Life is punctuated with text. Words wake us in the morning and follow us to sleep. It guides us through
As we welcome each new year, our optimism is put to the test. We bring in fresh dreams, make commitments,
Immerse yourself in a world where digital art meets human experience, identity, and connection. “We Are The Vibists” is a piercing and heartfelt curation by Jen Panepinto, AKA QuantumSpirit, set to take center stage at Muscle Beach during this year’s Art Basel Miami from December 8-10. Brought to life by Illust, this innovative AR art walk seeks to provoke thought and spark conversations about our rapidly evolving cyber world.
Introducing the Vibists
The “Vibists” represent a modern movement of digital artists who push the boundaries of traditional art forms. They are not just creators; they are connectors, using digital media as a bridge to unite disparate ideas and people. According to the curator Jen Panepinto, she came up with this concept in one of those rare moments when she was in between projects and had time to reflect on the last year in web3. “I finally had a moment to sit back and look at the space as a whole, and look at kind of what makes us who we are, and what’s important to me is that I wanted to make sure that I re-introduced who we are as ‘1 of 1’ artists in web3.”
These artists, brought together by Jen’s vision, challenge the status quo and inspire audiences to view the world through a different lens. By exploring ideas that are inherently intangible, they help us to understand the in-betweenness of life in an increasingly digital world.
Featured Artists and Their Works
“We Are The Vibists” showcases a wide array of artists, each with a unique style and themes. These artists use digital media to explore the question of what it means to be human in a world where the lines between reality and online worlds continue to blur. Each piece of art will serve as a testament to the artists’ creativity and their ability to reflect the human experience in the digital age.
“When I think about the concept of being ‘in between,’ specifically in terms of the way this was curated, looking at more surreal and metaphysical things, vibey things, I really wanted to capture that transformative moment when you’re going through a change, and reality becomes surreal for a moment, you’re not quite one thing or another.”
–Illustrata
“In a weird way I think [my photographic process] is my way of tapping into alternate ways of thinking and being and turning over power to forces that are far more interesting than what I could have planned out by myself.”
–Jim Roll
“We’re able to break apart from ourselves. There is this sense of self beneath ourselves, and we are intertwined with it, we are united with it, and the only real way, in my opinion, to ignite a path of passion or realization or enlightenment is to kind of deunite from that self.”
–BLAC
“At first glance it’s just a messy collage, but I actually put a ton of time into it, and for me, it’s kind of the reality of all the ideas that are bouncing around in my brain constantly. I have a hard time sitting down and focusing on just one thing, and it’s like that psychedelic reset, the control-alt-delete, where I can look at all the files and try to make sense of them and pull the beauty out.”
–friskyfoxtrot
“I can still feel the heat from the glass that this piece originated from. I can remember making the glass and imagining the digital life of it. The soft pauses represent those moment of mental drift when living in between different mediums, different worlds.”
–p0ng
“Imagine being surrounded by a whirl of events, like sparks flying in all directions. In that mix, there’s a smile that stays put. It’s about not just getting by, but shining through tough times, because sometimes the chaos is what gets us moving.”
–Emaweird
“In my work I’ve always been really fascinated with the universe…I always was really into space movies and what was out there, and I wanted to be moving through the cosmos.”
–Infinite Mantra
“UNUM VIS invites contemplation on the interconnected nature of our existence, where the lines between self and other blur into a harmonious unity. This is not merely a representation; it is a visual exploration of the profound interplay of identity and connection in the grand tapestry of human oneness.”
–FARRAH CARBONELL
“I like things to have a handmade feel even if it is AI. I do enjoy film, shooting on film, and that sort of thing, and I like that kind of vintagey, nostalgic kind of feel you get with this sort of process, the one that I like to work with, and the whole thing about having your family connections and how that affects your whole life, your mental state, you know, in some ways. Yeah, it’s kinda about how your past can shape you, and how your connections, with family, with friends, with people that you vibe with on X, how all of that can affect your work and your life.”
–Weird Momma
“The piece depicts the subject in a state of substance induced introspection; journeying through the intricate landscapes of the subconscious and exploring the boundaries between reality and the fantastical realms of the mind.”
–Moba
“There’s always something bad happening and always something good happening, and it’s really about the way that we manage to exist within that illusion of happiness, that illusion of the moment we create.”
–Nuclear Samurai
“Your pain is also other people’s pain, and there is a collectiveness to sharing that, so I guess it’s sort of like the dissolution of illusion in terms of individuality, but also of whether you’re fine or not…there’s the realization of what humanity is, but also trying to be at peace with and sharing that desire to find stillness.”
–KEZIAI
BASKING IN EPHEMERA
–ABCDJ
“At certain points in my life I’ve felt far away from myself, like, being on the outside and just watching how everything goes, and this piece speaks about it. I’m kind of in-between; I’m in a surreal place, like everything is kind of foggy and I’m just contemplating all of the messy stuff and chaos that’s going on in your head. But in my pieces I try to find a certain calmness…layers and the complexity of thoughts…and balance in the overall picture.”
–Hanne Van Briel
“Are we all replaceable?”
–kapstone
“Beneath the surface of things seen, there lie deeper truths concealed, veiled by the senses’ narrow sheen, yet real as rock. The unseen mystical woven strands are hidden in the wonderlands of the mind. We deftly leave the shackles of this place and soar on gossamer wings, encountering Beauty in realms only known in the unconscious.”
–Neal
What Makes “We Are The Vibists” Stand Out?
Unlike other curations, “We Are The Vibists” leverages the power of digital media to create an immersive experience. The curation embraces the digital revolution, highlighting its impact on art and how we perceive it. It’s not just about viewing art; it’s about experiencing it, engaging with it, and understanding its relevance in our contemporary world.
