It’s been a slower week for digital art sales yet some impressive numbers have still been obtained, first piece i’m delighted to highlight is the work of Dangiuz , his piece Bridge of Death sold on SuperRare for an impressive 30ETH ($57,300)
Dangiuz composition is at another level, every element gels together in perfect harmony from the stunning colour palettes to the intricate detailing, everything in perfect balance never to much and never to little.
His work is a snapshot into a future word, a harsh world but one filled with excitement and intrigue. Gigantic city scapes fill the sky, neon lights shine all around.
You Touch, You Buy. by Zomax sold for 11ETH ($20,582)
Artist interview Patrick Amadon
Who are you and what do you do?
Patrick Amadon, digital artist
Why art?
Art is the language I'm most comfortable with and able to speak the loudest.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influences would be three individuals. The first would have to be my high school art history teacher - Mr. Silva. Was unaware of art until I took his class. He was an incredible teacher and my love of art started with his class. That obviously changed the trajectory of all of it. The second would be Banksy. Always political, always needling. Such a good combination of street art and purpose combined with a good ethos. No toys or selling out like Murakami or Kaws. Not commercial like Koons. He did and does it right. The third would be Jerry Saltz. In 2016, we had a conversation about my work in which he told me I needed to start over. It resulted in me abandoning my abstract work and taking a leap forward into narrative-driven art which combined everything I was interested in. Needed the kick. Abstract is dead.
How do you work?
Calling it mixed-digital. I'll usually do physical graffiti or work on canvas to import as a base for the digital work. Often, I'll add urban photography or videography into the digital work. Then it's all combined via glitch.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Favorite so far has been having NO RIOTERS taken down by the Chinese government and then being targeted by CCP hackers with custom malware. Added then checked off being targeted by a state actor to my bucket list. The response from the people of Hong Kong was universally supportive as well. Turned out well.
What has been a seminal experience?
Beeple's sale. I'd been making digital art since 2012. I'm now making a living with digital art. Very fortunate.
What is your dream project?
More projects like Hong Kong. Banksy has walls. I have digital displays.
Name three artists you’d like to be compared to?
Banksy, Martha Cooper, Invader
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Start over.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give an up coming artist?
Don't get caught by a style. You'll end up feeling like a factory.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
A little bit of everything. Have an economics degree along with art history. Did my best Ed Norton impersonation at a few financial firms. Whatever it took to make it from 2012 to now.
How has your practice change over time?
Constantly refining technique and approach. More interested in narrative and substance of work now.
What’s your favourite art work?
Banksy's work in Palestine
What themes do you pursue?
Mainly cutting/critical socio-political themes, a lot around inequality and power structures. What art do you most identify with? Art with socio-political themes.
Burnout the symptoms and ways to prevent it.
Let’s take a look at a subject a lot of artists experience but may struggle to talk about Burnout!
Burnout is a term used to describe a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It is a common issue in today's fast-paced world and nowhere is faster passed than the digital art space, artists are constantly under pressure to perform and achieve their goals. Burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their age and gender.
Burnout can manifest in various ways, including feelings of fatigue, irritability, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. If left untreated, burnout can have serious consequences, including depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
There are steps you can take to avoid burnout and maintain your well-being. It won’t affect your art career long term and if anything will only help increase your chances of making it as a consistent long term career prospect.
Here are some tips:
Prioritize self-care: Take time to do things that make you feel good, such as exercising, reading, or spending time with friends and family. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to things that are not essential or that will add unnecessary stress to your life. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others, and don't overcommit.
Practice stress-management techniques: Find techniques that work for you, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Use these techniques regularly to manage stress and prevent burnout.
Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Get up from your desk, take a walk outside, or listen to some calming music.
Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a professional for help. Talking to someone about your feelings can be a great way to relieve stress and prevent burnout.
Identify the source of stress: Try to identify the source of your stress and find ways to address it. This could mean delegating tasks, asking for help, or changing your work environment.
