A Global Journey Through Digital Art & NFTs
We are thrilled to present a handpicked array of NFT and digital artists at the forefront of creativity, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to redefine the art landscape. The selection process made by curator Alisa Lisovskaia is dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity within the digital art scene. We are delighted to spotlight artists from various regions, each bringing distinctive perspectives and cultural influences to their craft. In digital art, boundaries between mediums are fluid, allowing artists to blend techniques and disciplines seamlessly.
Our showcase spotlights interdisciplinary artists who embrace this fluidity, effortlessly melding digital tools, traditional art forms, and cutting-edge technologies. Stay tuned for our forthcoming features while we delve deeper into different genres and explore the latest advancements in digital art!
Christiane Peschek, a pioneering digital artist born in 1984, has carved a niche in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. With a background rooted in the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Peschek’s work resonates at the intersection of technology and human perception, probing the fluid boundaries of identity in the digital age. In an era where digitalisation has transformed photographic images into fluid constructs, Peschek fearlessly navigates the challenges posed by this paradigm shift. She boldly embraces various image editing programs and filters, pushing them to their extremes to explore the transformative potential of digital manipulation. She meticulously subjects selfies to many digital alterations through her experimental approach, oscillating between exaggeration and restraint, distortion and harmony. Her artistic strategy often involves amplifying the effects of digital tools to their breaking point, rendering faces unrecognisable or enveloping them in pastel-pink hues, challenging conventional notions of beauty and identity.
By delving deep into the aesthetics of the internet, Peschek seeks to unravel the emergence of a new form of perception—a fluid and gender-neutral "internet gaze" shaped by algorithms and filters. Peschek's exploration transcends the digital realm, manifesting in tangible forms through images, installations, books, and projects. Her series "BLUSH TALES," where reshaped selfies are printed on large-scale soft fleece, serves as a tactile counterpoint to the sleek surfaces of screens, offering a sensorial engagement with digital imagery. Through her relentless experimentation and reflection, Peschek's works catalyse complex discussions surrounding the social implications of net culture and its pervasive influence on our visual landscape.
In collaboration with SANATORIUM, Peschek’s latest exhibition, “Liminal Ghosts,” delves deeper into the liminal spaces between physical and digital realms. Through a series of portraits that blur the boundaries of identity, she confronts the overstimulation of a screen-centric world, inviting viewers to contemplate the fluidity of self in an increasingly digitised society. In a world where images morph, and identities evolve with a click or a tap, Peschek's work stands as a testament to the enduring power of art in navigating the complexities of our digital age.
Maxim Zhestkov, a Russian-born artist currently based in London, stands at the forefront of a transformative era in art, where the boundaries between physical and digital realms blur into a singular, immersive experience. With a career spanning two decades and collaborations with iconic brands like Playstation, Google, BMW, and Adidas, Zhestkov has transitioned from commercial ventures to self-initiated artistic endeavours, fueled by an unwavering passion for computer graphics, virtual reality (VR) and the synthesis of digital environments with human emotion. At the heart of Zhestkov's artistic practice lies a fascination with the fundamental principles that shape our environments, societies, and universes, whether physical or digital.
His exhibition at London's W1 Curates, aptly titled "Waves," delves into the profound impact of seemingly insignificant moments on systemic changes. Zhestkov's oeuvre is characterised by a seamless fusion of visuals, sound, and architecture, transcending the confines of traditional art spaces. His solo show, "Simulation Hypothesis," at Unit London Gallery, explored artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and their intrinsic connection to human heritage. Inspired by prehistoric cave art and ancient bas-reliefs, Zhestkov navigates the realms of programming and software to sculpt mysterious simulations that defy conventional notions of scale and time. Central to Zhestkov's work is the dialogue between humans and machines, as he harnesses the functions of AI to unearth the essence of creation.
Contrary to prevailing fears, Zhestkov views AI not as a threat but as a natural extension of human consciousness, profoundly shaping the creative process. Through his mesmerising visual narratives, Zhestkov invites audiences on a conceptual journey from the genesis of the cosmos to humanity's role as active agents of creation. Each artwork serves as a portal to the unknown, challenging implicit limits of comprehension and illuminating the unseen realms of possibility.
