Metaverse – a collective virtual space

Registration
 

From the very beginning of the Internet, utopian visions have been associated with it, promising greater access and democracy for all. The current hype around blockchain technologies, crypto-currencies and NFTs is fueling the notion of an expanded Internet in which 3D worlds, games, off- and online formats and platforms merge into a single metaverse.

These developments have been described as the fourth industrial revolution of decentralized, super-automation and hyper-connectivity. Already, games like Fortnite are played by over 350 million people daily. Visionaries see a convergence of today’s networks into a digital space where everything is one. This new metaverse promises the emergence of new economies and currencies, new communities, and cultural formats. During the pandemic, online exhibition formats became popular again and we could experience a revival of Net.Art. NFTs as a new sales format is currently breaking all records and showcases the importance of the blockchain as a key digital technology. The panel explores these new virtual spaces and platforms, the possibilities offered by the blockchain for cooperation and collaboration and questions what possibilities and challenges this opens up for artists.
 
Introduction of the Topic and Participations 
Sabine Himmelsbach | Director, HEK (House of Electronic Arts)
DooEun Choi | Curator in art and technology
 
Discussion 
Auriea Harvey | Digital Sculptor, Auriea Harvey Studio
Loopntale | Artist
Anika Meier | Curator
Ruini Shi | Artist
 
Moderator           Michael Connor | Artistic Director of Rhizome