Metropolis #339
mpkoz
mpkoz“The Berlin trait of Metropolis was inspired by Brutalism, the Bauhaus movement, and the city’s history/obsession with typography. All of these elements were obvious to me the first time I visited the city as an artist at the Berlin Bright Moments show in 2022. I am particularly proud of the Berlin algorithm, as most editions honor the architectural qualities of the city and/or the contributions the city has made to graphic design.
These editions are no exception. They seem to have been completely taken over by Bauhaus shapes, and in particular, full circles. They are very strange, definitely outliers of the Berlin trait. They are odd because one of the first decisions the algorithm makes is to select a batch of 3-4 primitives to use in a sort of base-level grid, which everything else grows upon. Circles are just one of maybe twelve options, and the algorithm selects at least three types of shapes to serve in that foundational grid. Most Berlin pieces have a variety of squares, lines, hexagons, triangles etc. These, however, are almost entirely circular and are overrun with depth. While aesthetically they are not my favorite, they are certainly rare examples of the aggression I wanted to tease out of the algorithm. The power and in-your-face nature of these editions are very reminiscent of the Brutalist side of Berlin, the east side of the wall, while retaining a bit of playfulness and the rounded edges of Bauhaus design. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Also notable to these editions is the rare "Yun" palette, which I think is an interesting choice because Grant’s work is often exceedingly calm and pastoral, yet with its use in these editions, only calls up more juxtaposition between his work and the over-engineered, space-age look of Brutalist architecture around Berlin.”
These editions are no exception. They seem to have been completely taken over by Bauhaus shapes, and in particular, full circles. They are very strange, definitely outliers of the Berlin trait. They are odd because one of the first decisions the algorithm makes is to select a batch of 3-4 primitives to use in a sort of base-level grid, which everything else grows upon. Circles are just one of maybe twelve options, and the algorithm selects at least three types of shapes to serve in that foundational grid. Most Berlin pieces have a variety of squares, lines, hexagons, triangles etc. These, however, are almost entirely circular and are overrun with depth. While aesthetically they are not my favorite, they are certainly rare examples of the aggression I wanted to tease out of the algorithm. The power and in-your-face nature of these editions are very reminiscent of the Brutalist side of Berlin, the east side of the wall, while retaining a bit of playfulness and the rounded edges of Bauhaus design. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Also notable to these editions is the rare "Yun" palette, which I think is an interesting choice because Grant’s work is often exceedingly calm and pastoral, yet with its use in these editions, only calls up more juxtaposition between his work and the over-engineered, space-age look of Brutalist architecture around Berlin.”
Palette
Yun
City
Berlin
IRL Mint Date
03/04/23
Diptych IDs
339 | 581
Signed
No
Brush Style
Oil
Paper
Color
Contract
Token ID
339
Description
Metropolis is a long-form generative art collection exploring the node-based systems that enable and possess modern society. These literal and theoretical systems are critical to computing, blockchains, logistics, and most apparently, the formation and function of cities. The project will be extended beyond online distribution via individual exhibitions at the five Bright Moments gallery locations around the world. The five primary traits – New York City, Berlin, London, Mexico City, and Los Angeles – stylistically represent their respective city. MECHANIC INFORMATION:
- While Metropolis has a total count of up to 1000 mints, only the first 500 will be made available for sale.
- These first 500 editions will come with the ability to mint a second piece for free.
- This second mint will be unique, but visually related to the first—creating a diptych between the two.
- To claim a second mint, the owner must generate a QR code via the Bright Moments portal and take it to the Bright Moments gallery in the city dictated by its respective city trait on the date of the city's exhibition.
- Delegate minting of the second piece is possible. If the owner is unable to attend a show physically, they can arrange for another person to redeem.
- Redeeming after the city's exhibition will not be allowed.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:- The style of Metropolis is heavily influence by cubism and abstract expressionism.
- Technically, the project is an attempt to emulate painting photorealistically within an on-chain algorithm.
- Metropolis is a demanding program and modern hardware is necessary to view the live generator. Viewing the project on mobile and low-power computers will result in a lower resolution image. CONTROLS:
- Pressing the "C" key within the live generator will capture an image.
- Pressing the "4" key within the live generator will reload the piece in 4K resolution (HARDWARE INTENSIVE).
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