Yuffie 

Here we see Stanley Artgerm Lau’s ‘Yuffie’, likely created with digital painting techniques in the 21st century. The image is rendered with the slickness of digital media, a hallmark of contemporary illustration. However, close inspection reveals details that ground the fantasy figure in tangible textures: the brushed metal of her armor, the coarse knit of her sweater, the worn leather of her gloves. These are not simply effects but point to a kind of digital craft. Lau’s rendering of the character, Yuffie, and her associated gear, is deeply rooted in a broader social context of labour, politics, and consumption. Note the remarkable amount of work involved in the production process. Such pieces circulate rapidly online, blurring the lines between fine art and mass-produced imagery. By emphasizing the labor-intensive, material qualities of the artwork, Lau bridges the gap between digital art and traditional craft, inviting us to reconsider our notions of artistic value.