About Chris Combs is an artist based in Washington, D.C who creates provocative technology.

“[Chris] Combs is a local artist who specializes in work that’s savvy to, but also skeptical of, technology. He does gallery shows often, but always with new inventions and often previously unexplored subjects. ”

—Mark Jenkins, The Washington Post, July 21, 2023

In a Nutshell

Through handmade and custom-fabricated hardware, software, and enclosures, the electronic sculptures of Chris Combs respond to themes of surveillance, control, and algorithmic bias—and the viewer, using facial recognition and motion sensing. He works with a wide range of practices to create circuit boards, software, and enclosures for his sculptures, which both embrace and question technology.

Chris Combs is an artist based in Washington, D.C and Mount Rainier, Maryland who creates provocative technology. His show Supercycle (IA&A at Hillyer, 2023) focused on cycles of hype, such as AI and cryptocurrencies. Industry Standards (McLean Project for the Arts, 2023) featured 18 works made from reclaimed and surplus industrial components, reflecting on disruptive technologies, surveillance, and environmental destruction. Outsized Effects (Gradient Projects, Thomas, WV, 2023) includes the room-sized Allegheny Data Company, examining data mining through the visual lens of coal mining. Industry Standards (McLean Project for the Arts, 2023) featured 18 works made from reclaimed and surplus industrial components, reflecting on disruptive technologies, surveillance, and environmental destruction. Lossiness (VisArts, 2021) explored the boundaries of human perception. The Algorithm Will See You Now (Transformer, 2022) addressed algorithmic bias and failings of “AI” products. Judging Me Judging You (DCAC, 2018) dealt with surveillance and control, and the 35 machines in Maelstrom (Rhizome DC, 2021) spread rumors about their visitors. Madness Method, a public art collaboration with David Greenfieldboyce, was part of 2021’s Georgetown GLOW.

Chris is a three-time recipient of the DC CAH Arts and Humanities Fellowship program and was shortlisted for the 2021 Aesthetica Art Prize. He is a graduate of the Corcoran College of Art + Design and was a photo editor for National Geographic. He joined Otis Street Arts Project in 2021.

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Solo Shows

  • Sylvan: March 30, 2025, at Freight Gallery in Washington, DC.
  • Innovation Studio Residency: March 12–April 25, 2024, at MoCA Arlington's Innovation Studio and Store in Arlington, VA.
  • Outsized Effects: December 16, 2023 to May 18, 2024 at Gradient Projects in Thomas, WV.
  • Pollination: November 5, 2023 at Freight Gallery in Washington, DC.
  • Supercycle: July 7–30, 2023, at IA&A Hillyer in Washington, D.C.
  • Reinvention Garage: June–July, 2023, at the Arlington Art Truck in Arlington, VA.
  • Refactoring: May 9–July 14, 2023, at Prince George's Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, MD.
  • Industry Standards: April 13–June 10, 2023, at McLean Project for the Arts in McLean, VA.
  • The Algorithm Will See You Now: July 9–23, 2022, at Transformer in Washington, D.C.
  • Lossiness: September 3--October 17, 2021 at VisArts's Concourse Gallery in Rockville, MD.
  • Maelstrom (Rhizome DC): January 16--February 15 at Rhizome DC in Takoma, D.C.
  • Judging Me Judging You: April 27--August 12, 2018 at the DC Arts Center.

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Open Hang Shows