Mac Baconai
When prompt engineering is a state of Art.
The works we have shared by the artist Mika fall into a category that we could describe as post-crypto and post-Wi-Fi art. She blends elements of digital culture, technology, and modern life into physical or conceptual pieces that question the relationships between technology, symbolism, and daily objects.
Post-crypto art is generally developed after or in response to the rise of blockchain technology and the NFT market. Most works reflect the hangover or disillusionment from the previous promises of decentralisation, democratisation of wealth, or even "crypto utopia" we all had in 2021.
Mika's works seem to record an irony or judgment toward this ultra-modern, technology-marinated world, in which crypto art was promising to change but then primarily problematic.
Therefore, these objects in the images have an implicit dialogue with the viewer, an invitation to consider some thought about tradition—for instance, swords, tea bags, crosses—and modernity; what better examples than laptops, Bluetooth, or iPhone chargers?
Mika works are reflections upon the omni-presence of internet connectivity and how it is affecting the physical world. In post-WiFi art, a common theme is a disconnect between virtual and real-world interactions, critiquing the reliance on constant online presence.
Mika invites deep reflection on the state of modernity through her work, critiquing or accepting the role technology plays in redefining our relationship to power, comfort, connectivity, and even spirituality. In the post-crypto, post-WiFi era, as we call it, these works toy with the absurdities of modern life and digital reliance, pushing back against the elevation of mundane or obsolete symbols to objects of reflection.
Ilya Kazakov, a name familiar to our readers, is an illustrator based in Paris, France, whose work we've showcased multiple times. Known for his incredible productivity and a style that's both simple and engaging, Ilya has recently ventured into the world of personal NFT projects. With his unique approach and swift, precise technique, he's created art and built a community of enthusiasts who actively participate in and support his ventures.
What sets Ilya's projects apart is the level of involvement from his community. From dozens to hundreds, these individuals don't just offer ideas; they become co-creators. Take his latest project, FTCG, for example. Ilya draws each card specifically for the person who requested it, crafting a deeply personal connection and fostering a vibrant sense of community.
On Ilya's private Discord channel, fans can request cards for free using their NFT tokens. These cards are then grouped into sets of five and distributed through fun giveaways. Getting your card involves a mix of luck and patience, often requiring trades to complete your set. Participants describe this process as both enjoyable and thrilling. The third set is underway, with 240 cards already drawn, and the community eagerly awaits the 300th card.
Ilya thrives on challenges. He's completed multiple Inktobers and the 365 Project, where he drew daily. He has also embraced a new tradition from the crypto community on X (formerly Twitter): the 'GM' (Good Morning) greeting. Inspired by this, Ilya now sketches every morning, each piece reflecting his mood and offering a window into his life through art.
In wrapping up, Ilya Kazakov's artistic journey continues to enchant and inspire. His talent for storytelling through visuals enhances our world and invites us into a realm of boundless creativity. As we anticipate his upcoming works, we're excited to follow his artistic growth and always ready to be delighted by his next creation. Ilya's art isn't just observed; it's experienced, and we're eager to see where his imagination will take us next.
Digital artist Olga Feldman, a professional with an extensive background in graphic design, vector art and abstract 3D drawing, recently began a new art series titled "Frequencies." In the collection of monochrome graphic art, Feldman aims to capture essential ideas and feelings through a simple yet striking visual language, representing a generative perspective of reality.
Feldman uses classic graphic tools and methods in "Frequencies," notably the stark contrast between solid black background and subtle white lines. Her systematic technique and minimised palette highlight her ability to generate complex thoughts through simplicity. The artist's careful craftsmanship and grasp of wave theory and electromagnetic oscillations are evident in every item in the series. By reducing expressive techniques, Feldman creates surfaces inviting viewers to explore the subtleties of perception and the nature of light.
The monochrome nature of the series allows for a focused exploration of form and texture. The contrast creates a dynamic tension that draws and holds the eye. This visual tension is further amplified by the optical illusions in each work, which seem to oscillate and shift as one moves around them.
