Christie’s to Auction First-Ever Bitcoin Ordinal Artwork
On October 10, Christie’s London will host an auction featuring “Ascend,” a unique dynamic digital artwork created using Bitcoin's Ordinals protocol.
This piece will be the sole digital entry in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale.
This event is significant as it represents the inaugural live auction of a Bitcoin Ordinal at Christie’s, creating a bridge between the realms of traditional and digital art.
I am very excited to announce that ‘Ascend’, our 1 of 1 dynamic inscription, is in the Post-War & Contemporary Art Day Sale at Christie’s in London.
When: Open for bidding now, Live Sale on October 10, 2024 at 10:00am EST / 3:00pm BST
Where: Christie’s London, 8 King Street… https://t.co/R8FLvDEl3M pic.twitter.com/bL0Dsf3XO7
— Ryan Koopmans (@ryankoopmans) September 26, 2024
“Ascend” is part of “The Wild Within” project by artists Ryan Koopmans and Alice Wexell, which revitalizes architectural ruins through digital artistry. By merging photography with advanced 3D techniques, they breathe new life into forgotten spaces.
The artwork focuses on the Iveria Sanatorium in Tskaltubo, Georgia, a once-popular health resort during the Soviet era, which has since succumbed to decay. Built between 1952 and 1962, this crumbling structure offers a poignant backdrop for their artistic narrative.
The lobby of the sanatorium, now in ruins and reclaimed by nature, serves as the centerpiece of “Ascend.” Koopmans and Wexell create a surreal fusion of the past and the future, blending elements of nature and architecture in their work.
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What makes “Ascend” particularly distinctive is its dynamic aspect. Inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain through the NFT-like Ordinals protocol, the artwork transitions between day and night modes, mirroring the actual time at the site in Georgia with a 30-minute transition.
This real-time shift is made possible by innovative recursion coding from the team at Inscribing Atlantis, which ties the artwork to the Bitcoin clock, reflecting the passage of time in its physical location.
The upcoming auction at Christie’s represents not only a milestone for Koopmans and Wexell but also a significant step forward for the recognition of Ordinals as a new medium for digital art, particularly within the fine art community.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over five years of experience covering the industry, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics - stay ahead of the curve with CoinsPress.