Martin Lukas Ostachowski, a Montreal-based new media artist, intricately weaves clouds' ephemeral beauty and blockchain technology's transformative potential. With roots in traditional and digital art forms, Ostachowski's practice is defined by geometric abstraction, minimalism, and an exploration of technology's influence on contemporary society. Since childhood, Ostachowski has been captivated by the ever-shifting forms of clouds, finding inspiration in their symbolism and aesthetics. This lifelong fascination evolved into a central theme in his artistic expression, symbolising the ethereal and the connectivity and opportunity inherent in the digital age.
In 2018, Ostachowski's artistic journey significantly turned as he immersed himself in crypto art and NFTs; he began to explore its architecture through the lens of clouds. Through data visualisations, animations, and physical installations, Ostachowski elucidates complex blockchain concepts in accessible ways, sparking conversations about its societal implications. The fusion of clouds and technology in Ostachowski's represents a symbiotic relationship between the physical and digital realms. His groundbreaking contributions, including exhibitions, tokenised crypto art, and scholarly research, have earned him the title "crypto art historian" and international recognition. Through his ongoing project, "Network of Hope," Ostachowski continues to explore the intersection of clouds and blockchain, advocating for its inclusive potential and societal transformation.
Ana María Caballero, born in 1981, is a pioneering Colombian-American poet and artist whose multidisciplinary work exists on the intersection of biology, society, and culture. The artist has a keen eye for unravelling the romanticised notions surrounding motherhood and questioning societal constructs. Her achievements, including the Beverly International Prize and Colombia’s José Manuel Arango National Poetry Prize, underscore her expressive impact on the literary and artistic spheres. In 2024, she made history as the first living poet to auction a poem at Sotheby’s, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the digital poetry landscape.
Caballero's artistic practice extends beyond traditional mediums, embracing digital technologies to redefine the boundaries of poetry. Her digital poems, recognised with grants and exhibited globally, exemplify her innovative approach to storytelling in the digital age. As an advocate for integrating blockchain technology in the arts, Caballero co-founded theVERSEverse.com, a pioneering literary NFT gallery. Here, poems are elevated to the status of art through blockchain, challenging conventional notions of value and ownership in the digital realm. Educated at Harvard University and Florida International University, Caballero's academic background enriches her artistic endeavours, infusing her work with intellectual rigour and emotional depth. Her writings, from poetry collections to nonfiction manuscripts, resonate with themes of rebellion and self-discovery, inviting readers to confront the complexities of contemporary existence.
A.M. Caballero about her most recent artwork, “In Waiting Room,” exposed in the Art Dubai digital section: “In Waiting Room (2024), I deliver a multifaceted rendition of self. Tying into my strong spoken-word history and poetry’s tradition of orality, I perform my verse on screen, using my body to speak the words of the poem, exploring how physicality ties into oral language in this manner for the first time. My text’s narrative twists with the vicissitudes of caretaking. The intersecting Spanish, translating to “You, Me, Ours”, is a play on words that shifts the speaker’s intent. The formal division in Waiting Room prompts us to question the permeable boundaries between caring for ourselves and caring for others. Waiting Room is from my prize-winning book Mammal. The collector receives a framed, signed print of the poem.”
NastPlas (illustrator Fran R. Learte 'drFranken' and creative director Natalia Molinos 'Na') is an international artistic powerhouse in Madrid, Spain's vibrant heart. An intricate fusion of digital elements and abstract patterns is at the core of their practice. NastPlas meticulously crafts elaborate artworks inspired by the complicated tapestry of nature's laws and the enigmatic forms discovered through scientific exploration. Their creations serve as a visual journey, delving into realms where art and science converge, evoking profound contemplation and stirring emotions in their audience. Fuelled by an insatiable thirst for exploration, NastPlas navigates the nebulous terrain between reality and abstraction.
Specialising in 3D digital art, NastPlas sculpts its visions with precision and finesse, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Though complex and laborious, its process is imbued with a sense of wonder and discovery as it weaves together elements of physics, chemistry, history, psychology, and architecture into its tapestry of creation. Drawing inspiration from many sources, NastPlas finds resonance in the works of visionaries past and present. From the avant-garde musings of Salvador Dalí to the experimental zeal of Björk, their creative landscape is enriched by a tapestry of influences spanning art, music, literature, and mythology. In the world of NastPlas, composition is king. Each element is meticulously placed to maintain a delicate balance and rhythm. Textures are imbued with meaning, evoking a symphony of sensations that captivate the senses and transport the viewer to new realms of imagination.
