Casey Kauffmann is a versatile artist whose work explores the intersections of self-representation, femininity, and social media in the digital age. As a lecturer at the University of California San Diego, Kauffmann’s art spans multiple mediums, from drawing, painting, and installation to digital collage and GIFs. Her widely recognized Instagram project, @uncannysfvalley, showcases digital collages made entirely on her iPhone, blending found images from pop culture and art history and challenging the concept of the “Uncanny Valley,” making viewers question authenticity in digital self-representation. These works, along with her charcoal and pastel drawings, explore the tension between reality and performance, questioning how digital platforms and mass media shape our understanding of femininity and identity.
Kauffmann’s art is both mesmerizing and unsettling, tapping into the collective consciousness of internet culture while forcing viewers to examine how they present themselves in a highly curated, performative world. Through the use of familiar images—reality TV icons, historical female figures, and nostalgic references—her work blurs the line between authenticity and artifice, highlighting the uneasy space between our digital selves and our real emotions.
Special shout out to Brian Lee Hughes of LA’s Gallery SADE, who connected me with Casey for this interview, and hosted Casey’s recent solo show “I KNOW THAT YOU THINK THAT I THINK“.
First album you bought?
Ray of Light by Madonna
Last album you bought?
Beach Music by Alex G
First concert?
Wangotango to see N*Sync. I screamed so hard I almost fainted.
Last concert?
My friend Scott Anderson is in this amazing community of musicians called Song A Day, and I went to their showcase.
Was there one album that made a significant impression on you?
Chutes Too Narrow by The Shins
Who is your musical hero?
Probably Fiona Apple. Not someone I listen to all the time, but I really respect the writing. That’s a very particular mood, but I definitely artistically aspire towards her level of vulnerability and impact.
How important is music to your creative process?
If you couldn’t tell, I’m generally much more of a TV-in-the-background kinda girlie. Love Island is the best because nothing ever happens, and you can just listen to it. BUT I will say, I was pretty fucking sad when I made a lot of the work in this show, and I was listening to a playlist I made called “Big Fukin Baby” and crying a lot. I wish I was kidding. Then, when I stopped being as sad, I went on a Chappell Roan, Charlie XCX, Azealia Banks, Kim Petras, Cobrah-type kick. My relationship to music feels weirdly utilitarian—I find myself using it to elicit a particular mood or feeling within myself as needed.
Casey has broken her playlist into two sections:
“5 songs from when I was really sad, 5 songs from when I wasn’t as sad.”
Cryogeyser – Leach
Sundots – In The Backyard
Takako Minekawa, Dustin Wong – Party on a Floating Cake
Alex G – Salt
Cults – Gilded Lily
Kim Petras – Head Honcho
Cobrah – U Know Me
Azealia Banks – New Bottega
Yaeji – Boo Boo
Machine Girl – Frenesi
Check out Casey’s playlist below on Spotify. Be sure to like Background Noise on Facebook for updates on future episodes. You can browse ALL the Background Noise episodes right here.
