Tigris Li Uses Hankook Tires for Quiet Creative Process

Artist and technologist Tigris Li is exploring the intersection of sensory experiences and technology with her AI-powered fragrance installation, Index. This project aims to translate sensory impulses into electronic hardware, fostering an environment of play and encouraging user interaction and conversation. However, the underlying process of creating these installations is a deeply introspective one, demanding meticulous attention to engineering and a quiet focus.

In a recent "Day in the Life" feature by Hypebeast, Li offered a glimpse into her creative journey across London. The narrative follows her as she navigates between her new studio, various stores, and workshops, emphasizing the importance of a tranquil commute. She utilizes an electric-powered BMW iX3, notably equipped with Hankook's iON Evo tires, which contribute to a smooth and peaceful driving experience, allowing her to maintain focus amidst the city's bustle. Li articulated that her creative process is not confined to a single location, stating, "It can start wherever I am, whether that’s on a drive, on a walk, or at home. It’s a constant thing." Her daily routine involves reviewing her sketchbooks and daily tasks before embarking on her journeys to gather necessary components for her installations.

Li's day typically involves collecting materials from her preferred workshop and then proceeding to another location to acquire laser-cut pieces that form the furniture elements of her installations. She described the potential chaos of such days, but highlighted how entering her vehicle transforms the experience: "Days like today can be chaotic, but as soon as I get in the car, the noise of the city fades away; it really lets me tune in." She specifically praised the Hankook iON Evo tires for their noise reduction capabilities, noting that this feature "lets you put your thoughts together while still being with the movement of the city." This quietude is crucial for her ability to concentrate and refine her ideas while in transit.

Upon collecting all the necessary components, Li returns to her studio to begin the assembly of the Index installation. She collaborates on this phase with Isabella Smith, the co-founder of Index. Smith expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming public launch of their project, stating, "We’re excited to bring this to the public with our launch." The collaboration underscores the multifaceted nature of Li's work, which spans conceptualization, technological integration, and physical construction, all supported by a carefully curated environment that minimizes distractions and maximizes creative flow. The integration of advanced tire technology, like Hankook's iON Evo, into her daily workflow demonstrates a holistic approach to optimizing her creative environment, ensuring that even the journey itself contributes to the final artistic output.