ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Kangding Ray's Hyper Opal Mantis Explores Desire and Techno

publication · 2026-05-05

David Letellier, known as Kangding Ray, released his album Hyper Opal Mantis on February 24 via Stroboscopic Artefacts. The album reflects on desire as a driving force of human experience, inspired by Ugo Volli's theories. Letellier rejects a purely artificial future, emphasizing the persistence of animal and human desire. The album is structured in three stages: Hyper (primary instinct), Opal (emotional catharsis), and Mantis (destructive force). Tracks like Lone Pyramids blend architectural influences with ambient techno, creating imaginary landscapes.

Key facts

  • Album Hyper Opal Mantis released February 24 on Stroboscopic Artefacts
  • Artist is David Letellier aka Kangding Ray
  • Album explores desire as a subversive force
  • References Ugo Volli's work on desire
  • Three stages: Hyper, Opal, Mantis
  • Track Lone Pyramids inspired by architectural studies
  • Letellier studied architecture
  • Album features ambient techno style

Entities

Artists

  • Kangding Ray
  • David Letellier
  • Ugo Volli
  • Stanley Kubrick
  • Enki Bilal
  • Carlotta Petracci
  • Riccardo Malberti

Institutions

  • Stroboscopic Artefacts
  • Artribune
  • Raffaello Cortina Editore
  • White

Sources