Hey Jules, how did the idea for AvantGarde come about?
The AvantGarde project started back in 2017 as an experiment about machine learning image processing, resulting in generative abstract art and unique concepts. We started by generating an initial unique artwork collection based on users’ Twitter IDs. Additionally, we created a Tweet bot that generated personal pieces of art for each Twitter handle that followed our Twitter account. We intended to understand the value impact of a unique piece of AI art on the market. Based on this concept, we decided to create an additional collection of art objects that would be generated according to unique Ethereum wallet addresses and would be minted as NFTs. This is how AvantGarde was born. Due to our intention to go further in assessing the value of these artworks, we decided to make the tokens mintable and burnable.
How does AvantGarde operate today? Who are the people behind the technology?
The team is multidisciplinary, consisting of complementary artists such as painters, 2D/3D designers and music producers, developers such as blockchain developers, and front-end developers. Our mission is to democratize blockchain technology. Therefore, we aim to continue our research and experimentations in such areas as AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, blockchain, IPFS, token standards (ERC721, ERC1155), smart contracts, proof of concept, demand and supply, and many more.
You launched your new gallery at Art Week this year. What can visitors expect?
Our gallery is not the usual type of gallery. It is an interactive space, an artwork exhibition where users can mint their unique pieces of art. It’s best described as an art generator, where anyone can generate unique art pieces. Ultimately, visitors discover a new type of artwork based on deep learning. They can visit the space and generate a unique piece of art in the metaverse, access the exclusive VIP club area, and share with other members of the AvantGardist community. Creating a place where we showcase our unique artworks and gather the community has always been of utmost importance to us.
We asked each of our profiled Art Week artists what their dream digital art exhibition would look like. Which artists would feature in yours?
Simply, the artist that we would feature is our AI that is producing unique images.
And so what would the Avant Garde gallery/generator in Decentraland look like in five years’ time?
We want the space to become a melting pot, unifying people around innovation, art, and uniqueness concepts. Our aspiration for the gallery is to become a place of experimentation and creation where new projects will be featured. We will collaborate with artists and host creative and innovative events. Our aim was, is, and always will be to offer, at all times, a novel experience for our visitors linking art, blockchain, NFTs, and potentially concepts that don’t even exist right now.
The AvantGarde NFT Gallery/Generator is now open at -46,-102