““HUMAN ONE” is the first dynamically changing hybrid digital/physical artwork. The artwork is an ongoing journey that will continue to evolve over the course of the artist’s life.” Beeple
"HUMAN ONE," a groundbreaking artwork by digital artist Mike Winkelmann, has captivated audiences across the globe on its world tour. Beginning its journey at the Castello di Rivoli in Italy, followed by an enchanting display at M+ in Hong Kong, and currently gracing the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, "HUMAN ONE" challenges the boundaries of contemporary art. In his own words, Winkelmann describes it as "the story of the first human born in the Metaverse," an ever-evolving, dynamically changing hybrid digital and physical masterpiece. This curatorial text seeks to explore the profound impact of "Human One" and the artistic journey it represents.
“HUMAN ONE" serves as a testament to the ever-expanding possibilities of art in the digital age. At its core, this artwork encapsulates the story of the first individual to come into existence within the Metaverse. The Metaverse, a virtual realm that encompasses the entirety of human experience, has intrigued artists for years, and Winkelmann's work redefines what it means to exist in this ethereal space.
The artwork is not a static piece; it is a dynamically changing hybrid artwork, oscillating between the digital and physical realms. In a unique fusion, Winkelmann skillfully blends digital and physical elements to create an evolving masterpiece. The artist pushes the boundaries of traditional art, challenging preconceived notions of permanence and immutability.
The Metaverse is a stage upon which "HUMAN ONE" unfolds. As technology advances and our relationship with the virtual world deepens, the boundaries between reality and the digital become increasingly blurred. Winkelmann's artwork mirrors this ongoing transformation, reminding us that the Metaverse is no longer the stuff of science fiction; it is an evolving dimension where art can thrive.
"HUMAN ONE" is not merely a finished work of art; it is an ongoing journey. Winkelmann's vision for this piece is to evolve continuously over the course of his life, mirroring the artist's own growth and adaptation in the ever-changing landscape of the Metaverse. This long-term commitment to the artwork reflects the notion that art, like humanity, is never truly static.
Collection: 1of1 led by Ryan Zurrer and RFC Art Collection led by Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile and Desiree Casoni
HUMAN ONE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, USA
Currently on View
Currently residing at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, "HUMAN ONE" offers a unique and profound experience to viewers in the United States for the very first time. This historic presentation not only highlights the global significance of digital art but also underscores the emerging influence of the Metaverse in American art culture.
In this context, "HUMAN ONE" reveals a significant transformation. The artwork's backdrop has been updated to portray an apocalyptic theme, a reflection of the artist's deep concern for the challenging times humanity is currently navigating, both politically and culturally, as well as environmentally.
This thematic shift invites viewers to consider the profound and tumultuous experiences of our time, where political and cultural shifts have generated a sense of upheaval, and environmental concerns weigh heavily on our collective consciousness. Mike Winkelmann's choice to immerse "HUMAN ONE" in this apocalyptic landscape serves as a mirror to our current global predicament and urges contemplation about the human experience amid these trying circumstances.
As "HUMAN ONE" navigates this apocalyptic setting, it compels viewers to reflect upon their own roles and responsibilities in shaping the world around them. The artwork becomes a compelling platform for conversations about the complex and interconnected issues of our era.
The exhibition at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is not only a testament to the ever-evolving nature of digital art but also a poignant reflection of the profound societal changes unfolding today. It serves as a visual reminder that art is a dynamic force, constantly adapting to, commenting on, and resonating with the challenges of the contemporary world. Visitors are invited to explore this captivating metamorphosis, connecting art to the pressing issues of our times, and to witness how artists like Winkelmann are using their work to engage with the intricate tapestry of our global narrative.
Curator:
Xuxa Rodriguez
Dates:
July 28, 2023 – January 22, 2024
"Showcasing self-taught and digital artists and time-based media is a complete alignment with our mission to expand definitions of and access to American art for all.”
