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

Core Elements

1. On-Chain Storage:

   • The project utilizes true-to-source compressed images stored fully on-chain, reflecting the patience required to navigate high gas fees and the precision needed in compression techniques
   • The metadata that is immutable within the smart contract can be fetched to generate the piece on-demand. The benefits of having no external dependencies allow for true permanence and preservation as long as the network is running, which conceptually should long outlive us.

2. Pixel Manipulation:

   • Each piece is a testament to the artist's skill in pixel-by-pixel image manipulation fully on-chain, demonstrating the delicate balance between compression and artistry.
   • How we understand a single pixel is a microscopic idea that the mind doesn't fully understand and subconsciously interprets. By manipulating pixels, it gives us a sense of depth and perception that makes us ponder and look a bit closer.

3. Color Theory:

   • The project draws heavily on perceptual color theory, using numerical value-based color swaps and other techniques to create visually striking and emotionally resonant pieces.

4. Historical References:

   • The use of others' artwork is common, and in the spirit of blockchains' "violently inclusive" cypherpunk spirit is often encouraged
   • By using and crediting old masters in this work, Diid is tipping his hat both to that culture and the history of art itself

5. Mathematics and Dithering

   • The project employs mathematical dithering and color reduction techniques to ensure compatibility and aesthetic integrity of the compressed images
   • These processes breathe new life into the work by reinterpreting it through an algorithmic lens. By adopting a quantitative approach, Diid introduces a fresh and original perspective to the art of painting

Implementation:

1. Base Images:

   • 64 bitmaps compressed using a non-checksummed DEFLATE mechanism, stored via SSTORE2 adapter, and decompressed on-chain. The images are stored in a 4-bit indexed color and reduced resolution, but have had their character maintained through a preservation of the aspect ratio and a consistent compression process.

2. Color Swapping:

   • Brightness-based perceptual color swaps create variety and visual interest, ranging from heavy glitches to subtle arrays of colors.

3. Smart Contract:

   • The contract holds minimal data, including color palettes and image locations. The images are compressed and stored across the blockchain as their own contracts, with the contract serving as a treasure map to locate and reconstruct the artworks.

Perceptual Goals:

• Evoking the emotional impact similar to Albers' "Study of the Square," the initial catch is color-based and emotive
• Leveraging the brain's ability to blend and normalize images, the pieces transition from initial "weirdness" to recognizable landscapes.
• Encouraging deep appreciation for the process, the project aims to reveal the layers of meaning and technical intricacies behind each piece. Diid hopes this brings appreciation to the original artworks as well as the compressionist processes used.

Artistic Philosophy:

• "Machines in the Ghost" is a reflection on the intersection of art, technology, and history.
• The project questions how impressionists might approach glitch art, emphasizing the continuity of artistic exploration despite changing mediums and techniques.
• It celebrates the human desire to make an impression and the enduring nature of creativity.

Influences:

• The artist draws inspiration from Dan Hays' compressed image recreations and the minimalist yet profound works of Josef Albers.
• The project also pays tribute to blockchain-native artists and projects that have redefined the possibilities of digital art.

Curatorial Notes

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.

About Diid

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.