7 Questions for Artist Skygolpe on Weaving Technologies From NFTs to A.I. Into His Provocative Practice
Skygolpe, a leading figure in the digital art world, is making waves with his boundary-pushing projects and unique creative vision. His series “Paint on Pixel,” which debuted at Christie’s New York in 2021, has garnered significant attention and has been an unwavering source of inspiration. Skygolpe’s ability to seamlessly merge elements from both the physical and digital genres of art has made him a standout artist in the NFT space.
In a recent interview, Skygolpe discussed his background and what drew him towards digital art. While he never attended an art academy, philosophy has always fascinated him, and his early works were characterized as conceptual street art. Collaborating with talented individuals in London’s street art scene further shaped him as an artist.
The artist’s interest in digital art was sparked by the emergence of NFTs, particularly the Ethereum blockchain and platforms like SuperRare. He saw digital art as a reflection of our society’s current state, where concepts like digital identity are gaining prominence.
Skygolpe’s practice has recently evolved from the digital NFT space towards traditional physical art modes. However, he believes this shift is not a divergence but an evolutionary trajectory aligned with the core principles of his artistic endeavor. The “Paint on Pixel” series represents a calculated interface between the digital and tangible worlds, with the artist employing physical processes to create textures and components of his NFT art pieces.
The debut of the “Paint on Pixel” collection at Christie’s New York in 2021 and its subsequent iteration during Art Basel last year hold great personal significance for Skygolpe. These works fuse the digital and physical dimensions, challenging and reshaping the viewer’s perception. Notably, Skygolpe’s achievement in establishing the importance of an NFT certificate for a physical work of art at Christie’s marks a milestone in his career.
Looking ahead, Skygolpe intends to continue developing the “Paint on Pixel” series and curate exhibitions for international exposure. His goal is to deepen the intellectual and cultural dialogue surrounding the intersection of the digital and physical art worlds.
The artist’s recent exhibition at Nighttimestory titled “PCS: Post Concrete Era” explores the surface and aesthetics of technology. It delves into sculpture and the readymade, extending Skygolpe’s fascination with human identity into the realm of technological interaction. The exhibition blurs the conventional lines between the virtual and tangible, questioning the omnipresence of digitality in our lives.
At Fondazione Manzoni, Skygolpe’s exhibition delved into the possibilities of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in his work. A.I. allows him to create forms that don’t exist in reality but are conceivable through computational processes. By blending A.I. with unconventional materials like discarded plastics, Skygolpe aims to challenge perceptions and provoke questions.
When asked about the role of art in society, Skygolpe emphasized its significance as a form of social and cultural dialogue. In today’s rapidly evolving world, art can make us pause, think, and question our certainties.
Currently, Skygolpe is exploring the act of painting and establishing a tactile relationship with the art form. He is also preparing for the next installment of the “Paint on Pixel” series, which will be showcased at the Foundry Gallery in Dubai. This collection aims to bridge the gap between digital art origins and the traditional components of painting.
Skygolpe’s work continues to push the boundaries of art and offers a unique perspective on the intersection of the digital and physical art worlds. His ability to navigate both realms with ease and create thought-provoking pieces sets him apart as an artist to watch.