NastPlas about their new innovative physical production atelier, "NastPhy", which will merge rich artisanal traditions with the latest digital technologies: “This space not only represents an evolution in our production capabilities but also serves as a platform for experimentation and the creation of unique works of art resulting from the combination of natural materials and cutting-edge technology. This new approach will enable us to explore new frontiers in artistic creation by blending traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art digital tools. The convergence of these two dimensions will empower us to develop works that reflect not only manual skill and ancestral knowledge but also the ability to innovate and adapt to contemporary demands. The connection between tradition and modernity in this atelier is evident not only in the convergence of techniques but also in the inherent commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This new production space will prioritize the use of natural materials, promoting eco-friendly artistic practices and thereby contributing to addressing the global imperative of climate change. With this comprehensive approach, we aspire not only to elevate the quality of our artistic productions but also to contribute to the contemporary dialogue on the intersection between human creativity, nature, and technology. This atelier will become a laboratory of ideas, where experimentation and research will be fundamental to generating works of art that transcend conventional boundaries.”
Rinat Abdrakhmanov, known in the digital art world as Rinatto L'bank, was born in 1992 in Astana, Kazakhstan, on the left bank of the Ishim River, hence adopting the pseudonym L'bank. Educated as a programmer, Rinatto graduated from the Department of Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design at EMU, North Cyprus, in 2016, marking the beginning of his journey as an interdisciplinary artist. His artistic practice spans various mediums and techniques, including digital art, traditional canvas and oil, found objects, tiles, and fabrics.
Rinatto L'bank explores themes of visual communication, human body phenomenology, and posthumanism in his works. He delves into concepts of beauty, the sublime, and the uncouth, often denouncing technogenesis and examining humanity's role in nature's system. L'bank's art embraces the aesthetics and communications of cyberspace while pushing beyond its boundaries. His multimedia artworks serve as an extension of traditional art, adapted to contemporary realities. In a recent interview, Rinatto L’bank shared insights into his artistic journey, highlighting his early interest in creativity and digital graphics. His teenage years were marked by active participation in online communities, which eventually led him to explore digital graphics and pursue formal education in visual communication design.
Regarding the current global situation, Rinatto expresses enthusiasm for the rapid development of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). He sees AI as a powerful tool for artists, enabling them to synergise machine knowledge with human experience. Rinatto has embraced AI technology, training his own AI based on his artwork and collaborating on future projects. Reflecting on the visual impact of his concepts, Rinatto emphasises the complexity of new media and digital visuals in shaping human perception and consciousness. He aims to capture the essence of humanity through the prism of new media, exploring the intricate relationship between human beings and technology.
Rinatto L’bank about "NY_Fusion": "I had the idea to depict the synergy of man and the city using anthropology to depict biological forms and shapes of hard surfaces. I have thought a lot about the phenomenon of the city as such and in the context of New York and concluded that it is a massive mixture of different energies and cultures in one rigid structure of concrete, metal and blocks, with which the biological machines living in it interact. While studying the rapidly changing tools for creating visual images, I improve myself and practice the latest tools and their variations. In this case, I had an idea that would have yet to be realised in the ways that I used at the time of the news about the event. Therefore, I undertook to try various databases and neural networks. As a result, I created a symbiosis of the image by creating a basis using some tools (One of the variations of stable diffusion) and transforming it using another neural network, where I could work out the details and diversify the depth of the picture. In general, this is a digital collage of materials that have gone through several iterations of creation using AI. And, of course, the main task set for me is to try not to break away from the topic of physicality, which I reveal throughout my career."
Florencia S.M. Brück, an Italo-Argentinian artist and programmer, intricately weaves the digital, virtual, and natural worlds together through her visionary projects and installations. At the core of her practice lies a deep exploration of the human experience, often drawing from personal encounters such as a near-death experience at the age of five, which has become a wellspring of artistic inspiration.
Florencia's innovative installations, such as "Out of Body," utilise generative algorithms to create immersive experiences that prompt viewers to reflect on their place in the universe. In her "Tension and Interlude" series, traditional artistic techniques intersect with modern technology, resulting in mesmerising visual compositions that blur the lines between art and science. Her thought-provoking pieces, like "Far From Home," confront pressing global issues, using interactive portals to provide unique perspectives on topics such as international migration. Through her work, Florencia invites viewers to engage deeply with societal and environmental concerns, challenging perceptions and prompting introspection. As a co-founder of 9th.com, a pioneering metaverse and web3 company, Florencia has worked with high-profile clients, including Discovery Channel, the World Bank, and Xbox, demonstrating her commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in the art world.
