Denis Protopopov

I’m an artist, researcher, and creative developer working across visual and performative arts, immersive technologies, and algorithmic systems. I create mixed reality experiences, algorithmic theater, games, and visual novels that explore the aesthetics and politics of computation: from algorithmic bias and queered machines to speculative rituals of tech. My projects have been presented at Ars Electronica [AT], the Hermitage [RU], and beyond.

Currently I am a creative developer and researcher at the Intangible Realities Laboratory, where I co-develop immersive technologies and embodied experiences that bridge the gap between scientific modeling and sensory experience.

I also produce educational tools and initiatives for artists and activists, helping others critically engage with the logic and aesthetics of contemporary algorithms. One of my projects received a mention in Forbes for launching Russia’s first digital art education platform.

Intangible Realities Laboratory

2024 — now

Creative Developer and Researcher

At IRL, I design immersive strategies for interacting with real-time atomic and molecular simulations. My work involves computer vision, high-performance graphics, and speculative interaction design. I also research emerging XR technologies as both scientific tools and artistic media.

Freelance Artist and Developer

2017 — now

Since 2017, I’ve worked as an independent artist and developer, creating interactive installations, games, and performances that interrogate technological logic through storytelling, magic, and embodiment. My works have been shown in over 10 group and 4 solo shows. I've held talks and workshops at institutions such as Goethe Institut, HSE Art and Design School, and Strelka Institute.

I develop my projects using JavaScript, Three.js, Svelte, Unity, openFrameworks, and Swift. I also work with video and animation using Cinema 4D, Final Cut, and Apple Motion, and create interactive scenography with Resolume.

EdTech and Learning Experience Design

2020 — now

Learning Experience Designer

In parallel with my artistic and research practice, I’ve worked in educational design, focusing on how complex technical knowledge is structured, delivered, and experienced. At Yandex Practicum and SkillFactory, I developed large-scale online programs aimed at reskilling students for careers in web development and data science.

At Yandex Practicum, I led the learning experience for five web development products, designed a behavior-driven content update pipeline, and helped maintain high completion and employment rates. At SkillFactory, I helped launch Russia’s first online Master’s program in Data Science, wrote a complete Linux course, and created interactive content that made technical concepts more accessible.

HSE Art and Design School

2022-now

Visiting Lecturer

Lectures and seminars dedicated to machine magic and electronic music in the early 90s, and lectures on game art.

ai4a. Artificial Intelligence: Principles, Art and Politics

2021

Author, producer, developer

My personal educational project. It was an online lab for artists, designers, and activists, dedicated to various aspects of AI, including basic principles, biases, and social impact. I designed the course, wrote theoretical modules, and coded Jupyter Notebooks that allowed people who have never coded before to explore various ML algorithms and use them in their projects

Digital Theater Workshop

2020-2021

Author, producer

An asynchronous online course that explored the theory and practice of theater in digital environments. It examined the distinctions between digital theater, performance, game design, and net art, while introducing core ideas from media theory, interface design, and algorithmic aesthetics. Participants engaged with practical tools — from Twine and Flickgame to chatbots and AR masks — to create interactive theatrical projects.

Guest Lectures & Courses

2019 - now

Strelka Institute, TUMO, Masters Art School, New Media Lab, Politics of Culture festival. Topics included: speculative datasets, algorithmic prejudice in warfare, machine magic, and game aesthetics.