Release Details
Date: August 1st Opening from 7-10PM and August 2nd-4th from 10-5PM
Loaction: Lume Studios (393 Broadway, New York, NY 10013)
Format: Allowlist August 1st at 1PM EST -> Public August 2nd at 1PM EST
Price: 0.1E
Collection Size: 16 Physicals, 512 Digital Outputs
Mechanics
Chain: Ethereum
On-Chainness: 5/5 according to onchainchecker.xyz
Reproducibility: Rendered In-Contract
Price: 0.1E
Non-Curated: Generated Upon Mint
Material
Flow Chart: https://x.com/0xdiid/status/1815247672757891274
Efficax(On-Chain Contract Deployer): https://efficax.diid.art/
Dithering Too: https://dither.diid.art/
Contract Explorer: https://noegocrypto.com/explorer/
Conversation with Alejandro Cartagena: https://x.com/i/spaces/1yNGagonbRQxj
CC0 Images: https://x.com/stephensantoro_/status/1816273566813323768
Project Description
Overview: "Machine in the Ghost" is a unique art project consisting of 512 pieces, 16 of which will include physical unique plotter pieces. Each hash is generated by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) at the moment of minting, ensuring complete randomness and uniqueness. The project aims to encapsulate the artist's exploration of "compressionism" within the realm of cryptoart, blending traditional art forms with cutting-edge blockchain technology. The project will feature an allowlist and a fixed price mint.
Concept: The term "compressionism" reflects the artist's style of meticulously compressing images to fit within the constraints of blockchain technology while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the original artwork. The project delves into the historical context of compression in art and technology, recognizing the contributions of predecessors and envisioning future developments
On-Chain Storage:
Pixel Manipulation:
Color Theory:
Historical References:
Mathematics and Dithering
Base Images:
Color Swapping:
Smart Contract:
When I first discovered Diid’s art, I was fascinated by the unique imagery and the underlying sophisticated processes. The colors and subject matter were reminiscent of early computer games, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Diid’s approach to pixel art from various angles—using single colors, algorithms, and diverse imagery—demonstrated a deep and varied interest in the medium. Diid’s work goes beyond surface-level aesthetics, involving a complex, engineered process. His tool for dithering images optimizes them for blockchain storage, showcasing his innovative approach to digital art. This tool is not just for personal use; it’s available for other artists, promoting accessibility and creativity within the community.
Being blockchain native means understanding and utilizing the blockchain's constraints, such as gas costs, decentralization, and immutability. Diid’s work exemplifies this by waiting for optimal gas fees to upload images, ensuring cost-efficiency and long-term permanence. This approach is similar to traditional artists carefully selecting materials and techniques to best archive their work for the long-run.
Compressionism as an art form has roots in the necessity of early digital artists to compress their work for rendering. Diid’s practice revives and evolves this concept, making it relevant in the blockchain era. He acknowledges the pioneers of computer art and aims to continue their legacy through his work.
Diid’s commitment to fully on-chain art reflects his desire to create immutable, reproducible artworks. This approach mitigates the risks associated with off-chain dependencies and ensures the artworks’ longevity. His use of public domain and CC0 images pays homage to past artists, blending historical and contemporary art practices.
Diid has developed tools like the dithering tool and an extension for Manifold, making it easier for artists to create and publish on-chain art. This democratizes the process, allowing more artists to engage with blockchain technology without needing extensive technical knowledge.
In the blockchain art world, how an artwork is published is crucial. Diid’s methods ensure that his works meet high standards of provenance and technical integrity, appealing to a wide range of collectors. His emphasis on transparent credit and appropriation highlights the collaborative nature of art and the importance of recognizing influences and predecessors.
Diid’s work in "Machines in the Ghost" is a profound exploration of art, technology, and history. By blending traditional art forms with blockchain technology, he creates a unique and lasting impact. His innovative tools and commitment to fully on-chain art set a new standard for digital artists, making "Machines in the Ghost" a landmark project in the evolving landscape of cryptoart.
Hi, I’m diid, a multi-medium compressionist with a focus on using the inefficiencies of computers (and humans) to create thought-provoking art. I come from a decade-long engineering background with focuses all across technology. I’ve worked with supercomputers, microelectronics, signal processing, compliance, philanthropy, fintech, security, and just about anything in between. I use all of this deep in the weeds technical expertise to put my biggest insecurities and mistakes on full display for the world to see.