The Beeple sculpture, worth a remarkable $29 million, has taken up residence at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, marking its first public exhibition in the United States since it was acquired by Swiss venture capitalist Ryan Zurrer in a New York auction in 2021. This artwork, dubbed HUMAN ONE, is a generative video installation designed by digital artist Mike Winkelman, better known as Beeple.
HUMAN ONE presents itself as a captivating three-dimensional composition, sporting four screens with an incredible 16K resolution, encased in a metal frame. Through this creation, the artist immerses us in the first steps of humanity in the digital Metaverse, this constantly evolving virtual space. The animated images on these screens intertwine harmoniously, thus creating the illusion of an infinite space that is constantly evolving, while symbolizing the relentless quest for technological advances and the fascination with the unknown.
A standout feature of HUMAN ONE is the long-term vision that Beeple has associated with this work of art. He said he plans to regularly update HUMAN ONE's digital landscape with each new exhibition of the work in a new location for the rest of his life. This audacious decision gives the work an evolutionary dimension, transforming each presentation into a living and constantly changing artistic conversation.
But HUMAN ONE is more than just a static display. Beeple also incorporated elements of a modern treasure hunt into the work. Visitors who embark on this artistic quest can discover "Easter eggs" hidden in the work. These discoveries provide access to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) specially created by the artist, thus offering lucky digital explorers the possibility of unlocking a universe of complementary artistic experiences.
Beeple, already well known in the world of digital art, made history with his NFT titled "Everydays - The First 5000 Days", which sold for a record $69.3 million at Christie's. in 2021. This feat has sparked increased interest from arts institutions in the possibilities offered by blockchain technology and the rapidly expanding NFT market.
This exhibition of HUMAN ONE at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is part of a broader effort to recognize and appreciate digital artists and time-based media in the American art world. Xuxa Rodríguez, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at Crystal Bridges, points out that Beeple breaks new ground by skillfully combining virtual and physical existence in this work, which thus becomes a powerful metaphor for human progress.
By welcoming self-taught and digital artists, as well as time-based media, the museum fully aligns with its mission to expand definitions of American art and provide inclusive access to this form of contemporary expression. to an audience eager for discoveries and unique experiences. The presence of HUMAN ONE within the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art exemplifies the dynamic evolution of art and its ability to reflect and adapt to the technological advances that shape our ever-changing society.
Jean Dubreil