Furthermore, as the founder of Decentral Art Pavilion, Florencia has been instrumental in shaping the NFT space, hosting ground-breaking exhibitions during events like the Venice Art Biennale. Her involvement in prestigious art organisations and frequent participation as a conference speaker further cements her status as a true pioneer in the intersection of art and technology. Florencia's vision extends beyond mere technological prowess; it encompasses a profound understanding of the human condition and a dedication to ethical and inclusive artistic practices. As digital art continues to evolve and reshape the global creative landscape, Florencia remains at the forefront, guiding the dialogue towards innovation, responsibility, and inclusivity.
Denis Davydov is a pioneering digital artist who is at the forefront of merging contemporary art with blockchain technology. With a Bachelor's degree in Design, he embarked on his artistic journey, quickly gaining acclaim within the computer-generated imagery (CGI) community. Davydov's early successes included prestigious awards like Render Re. Transitioning into commercial ventures, Davydov collaborated with agencies and global brands, contributing CGI content for projects spanning Microsoft, Samsung, and NBC.
However, his passion for merging art with technology drove him to co-found Instigators in 2020, a collective exploring the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Within Instigators, Davydov's artistic vision transcends traditional boundaries, delving into profound themes of cultural heritage and identity. His recent projects illuminate the symbolic legacy of Central Asia, blending nostalgic imagery with contemporary reflections on late capitalism. Collaborating with fellow artists like Uta Bekaia, Davydov explores the concept of avatars, crafting narratives that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Their collaborative venture, "Sacred Creatures," reimagines avatars as vessels of cultural significance, drawing inspiration from diverse influences spanning American comics to early computer games.
Through this innovative approach, Davydov challenges conventional notions of artistry, inviting audiences to explore the complexities of digital expression. As Instigators prepares to launch its inaugural NFT art project, Davydov's visionary leadership continues to push the boundaries of artistic innovation. By bridging traditional galleries with the emerging crypto world, he prompts profound questions about the nature of art, authenticity, and the evolving role of contemporary artists in an increasingly digital landscape. In his latest series of video sculptures titled "JONIM," Davydov delves deep into the migration of symbolic heritage from the early Internet age and eclectic visual imagery of Central Asia into the context of late capitalism. Through meticulous study and artistic interpretation, Davydov captures the essence of his native land's cultural evolution, reflecting on themes of tradition, transformation, and collective identity.
Uta Bekaia x Denis Davydov, Instigators' projects
Denis Davydov about his latest project, "B0rder1ess": "It is an NFT ecosystem. Which consists of an NFT collection of 10,000 unique pixel and 3d avatars (a mixture of hand-made pixel art and generative), interactive gaming experiences (the very "games") that help reveal the ENT of the "universe", well, actually the universe itself, which develops and is written in the process. That is, it's going beyond art projects. Since this is an "entertainment universe" project that I am creating, with the NFT collection that is its centre."
Marjan Moghaddam is a luminary in digital art, pioneering since the 1980s with her visionary contributions. A relentless pursuit of innovation and critical discourse marks an Iranian American immigrant and political refugee, Moghaddam's journey. Her artistic practice spans many mediums, from animation and Net Art to print, sculpture, installation, and AR/VR. Renowned for her original style of posthuman figuration in 3DCG, she blurs the lines between sculpture and animation, pushing the boundaries of digital expression. Moghaddam's #GlitchGoddess and #ArtHacks have garnered international recognition, challenging the commercialisation of the art world and democratising exhibition spaces. Through her conceptual Net Art project on Instagram, she redefines form and curatorial practices, engaging in a transformative critical dialogue.
Recipient of prestigious awards and grants from institutions like the Rockefeller Fund, Moghaddam's influence extends far beyond her artworks. She was Adobe's Artist-in-Residence, featured in the BBC documentary "When Art Goes Digital" alongside luminaries like Beeple and XCopy. In recent years, Moghaddam has delved into the world of Crypto and NFT Art, selling into top collections on platforms like SuperRare and exhibiting in ground-breaking showcases like the Proof of Art: History of Digital and NFT Art at the Francisco Carolinum Museum. Her adaptability to emerging technologies matches her commitment to innovation. From 3D Computer Graphics to Motion Capture and digital media, Moghaddam's artistic evolution mirrors the rapid advancements in digital artistry. As a Tenured Full Professor of Digital Art at LIU Brooklyn, Moghaddam shapes the next generation of digital artists, imparting her knowledge and vision to future creators. Marjan Moghaddam's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in the digital age, where boundaries are blurred, and discourse is being redefined continuously.