One particular piece in the series, "Emotional Landscapes,” presents an abstract artwork executed in the artist’s favourite monochromatic palette. The composition grid, based on the Fibonacci sequence, contains multiple rectangular sections, each filled with intricate white lines, creating a complex geometric structure that challenges the viewer's perception of space and form. Each segment contains a unique pattern of lines, ranging from undulating waves to more angular and geometric forms, creating a fascinating interplay between organic and structured elements.
The lines of the artworks generate an illusion of volume and texture reminiscent of topographic maps, ocean waves, or natural formations, inviting the viewer to explore the depths of each section. Despite the static nature of the image, the lines convey a sense of movement and flow, suggesting unseen forces at work within the composition. This juxtaposition of stillness and motion adds a layer of complexity to the viewer's experience.
The handmade quality of the artworks reminds of a human presence, emphasising the artist's direct engagement with her materials and subject matter. Feldman’s approach subtly contrasts Bridget Riley’s optical art, blending precision with perceptual experimentation.
The series resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. Conceptually, it engages with scientific principles in an accessible and visually compelling manner. Emotionally, the works evoke wonder and curiosity, prompting viewers to question their perceptions and explore the boundaries between art and science.
Olga Feldman was born in the north of Russia, in her words, "in a land of endless darkness", and currently lives in Israel. Before diving into monochrome art, Feldman garnered significant acclaim for her digital illustrations and graphic design. Her works were showcased at the OFFF Barcelona festival, a renowned event in the creative industry. Additionally, her digital illustrations have been published multiple times, including publications in "Hi-Fructoze" magazine, the book of digital and analogue illustrations "Dark Inspiration" by Victionary, and others, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist.
The graphics Olga Feldman created demonstrate her ability to blend conceptual depth with technical accuracy to produce visually captivating and intellectually engaging pieces. Feldman's continued investigation of minimalist expressiveness and generative perception demonstrates her potential and uniqueness as a creative.
Her use of frames in various shapes gives some of her pieces an additional layer of intrigue, which heightens the overall impression of her work. The intricate patterns and rhythmic repetitions create a meditative quality, encouraging prolonged contemplation and allowing for multiple interpretations based on the viewer's perspective and experiences.
Feldman's graphic works represent noteworthy accomplishments in modern art. They resonate with op art and minimalist art traditions, inviting the viewer to carefully examine and reflect on the interaction of forms and space. They ultimately showcase Feldman's mastery in creating complex visual effects through simplicity of line and contrast.
Immerse yourself in 'Fields of Morning,' a captivating collection of five digital masterpieces by Laurence Fuller, created in collaboration with the talented Kesja Tabaczuk. This unique series, adapted from the acclaimed exhibition at Arcadia Contemporary (July 11 - July 31, 2024), seamlessly blends Tabaczuk's meticulous paintings with Fuller's evocative poetry. Fuller's journey into Tabaczuk's art began on social media, where he was drawn to the intricate balance between precision and whimsy in her work. Her striking images of roaming wild animals and incomplete birds boldly defy the ordinary, inviting viewers to explore a realm where the fantastical meets the familiar.
Fields of Morning captures the first steps taken into the fields each morning with the rising sun, symbolising a journey back to self-discovery. The Lyca character is inspired by a series of poems by William Blake. The collection explores our connection to the world around us, portraying us as creators and poets of each moment. It delves into the presence and beauty of being alive.
These masterful portraits provide an open space for poetic storytelling. In today's world, figurative painting has become rare and special, contrasting the reduction of all art to the instant. Certain moments in life linger in our memories with greater potency and contemplation. When sentiment is all that remains, imagination gains even greater significance than life itself. The world around us becomes an extension of our inner lives, and beauty reflects back to us, creating a paradise in this life. Fields of Morning evokes early memories of Mother Nature, highlighting our true potential.
Chema Mendez is a renowned artist who has been working in digital art for over a decade. His works are always surreal, with a high degree of detail regarding the digital components that blur the lines between reality and imagination.
Over the years, the style Mendez worked on has grown in people and more over his NFT collectors, placing him as one of the prominent figures in digital art globally.
His surreal compositions grace the covers of albums by top musicians, adding visual depth and intrigue to their musical tales.
Chema’s work has also adorned the covers of various prestigious magazines, implying that the artist is versatile and opens his creative vision to a large audience.
Through Mendez's oeuvre, he continues to push the limits of digital artistry, significantly impacting contemporary visual culture.
