Podpower Episode AtlasIn this captivating episode of The Journey Man, host Raoul Pal sits down with artist Coli to delve into the evolution of art, from traditional forms to the cutting-edge intersection of technology and creativity. Coli shares his unconventional journey, starting from childhood fascinations with stereoscopic images to becoming a pioneer in the blockchain art space. He recounts his early experiences tokenizing digital art, the challenges of finding an audience, and the serendipitous moments that shaped his unique artistic perspective.
The conversation highlights Coli's two major projects: "Tech Apocalypse," an interactive series that uses portraits of tech giants to spark educational dialogue about their influence, and "Filthy Fiat," a project born from a personal experience with moldy currency that critiques the impermanence of fiat money. Coli emphasizes the importance of interactivity in art, inspired by a desire to challenge the traditional "don't touch the art" mantra, and explains how technology, particularly blockchain, enables new forms of engagement and evolution for his work.
Pal and Coli also discuss the broader cultural shifts, noting how the digital art space has become a new frontier for progressive thought, much like music once was. Coli offers insights into his collecting philosophy, his intuitive approach to art-making, and the constant need for artists to evolve and take risks. The episode is a deep dive into the mind of an artist who is not just creating art, but actively shaping the future of how we interact with and understand it.
Coli's philosophy that art should be touched and physically engaged with, moving beyond passive observation. This is exemplified in his 'Tech Apocalypse' series where viewers can manipulate elements on a touchscreen.
Why careThis concept redefines the viewer's role, fostering a deeper, more personal connection and understanding of the artwork.
A recurring theme in Coli's life and work, starting from childhood View-Masters and antique stereoscopes, influencing his understanding of depth and immersive experiences.
Why careThis early fascination laid the groundwork for his exploration of 3D and interactive art forms, leading to his current innovations.
An art project born from Coli's personal experience with moldy, buried currency, exploring the impermanence and fragility of fiat money. The mold-damaged bills are certified and treated as unique artworks.
Why careIt serves as a powerful metaphor for the debasement of currency and prompts reflection on what truly holds value in an economic system.
A portrait series featuring tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, designed to be interactive and educational. Viewers can manipulate elements of the portraits, sparking conversations about the subjects' influence.
Why careThis series uses art to engage the public in critical discussions about technology's impact on society and the power wielded by its architects.
Coli views his art, particularly his portraits, as a 'scrapbook item' or a 'recorded storytelling' of what it means to be alive at a specific time, capturing cultural moments and figures.
Why careThis approach imbues art with historical and cultural significance, making it a living archive of contemporary society.
Coli emphasizes getting out of his own way in the creative process, allowing for serendipity and following intuitive signals, rather than adhering to a strict roadmap.
Why careThis highlights the organic, discovery-driven nature of artistic innovation, where unexpected events can lead to profound artistic breakthroughs.
"Don't touch the art. And it made this negative like spin in my head. It was like, why am I telling my kid not to experience something in the way that he wants to?"
"I always feel like for me art that I can connect to in in a in a way that's abstracted is like is like a fun way to create. So as I'm living this blockchain life, there's different people who kind of raise their hands."
"It's meant to be an educational um study, right? Where you see these faces of people and you can be like, 'Oh my god, is that Elon Musk?' Right? If if I have that conversation at a gallery, I've already won."
"Money is only valuable if someone's willing to accept it, right? If I if I took this moldy bill to In-N-Out Burger, they're not going to take that [__]."
"But the weird thing is is the very people you're commenting about in this shock, horror, delight are the exact same people who've allowed you to make art in this way."
"I've learned over the years that I have to listen and be attentive because if I'm not, I'm going to miss something that's being like set up, if that makes sense."