Xuxa Rodriguez
M+, Hong Kong
From the historic halls of Castello di Rivoli, "HUMAN ONE" embarked on a journey across the globe, making a significant stopover at M+ in Hong Kong. This destination, a prominent hub for contemporary art in Asia, added a unique layer of meaning to Winkelmann's work. What set this exhibition apart was not only the global significance of digital art but also the dynamic interplay between traditional and contemporary art.
At M+, "HUMAN ONE" took on a new dimension as Mike Winkelmann updated the work, enriching its narrative and visual experience. This transformation signaled the ever-evolving nature of the Metaverse, a space where art can continually grow and adapt.
In a fascinating synergy, one of the visuals within "HUMAN ONE" was inspired by the iconic work of Yayoi Kusama, an artist who was also being exhibited at the same time at M+. This unexpected and inspiring connection allowed visitors to engage with the dialogue between two distinct artists and their divergent yet harmonious approaches to art. While Kusama's work was characterized by her signature polka dots and infinite mirrors, "HUMAN ONE" brought forth a digital astronaut navigating the Metaverse.
The juxtaposition of these two art forms encouraged a profound exploration of the boundaries of human expression, reminding viewers that art is an ever-evolving conversation, transcending time and medium. This juxtaposition illustrated how the digital realm is becoming an integral part of the art landscape, as digital art like "HUMAN ONE" engages in a dialogue with established artistic traditions.
In this dynamic context, "HUMAN ONE" at M+ demonstrated the potential for digital art to coexist with and complement traditional art, further underscoring the global significance and recognition of the Metaverse as a rich canvas for artistic exploration. Visitors were invited to contemplate the enduring interplay between physical and digital identities and to witness how artists like Winkelmann are rewriting the rules of art creation.
Curator:
Sunny Cheung
Dates:
December 2022–11 June 2023
“Sunny Cheung points to RMB City (2009) by Cao Fei, a virtual work that “depicts a land within Second Life, which is for all intents and purposes, an early vision for the metaverse,” he told Artnet News. “Of course, Human One, as an iconic piece of our times, takes on [that] mantle.””
Castello Di Rivoli, Italy
At the commencement of its global journey, "HUMAN ONE" was unveiled in a visually striking dialogue with one of Francis Bacon's most pivotal paintings, "Study for Portrait IX, 1956-1957," housed in the esteemed Cerruti Collection at the Castello di Rivoli. This unique juxtaposition took place within the grandiose confines of the Long Wing, measuring an impressive 147 meters in length and six meters in width, creating a captivating interplay between the past and the future, the stillness and the dynamism.
The dialogue between "HUMAN ONE" and Bacon's "Study for Portrait IX" transcends the boundaries of time, weaving together the existential anxieties of two distinct eras. Bacon's masterpiece, a poignant reflection of the post-war modern era, portrays a man rendered powerless, lacking hands and the ability to act, a haunting figure seated upon a chair. The emerald green backdrop and the linear white geometric structure, recurrent features in Bacon's work, frame his subject, emphasizing the sense of entrapment and isolation.
In stark contrast, "HUMAN ONE" introduces the viewer to an astronaut who inhabits an evolving, digital landscape, in constant motion while the audience remains still. Mike Winkelmann's "astronaut" embodies the embodiment of change and limitless potential, symbolizing a new epoch in the realm of digital art. The symbiotic relationship between the astronaut's movement and the stillness of the observer encourages contemplation about the connection between digital and physical identity.
Within the Long Wing of the Castello di Rivoli, this juxtaposition between Bacon's static, post-war despair and the ever-evolving, dynamic nature of "HUMAN ONE" creates a thought-provoking experience. It encourages visitors to explore the transformation of art in the digital age, inviting them to confront the profound and shifting landscape of the Metaverse and its impact on human identity.
Curator:
Carolyn Christo-Bakargiev
Dates:
24 April – 17 July 2022
““HUMAN ONE” portrays a genderless character of the future, endlessly moving in a dystopian landscape wearing a helmet and a silver suit. Highly crafted, this faceless and solitary moving being both celebrates and critiques our technological world of dynamic networked avatars.”
Carolyn Christo-Bakargiev
