'The Value of What?', a Group Show at BSMNT, Leipzig

THE VALUE OF WHAT ? focuses on the notions of the economy of cultural and artistic events by exploring how these practices can create and shape their own concept of value. The traditional art markets and cultural spheres are put into perspective by the apparition of blockchain technologies. Many examples exist of how this technology can provide a more “artist-friendly” ecosystem, based on the fundamental promises that arise with the blockchain - decentralization, security and anonymity. Proof of authenticity, identity, ownership and fundamental rights can now be stored in this public ledger and serve as a counter-image against theft, fakery and copyright infringements, which are abundant in the art markets. The costs tend to be lower and smart contracts can provide a way to keep track of royalties and assure a certain economic structure that empowers the artists and their economic paradigms. But this attractiveness also brings its dark side - new undesirable factors and horrendous possibilities emerge: Ideas such as pre-determinism and behavioural engineering are in sight, creating apocalyptic visions about the relation between us, nature and technology. This validates the importance of a critical and playful attitude that artists can present by doing a very necessary testing on the range of the political, philosophical and technical consequences.

The evening at BSMNT takes the form of a happening and will focus on key elements of these topics while retaining room for improvisation. The boundaries between the artists and the viewers are deemed to be both formally and conceptually eliminated, opening a space for dialogue, understanding and the discussion of ideas about meanings and consequences of the blockchain in the art world - as well as conversations about the relevance of blockchain-based art collections.