Hugos is an Italian illustrator bending the art world where tradition meets digital innovation.
His work goes into the traditional limits of illustration, achieved by contemporary tools and techniques, to evoke a compelling, detailed form of storytelling. It is an imagination mixed with emotion and technique that begets original illustrations, which touch deep within viewers.
Each piece is an exemplar of his mastery of both classical methods and cutting-edge digital artistry.
In Hugos's work, innovative fusion preserves the cultural legacy of Italian art and takes it into uncharted territories. At the same time, it seduces audiences worldwide with its unique visual narratives.
Vratislav Pecka, known in the art world as PosterLad, is a celebrated artist renowned for his minimalist and colourful designs. Born in Prague, Czech Republic, Pecka's journey to artistry began after graduating from film school as a video editor.
Discovering his passion for graphic design, he co-founded Pecka Studio and worked with prestigious clients like Adobe and HP. His art, influenced by the Bauhaus movement and 90s nostalgia, emphasises basic shapes and vivid colours. With exhibitions across four continents and a book titled "PosterLad: Colorful Minimalism," Pecka's work transcends traditional poster use, aiming to captivate visually and please the observer.
Talented illustrator Bored Josei creates nostalgic flat-coloured isometric artworks calling out a lot of 90s childhood flashbacks.
Josei's art is a vibrant and captivating delight that effortlessly draws the viewer into a world of creativity and imagination. Their self-taught style sets them apart in anime art and adds a unique charm and authenticity to their creations. Through a masterful use of rich colours and intricate details, Josei's pieces beckon onlookers to explore every nuance, promising a journey of visual discovery and artistic appreciation. For those yearning for novel and exciting artistic expressions, Josei's work offers a refreshing and immersive experience that lingers long after the initial gaze.
Stephan's work, often dark yet undeniably fascinating, delves deep into the infinite duality within us. It’s a journey that unveils the concealed harmony within our souls.
He often mixes these flowers with living metals to show his quest for harmony and balance. His artistic approach to the artwork fuses traditional concepts of sculpting and painting with the application of cold, complex digital algorithms.
His approach to his work and the contrast within the designs allowed for a nontypical visual style that could not be replicated.
Stephan's work aims to revive his collectors’ interest in romanticism. In a world filled with cushioned meaning, his work may be an empty solace in which we don't have to find meaning but can just be.
Anya Asano, a digital artist, seamlessly transitioned from a decade-long traditional painting career to the immersive world of NFTs, marking an evolution in his expressive journey.
With roots in traditional art school, Asano's work transcends boundaries, fusing digital technologies to create a unique visual language. They craft abstract and figurative amalgamations using tools like Blender, After Effects, AI algorithms, and glitch techniques, where the virtual and the real intertwine in a vibrant dance of pixels and polygons.
In the heart of San Diego, where the innovation pulse beats strong, and the artistic spirit thrives, Kaeli VanFossen is redefining the boundaries between technology and art. With a vibrant personality that mirrors her work, Kaeli waves hello to a world where acrylics blend with pixels and traditional canvases coexist with digital screens.
Whether you are an interior designer on the hunt for that perfect piece that will transform a space, or an NFT art collector looking to diversify your digital portfolio, Kaeli's art offers something for everyone. Her diverse range of works, from the tactile richness of acrylics to the innovative edge of digital and AI art, ensures that every viewer can find a piece that resonates.
Martisha Merems, a Tel Aviv-based artist, explores the intricate dance of mental and spiritual transformation in her art. Through her work, she delves into the realms of emotions and self-awareness, aiming to harmonise the chaos of life with moments of tranquillity and joy. Her imagination intertwines with contemporary reality, offering new perspectives and celebrating the joy of existence.
Her "Normal Weirdos" collection epitomises this journey, championing the uniqueness of individual imperfections. Inspired by her idiosyncrasies and those of her loved ones, Martisha sees these quirks as vital, distinctive aspects of personal identity. This collection is a call to embrace and empower oneself by accepting these traits, suggesting that what makes us different is what makes us powerful. Martisha Merems showcases her creative prowess through her art and fosters a dialogue on self-acceptance and the beauty inherent in our imperfections.