Find meaning and purpose: Take time to reflect on your values and what gives your life meaning. Align your goals and activities with your values to find purpose and fulfillment.
In conclusion, the digital art space is the perfect cocktail to bring burnout to almost anyone who does not take precautions early. However, with the right strategies and support, it is possible to avoid burnout and maintain your well-being. Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, practice stress-management techniques, take breaks, seek support, identify the source of stress, and find meaning and purpose in your life. Remember, taking care of yourself is the key to avoiding burnout and living a healthy, fulfilling life.
Artist review Mediolanum
Let's take an in depth art review of an artist creating some of the most breathtaking and deep meaning digital art in this space.
Mediolanum started creating art about 2 years ago. It stemmed from taking an elective in college called Contemporary Art 101.
Moved by what art could be as time went on he wanted to dedicate his life to art. Mediolanum has experimented with all types of mediums and tools and continues to develop his unique style.
It started with using photoshop but Mediolanum has also practiced in acrylic, collage, and sketching. He used to create on his iPhone and eventually upgraded to an iPad and now mainly use the procreate app. He consider myself a digital artist now.
He has spent the last year or so practicing and learning about digital art. There’s so many ways to go about creating art through it. Mediolanum been enamoured by what’s possible and he’s always looking for new ways to create.
Mediolanum seeks inspiration from so many places. He’s a huge fan of Leonardo Da Vinci, Basquiat, Mark Rothko, and so many other amazing artists.
Also taking inspiration from everything including music, film and fashion. Some of his favorite directors include Satoshi Kon, Stanley Kubrick, and Hayao Miyazaki.
Mediolanum is like a sponge when it comes to inspiration, he absorbs so much from everywhere. He’s been quite lucky to learn from his peers, constantly being inspired by all of them.
Through anatomy, whether it be different portrait angles or dynamic poses of the body at different sections. Colours are extremely important as they almost create an aura around his figures, portraying a certain emotion or experience the figure is feeling.
The lack of colour or the excess of colour can depict his intentions better. Finally texture helps to create a very raw feeling in his work. It adds a level of depth to really draw out the scene Mediolanum is trying to depict.
He is always trying to convey human nature through self portrayals of himself. Mediolanum sees himself in all his works and hopes people can resonate with them.
He is always trying to convey human nature through self portrayals of himself. Mediolanum sees himself in all his works and hopes people can resonate with them.
“Why Do I Feel Nothing?”
Empty days passed as I wondered why I wasn't feeling anything. I questioned the thoughts I was having in my head. My pride kept me alive while I wanted to feel something by feeling nothing.
Constantly asking myself
Why Do I Feel Nothing?
In this striking piece of work Mediolanum asks us a question, a question many of us ask ourselves! We see the central figure drowning in his thoughts his torso submerged in the vastness of red, arm raised finger pointing to his head.
“Numb to Everything”
in this piece we are shown the phenomenal skill of this artist, his ability to create the most breathtakingly detailed piece yet it not appear to busy or over crowded is truly remarkable. This combined with the most eclectic colour palette finishes the work.
Madiolanum is one of the most skilled digital artists to emerge over the last 2 years, his ability to adapt to various styles yet still remain faithful to his vision is remarkable. It will be exiting to see what 2023 brings for this artist.
Upcoming mints to look out for…
Zenavi has a dynamic NFT minted on manifold “Weather Jars”
NikiLe has just minted “Cloud Nine”
NX Genesis piece “Redemption” has just been minted on Foundation
Trampolin genesis piece on OBJKT
Benji Connell latest piece on SuperRare “The Many Faces of Nepotistic”
Closing thoughts
As we move into the beginning of NFT nyc next week, it will be interesting to see how the atmosphere will be compared to last year with many of the big pfp projects not present. I will be returning this year to focus more on the art side of the space including speaking at the conference on Friday the 14th. so if you are free head on over and say hello!!