Daniel Kramer: Transforming Digital Art Through Glitch and Augmented Reality

Daniel Kramer, also known as VisceralGlitch, is a New York-based artist whose work bridges the gap between digital deconstruction and artistic reinvention. A former art director and motion designer, Kramer shifted gears to focus on glitch art after an inspiring encounter with a glitch app introduced by a friend. This simple introduction ignited his passion for taking photographs apart—breaking them down digitally—and piecing them back together in ways that challenge perception and invite curiosity. His glitch-infused artwork has evolved over time, combining augmented reality (AR) and NFTs, pushing the boundaries of traditional visual art.

Kramer’s artistic journey reflects his ongoing personal and professional transformation. Having studied at Parsons and worked in New York's fast-paced creative industry, he honed his skills in motion graphics and storytelling. However, glitch art allowed him to move from narrating the stories of brands and bands to expressing his own unique artistic vision. Kramer’s work represents a delicate balance between spontaneity and methodical experimentation, often completed in a single sitting. He begins by selecting images that offer "white space," which gives room for his manipulation, and then breaks them down into “glitch clips,” reconstructing them into something entirely new and compelling. Over time, his process has become more complex, adding layers of depth and interaction.

His creative process is rooted in a sense of exploration, which he likens to his spirit animal, the panther. Just as a panther moves through the night, unaware of where it is going, Kramer’s art is often created in the moment, without knowing the final outcome. He follows his intuition, allowing the digital “breakdown” to guide the creation of something new and meaningful.

One of Kramer’s most personal pieces is I’m Not Trash, inspired by an encounter with a box labeled with those very words. This piece connected deeply with a close friend who had struggled with feelings of worthlessness throughout his life. For Kramer, this kind of organic emotional resonance is central to his work—creating art that finds its meaning through the stories and lives of others.

As his style evolved, Kramer began incorporating augmented reality (AR) into his glitch art, turning static images into immersive, interactive experiences. AR became a way to add what he calls the “wow factor,” allowing viewers to explore the depth and movement within his work. This evolution from static images on Instagram to AR-powered digital art has become a hallmark of his brand, The Visceral Glitch. His Instagram account, @thevisceralglitch, showcases his fusion of traditional glitch aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, offering followers a glimpse into his ever-evolving artistic world.

Kramer’s work is not only visually striking but carries deeper messages of transformation, growth, and healing. He views his process of deconstructing and reconstructing images as a metaphor for life—an invitation for viewers to step outside their comfort zones, embrace change, and find beauty in the broken. Despite working in a digital medium, Kramer still feels the thrill and hesitancy of “breaking” a photograph, much like an artist taking a brush to a blank canvas. This symbolic act of creation and destruction embodies his own journey of growth, both as an artist and an individual.

Looking ahead, Kramer is preparing to launch a new merch line and continue expanding his work into the realm of NFTs and AR experiences. He is particularly excited about incorporating unique materials, like paint infused with ground-up crystals, to add an extra layer of mysticism and texture to his physical and digital pieces. Additionally, he’s working on a series of events, including a special interactive experience at Art Basel in Miami, where his glitch art will be integrated into a club setting with glow-in-the-dark elements and hidden Easter eggs, creating a real-life augmented reality scavenger hunt for attendees.

Kramer’s advice for emerging artists is simple but profound: “Make art every day. Don’t worry about selling it. And don’t judge yourself.” This mantra of daily practice and self-compassion speaks to his belief that art is a journey, one that involves continuous growth, exploration, and evolution. For Kramer, art is a way of connecting with others, creating experiences that spark wonder, and embracing the unknown. As he continues to push the boundaries of digital art through glitch and AR, Kramer invites viewers to join him on this journey of discovery and transformation.