machine learning, hardware and software prototyping, and computational design. He sees technology as a creative discipline, making his practice revolve around the use of software and hardware as a medium for creation. His practice focuses on the use of computation and interaction applied to various mediums such as installations, objects, screens, and printed materials. Matthew received his Bachelor's degree with First Class Honours in Design Communication from LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore in partnership with Goldsmiths University of London.

Exhibitions

2023
Singapore

Deconstructed Colours

As our understanding of machine learning concepts is often limited, Deconstructed Colours is a generative light object that explores the relationship between machine learning concepts of high and low dimensional spaces. By creating a tangible representation of a latent space, designed to draw visual similarities to diffusion models and algorithmic graphical plots. Through the installation, viewers are encouraged to contemplate the hidden patterns and potential of random colour data.

In machine learning, a high-dimensional space refers to a space that has many variables or features, while a low-dimensional space has fewer variables or features. In Deconstructed Colours, the screen's colours, which are in a high-dimensional space, are translated into a physical representation of a low-dimensional space through the lights.

The work uses a convoluted method of processing data using various software functions interplaying with various hardware components. An Arduino and LCD screen cycle through random colours to provide the input for the installation. Another Arduino uses its light colour sensor to pick up these colours and translate them into separate red, green, and blue values that control the LEDs with varying intensities and a fading animation. The LEDs are arranged in an organic pattern of varying lengths on an aluminium frame that is suspended from the ceiling, with the LEDs facing the ground to create a sense of space and depth.

Awards

2021

Awarded the LASALLE Scholarship for the 2021/2022 Academic Year. The LASALLE Scholarship is awarded to BA(Hons) students with strong academic record and leadership qualities.

Work Experience

2022 — 2022
Singapore

Creative technology internship with R/GA experimenting and developing projects at the intersection of technology and design.

2022 — 2022
Singapore

Creative technology internship with R/GA experimenting and developing projects at the intersection of technology and design.

2021 — 2021
Designer at Neuewave
Singapore

Working on design projects ranging from Installation, Exhibition, Identity, Web, Computational, Creative Coding, Product design disciplines. As well as explorations in Physical Computing, 3D Scanning, Modelling and Printing, production management and fabrication, and material exploration.

2019 — 2020
Singapore

Worked on projects with a more significant emphasis on executing for a broader audience. Engaged with large scale clients and tackled challenging design briefs both independently and collaboratively for digital and printed projects.

2016 — 2017
Singapore

Exposed to a wide range of projects, from print collaterals for branding and editorials to motion graphics for digital assets. I had the opportunity to navigate the creative industry with real-world design problems and clients.

Education

2020 — 2022
Singapore

Getting my degree at LASALLE exposed me to more than just design but also got me interested in the intersections between technology and design setting me on my path to find ways of integrating computation into my work.

2014 — 2017
Singapore

While getting my diploma at LASALLE, the programme opened my mind to how design has been shaping the world around us. As well as how it plays a pivotal part in culture. I am always grateful to have been exposed to the works of and design philosophy of many designers and this helped form a strong foundation in my creative journey.

Contact

LinkedIn
GitHub