The AR Gallery Experience
Attendees can expect an interactive experience at the AR gallery in Miami. The exhibit, powered by Illust, aims to engage art enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the world of digital art. From experimental photography to digital collage to artificial intelligence, the curation promises to be a visual feast that will stimulate the senses and challenge conventional thinking.
Art Basel Miami has always been a platform for showcasing groundbreaking work, and “We Are The Vibists” is no exception. It’s not just a curation; it’s a revelation, a testament to the transformative power of digital art.
As we count down the days to this exciting event, one thing is certain: “We Are The Vibists” is set to redefine what we think about art, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms along the way. Sound like something you can vibe with? Immerse yourself in the art and the vision, and feel free to join the movement, because as Jen Panepinto put it, “I think we are all Vibists if we want to be.”
Read the full curation statement here, and follow us on X to stay tuned for contests, helpful links, and more information about what Mint Gold Dust is doing in Miami.
After many months of building, Mint Gold Dust is thrilled to announce “The Golden Age” exhibition at Superchief Gallery in New York City on October 19.
“The Golden Age”
featuring:
Acid Boy
Animatttic
Camibus
Empress Trash
EXCALIBUR
FelixFelixFelix
Gisel Florez
Jesse Lirola
Lapin Mignon
Mr Richi
Nacho Frades
Nathaniel Stern
Nygilia
Panter Xhita
Patrick Amadon
Pierre Gervois
ROBNESS
Sabina Bano
We invite you to come join us and our artists in this historic conversation, to celebrate what we believe to be the beginning of the golden age of digital art. As a creative experiment and a celebration of our v2 launch, this inaugural exhibition asks artists to “rethink their trajectories and to unleash their creativity” during this reflective and transformative period.
“This is a chance to be a part of history, to make something beautiful in the years when other artists were silent. A time that you’ll look back on with fond memories, knowing that you dug deep and kept creating, even when no one was watching. Will you return to your pre–crypto roots or embark on an adventure with new mediums, vibrant colors, and cutting–edge technologies?
What ignites your inspiration in those unseen moments? With absolute freedom and a blank canvas, what will you bring to life?”
Spring is a season of transformation. After the slumber of winter, nature comes back to life. And after a period
By utilizing blockchain, AR, VR AI, the exhibition showcases how these technologies can enable new forms of collaboration and decentralization in the art world, empowering artists and audiences alike.
FEATURED ARTWORKS OF THE WEEK
Re-Thinking Curation for a Decentralized World
In a recent Twitter thread directed at the NFT community, artist @Coldie expressed his frustration about the lack of curation and proper categorization in the NFT Space. This sentiment was echoed in comments by artists and collectors alike giving their opinions on the ‘wild-west’ atmosphere of NFTs. The overwhelming majority agreed that curation is a valuable resource for artists, however there were still those that viewed curation as a form of gatekeeping that could prevent newcomers from entering the emerging market.
The basic argument in the former camp is that artists need a better way to get their artwork in front of the right eyes during a time of growing market saturation. This is where a curator can come in to be a mediator and advocate.
A curator’s responsibility is to handpick voices and creative visions that speak to the time and cultural movements happening locally and globally. In doing so, curation can help spark conversations and encourage progressive discourse within the Crypto Art space and beyond. When done correctly, these curators are not deciding what is and isn’t art, but rather serve as a guide to help lead conversations and help collectors discover artwork that means something to them. They can do this through not only curating collections but also by writing about artists, movements, and trends in the space.
It’s important to recognize that historically, curation in the Art World has morphed into an exclusionary practice often more focused on money and cultural politics than art. Curators in this new decentralized ecosystem now have the cultural responsibility to learn from those mistakes by focusing on the inclusion of new and driving forces in the space without the relentless focus on quick and easy monetary gain.
Without curators, projects with the highest price points and most notable collectors, such as Bored Ape Yacht Club, will continue to be what the Crypto Art space is known for to the outside world. In many ways, curators are writing and preserving Crypto Art’s rich history and culture, a culture that began growing years before the term “NFT” was even coined. This knowledge share will ultimately help Crypto Art become more accessible to those in and out of the space, breaking down barriers for future creators and collectors.
At Mint Gold Dust, we have embraced curation while still being committed to our decentralized ethos and use of smart contracts. We are a 24/7, always on, non-custodial marketplace built with the artist in mind. Curation, in addition to helping us explore new genres and topics in the space, allows for our team to have one on one relationships with each of our artists, supporting them from A-Z– something that would be impossible without our team of curators. It also allows us to showcase each artist on our platform in a unique and personal way via social media, 79Au, and in-person showcases.
Recently, we have also started to collaborate with guest curators who bring new artists to the platform for specific collections. Most recently, we worked with curator JenJoy Roybal to curate Machine Dialogues, an exploration of AI informed artworks on the Blockchain. This collection helped showcase the human side of AI artworks, a genre that has received a lot of scrutiny over the past couple of months. New artists that joined us for the collection included Chazz Gold, QueenEarth, ONe Rad Latina, Tom Laroc, and more.
As Mint Gold Dust continues to grow, we remain committed to being a space for artists to create and mint; for collectors to discover new artists and their work; and for the wider web3 community to engage with each other, and to discuss and explore topics they are passionate about.
Have you read our latest community Op-Ed from artist ONe Rad Latina? Check out piece on The Cultural Algorithm and the effect bias has on AI models here.
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Ready to get started as an artist or collector on Mint Gold Dust? Check out our Metamask start up guide to get started. Ready to start minting? Apply to talk with our curatorial team today.