Jed Gjerek (b. 1974, Varazdin, Croatia) is an art-based researcher whose work delves into the intersections of digital media, artificial intelligence (AI), and traditional art forms. Jed’s artistic journey covers nearly three decades, evolving from classical training in painting, sculpting, and ceramics to the cutting edge of digital art. Jed obtain MA in Art in Creative Practic from ATU Galway. He graduated in Contemporary Art from ATU (IE) and in Drawing and Painting from Art School Fisher (Cro). He has extended experience in ceramics and is a traditional pottery of northwest Croatia expert awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Croatia. Jed has worked in art education for the last eleven years. Currently, he has a role as an adult educator in digital media and painting with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).
His recent research focusses on the transition from mimesis to simulacra, exploring how AI-generated content and digital media reshape our perception of reality. By integrating visual programming languages and AI algorithms in art practice, Jed research how dynamic, sensor-driven experiences challenge the idea of an original or authentic source, culminating in the concept of hyperreality, where the boundaries between the real and the simulated dissolve, blurring the lines between life and non-life, human and non-human, and real and virtual.
Education
2024, MA in Art in Creative practice, School of Design and Creative Arts, ATU Galway City
2023, BA (hon) in Contemporary Art, School of Design and Creative Arts, ATU Galway City
2020, QQI Level 6 Training and Development, DCM Ireland
1998, QQI Level 6 Painting and Drawing, Art School Fisher, Croatia
Memberships
2023, Visual Artists Ireland
2020, Artaxis, World Independent Network of Contemporary Sculptors and Ceramists
2019, Clay Galway, Ireland
2018, Ceramics Ireland, Ireland
2005, The Croatian Association of ceramists Kerameikon, Croatia