The Digital Art Mile at Art Basel 2024 showcased the evolving presence and acceptance of digital art, featuring contributions from notable artists and platforms. According to Tezos Spotlight, this satellite event, supported by the Tezos Foundation, marked a significant step forward for digital art, which had often been relegated to the periphery of the traditional art world.
The Evolution of Digital Art at Art Basel
In previous years, Tezos played a crucial role in promoting digital art at Art Basel. Early exhibitions included notable artists from Hic et Nunc and generative artistry from fx(hash). Despite the absence of a similar presence in 2024, the Digital Art Mile, situated a few streets away from the main venue, demonstrated a matured expression of digital art.
This year’s event was a collaborative effort, featuring partners such as Le Random and platforms including Objkt, MakersPlace, and fx(hash). The Digital Art Mile spanned three venues, offering a diverse and comprehensible presentation of digital art.
The Old World vs. The New World
Historically, Art Basel has been cautious about fully embracing digital art, especially during the peak of NFT speculation. However, initiatives like the ‘Node to Node’ exhibition in Paris in 2023, which physically represented generative and AI art, indicated a shift towards integrating digital art into the traditional art context.
Art Basel 2024’s Chief Digital Officer, Craig Hepburn, introduced ‘Digital Dialogues’, a series of discussions about the future of digital art, featuring prominent figures such as Sasha Stiles and Cory Arcangel. This initiative, along with the Digital Art Mile, highlighted the growing acceptance of digital art within the mainstream art world.
Highlights from the Digital Art Mile
The Digital Art Mile featured a variety of curated shows. Objkt, the largest NFT platform on Tezos, showcased works from genre-spanning artists, including a dedicated room for pioneering digital artist Analivia Cordeiro. The fx(hash) booth displayed tapestries and audio-enabled digital displays, providing a tangible and engaging experience for visitors.
The ‘generative art kiosk’ at fx(hash) was particularly successful, offering unique printed works from digital projects. This initiative received positive feedback from Art Basel’s head of editorial, Jeni Fulton, who appreciated the tangible aspect of the artworks.
UNHCR and Philanthropic Efforts
The Digital Art Mile also featured a charitable exhibition curated for the UNHCR, highlighting the effects of climate change on displaced people. The exhibition included works from high-profile Tezos artists, with at least 50% of artwork sales donated to the UNHCR. Artists like GoldCat contributed pieces that reflected personal experiences with extreme weather and displacement.
The Future of Digital Art
The success of the Digital Art Mile at Art Basel 2024 suggests a promising future for digital art within the mainstream art world. Diane Drubay, an artist involved in the event, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the web3 art world and traditional art fairs. The Digital Art Mile’s high-quality exhibitions and diverse curation indicate that digital art is ready to be fully integrated into events like Art Basel.
While patience may be required, the Digital Art Mile at Art Basel 2024 marks a significant step towards the broader acceptance and appreciation of digital art.
Image source: Shutterstock
