Better than Santa Claus

Turbulence.org is currently showcasing recent work by French artist Nicolas Clauss, the creator of the bilingual art site flyingpuppet.com. In eight interactive web pieces made over the last 18 months, Clauss has further developed his signature whimsical style. Subtle interactive components enhance a collage of audio fragments and dream-like images, resulting in mesmerising performative etudes. Influenced by contemporary dance as well as his original medium, painting, Clauss aims to express a depth of feeling beyond genres, words and concepts. The works cover a range of themes, from the esoteric to the humorous (run your mouse over the portraits beside the artist's bio for a smile). In fact, run your mouse over all of Clauss' work and you'll find gifts to rival what the other Claus might have left under the Christmas tree. - Helen Varley Jamieson