In a remarkable mix of vintage digital art and contemporary technology, the ‘Pixel Pioneer’ collection features five different works of art by renowned street artist Keith Haring. Created in 1987, these pieces were not created with Haring’s typical brush or chalk, but were instead rendered digitally using an Amiga computer.
Discovery and conservation:
The digital art world of the late 1980s remains a fascinating but obscure chapter in art history. Haring’s creations from this period were long forgotten until they were rediscovered by the New York Public Library in the 2010s. Recognizing the historical significance of these works, a painstaking process of restoration and digital preservation was undertaken. This endeavor ensured that the vibrant pixels and dynamic designs of Haring’s digital artwork were preserved in their original glory.
Archiving on the chain:
In collaboration with NFT Culture Labs, both the modernized performances and the original source works were fully archived on the Ethereum blockchain. The NFT contract, metadata, and artwork were each assigned their respective Ethereum address, allowing for full transparency and traceability of each piece.
Auction and Global View:
The revived digital masterpieces found a new home in the modern era, with the auction managed by the esteemed auction house Christie’s. The pieces not only had a digital presence, but also graced the physical spaces of Christie’s galleries around the world, allowing art lovers worldwide to witness the blend of Haring’s iconic style with digital media.
In terms of financial success, the project generated gross proceeds of approximately $1.5 million, underscoring the significant value and appreciation of Haring’s work in the digital art space.
“Pixel Pioneer” is a testament to Keith Haring’s innovative spirit and vision and proves that true artistry can transcend media and eras. The collaboration between the discovery team, NFT Culture Labs and auction house Christie’s has ensured that these unique pieces of digital art history are not only preserved for future generations, but also celebrated in the modern NFT landscape.