The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, is set to host the American debut of “Human One” (2021), the first-ever sculpture created by digital artist Mike Winkelmann, popularly known as Beeple. The unveiling of this groundbreaking artwork marks its first appearance in the United States since it fetched a staggering $29 million at a Christie’s auction in 2021.
A Visionary Venture Capitalist and His Artistic Acquisition
“Human One” was acquired by Swiss venture capitalist Ryan Zurrer, who has been actively bridging the gap between the digital and traditional art worlds. Zurrer, in collaboration with Christie’s, has been involved in philanthropic auctions to support his nonprofit organization, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Additionally, Zurrer generously lent “Human One” to art institutions across the globe, fostering an appreciation for digital art in the traditional art space.
The Journey of “Human One”
Since its creation, “Human One” has embarked on an international journey, being exhibited at esteemed art institutions such as the Castello di Rivoli in Italy and the M+ Museum in Hong Kong. During its stay in Hong Kong, the sister piece of “Human One,” titled “S.2122” (2023), found a new home at the Deji Art Museum in Nanjing, China. Now, the time has come for “Human One” to grace the galleries of Crystal Bridges, where it will be on display until January 2024.
An Astronaut’s Exploration Through Digital Art
“Human One” takes the form of a rectangular box equipped with screens, offering a captivating display of an astronaut traversing through diverse landscapes. Winkelmann, the mastermind behind the artwork, retains control over the content displayed on the screens and has devised a thrilling plan for Crystal Bridges visitors. He has designed an interactive scavenger hunt, where keen-eyed participants can spot hidden clues within the artwork to unlock exclusive NFTs (non-fungible tokens) created by the artist himself at his studio in North Carolina.
The Infinite Dialogue of Digital Art
Winkelmann expresses his profound insight into the nature of digital art, comparing it to an ever-evolving conversation rather than a finite statement. With the ability to update and modify his artwork over time, “Human One” becomes a platform for continuous exploration and new layers of meaning. This dynamic interaction between the artist, the artwork, and the audience exemplifies the groundbreaking potential of NFTs in the art world.
Conclusion
The arrival of “Human One” at Crystal Bridges Museum heralds a new era in the convergence of digital and traditional art. Beeple’s revolutionary approach to digital art challenges conventions and opens new horizons for artistic expression. As visitors marvel at the astronaut’s journey on the screens, they become participants in the immersive and evolving world of NFT art, leaving a lasting impact on the future of contemporary art.
Feature Image: Mike Winkelmann, aka Beeple. Courtesy: Michael Lie / Artazine.
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