Summer Wagner, a Midwest photographer from the rust belt, crafts images that transcend mere photography. Her work merges fantasy with reality against a post-industrial backdrop, delving deep into spiritual, ecological, and technological themes, presenting a theatrical journey through each frame.
Wagner's art blurs boundaries, turning landscapes of decay into stages for stories that explore human and environmental dualities. Her photos are not just visual treats but narratives decadent with hidden themes, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface.
Her photography urges us to ponder our place in a world grappling with the remnants of industrialisation and the onset of technological dominance. Through Wagner’s lens, rusted factories and forgotten machines mirror our inner struggles, pushing us to confront our times' ecological and spiritual dilemmas.
Wagner's work reminds us of the complexities hidden in everyday sights and experiences. It invites us to explore the depth of human existence and the impact of our past on our future. In her vision, the post-industrial landscape becomes a canvas for r”
Born in Brazil in 1994, Lisanne Haack is renowned for her expressionistic flair, skillfully weaving colour, line, composition, and form into her vibrant creations. Now residing in Spain, Haack has carved a niche by producing physical and digital oil paintings, seamlessly merging traditional art with the digital era. Her innovative approach involves crafting entirely digital-native pieces while incorporating aspects of her physical paintings into her digital works.
With a rich educational background spanning graphic design, interior design, and architecture, Haack aims to achieve aesthetic harmony in her creations. Her prowess in the digital art space has been recognised with exhibitions across several countries, including Spain, France, Germany, Norway, and the United States. Haack’s physical and digital art is not just confined to digital exhibitions; it holds a prestigious place in private collections around the globe.
Christopher Mccurdy - a man with a camera, fixing the moments of a one-storied American ordinary life.
Marcel Giannoccaro, the Canadian digital artist, reimagines the architectural futurism that was initiated by his ancestors counterparts a century ago.
Giannoccaro's work embodies futuristic architecture and the dramatic visions of early sci-fi cinema. This exploration digs into his artistry, from inspiration to execution.
Amber Vittoria, an artist based in Los Angeles, California, is a lot more than an artist; she is a poet and author who weaves the beauty of narratives, emotions, and societal norms through her mesmerising compositions.
She paints with inks, coloured pencils, and acrylics in flowing rainbow gradients that capture the eye and imagination, reflecting the ever-shifting currents of the human experience. Her pieces are marked by simple and colourful compositions, provoking viewers to contemplate beauty, identity, and society.
Vittoria's talent has earned her numerous accolades, including Forbes 30 Under 30, One Club Young Gun, and Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist. Her work has been recognised by American Illustration, the AOI World Illustration Awards, and the ADC Annual Awards, while her clients range from Facebook to Gucci.
Beyond that, Vittoria's art resonates emotionally at the heartstrings while epitomising love, identity, and societal pressure themes. In a fragmented world, her work reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of creativity to unite us.
With the lens of Amber Vittoria’s art, one rediscovers the world with a spectrum of life experiences and gets reminded of art as that vehicle for humanity.
In the heart of Brooklyn, Hayden Clay redefines the art scene with his mesmerising take on "feel-good surrealism." Through his expertise in digital art, he masterfully blends elements of nature with the boundless realms of imagination. His pieces, often centred around water, landscapes and clouds, serve as gateways to a world where the line between dreams and reality fades.
Clay’s art offers a surreal exploration of nature, inviting introspection. Hayden’s freelance work inspires with transformative surreal visuals.
Hayden has recently unveiled his latest NFT generative art drop on Foundation, titled "Strange Clouds." This collection marks the second chapter of the Strange Clouds series, showcasing a captivating array of generative 3D artworks. Each piece in the collection presents a unique cloud formation, inviting viewers to explore the infinite variations of shapes, colours, and patterns. Inspired by clouds’ ever-changing and generative essence, this project continues Hayden's exploration of the natural world through a digital lens, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the art of surrealism.
Alizé Jireh’s art spans photography, videography, and music. Through her lens, she captures vulnerability, resilience, and authenticity. Her work invites viewers to engage with the world intimately.
Alizé’s art illuminates the beauty of everyday life. With attention to detail and emotional sensitivity, she creates works that deeply resonate with audiences and highlight our shared humanity.