Distance

In "Distance" digital artist William Mapan embarks on an ambitious artistic journey, inspired by Paul Klee's masterpiece, "In the Kairouan Style, Transposed in a Moderate Way" (1914). Drawing from this iconic work housed in the esteemed LACMA collection, Mapan engages in a profound exploration of color, code, and connectivity—forging an artistic dialogue that transcends boundaries and eras.

"Distance" pays homage to Paul Klee's enduring artistic legacy while continuing a computational dialogue initiated by pioneering digital artists Vera Molnar and Frieder Nake. While Molnar and Nake explored Klee's work through form and structure in the 1960s and 70s, Mapan's exploration extends beyond, immersing itself in the rich tapestry of Klee's color theory. The exhibition serves as a dynamic bridge connecting the analog past with the digital present—an artistic narrative that resonates across generations and mediums.

“I’m interested in Klee’s research into color and his work at the Bauhaus. Color is the main component that I think about as an artist. How you use saturation, the value of the color, how you mix it. I always try to make the colors I use.”

Within the digital realm of "Distance," color emerges as a central protagonist, echoing Klee's fascination with color theory's expressive potential. Mapan's artistic journey involves translating algorithmic creations into tactile forms like gouache and oil on paper, only to subsequently revert them back into code. This synthesis of analog textures and digital precision creates a captivating interplay—an artistic pathos that finds its roots in the organic and thrives in the digital sphere, contributing to a distinctive narrative within the generative art movement.

"Distance" is not merely an exhibition; it's an interactive exploration of art in the digital age. Each of the 250 artworks in this series is born on-chain, with its evolution shaped by serendipitous interactions with Mapan's code. This dynamic interplay mirrors the ever-shifting nature of human connection and the profound influence of technology, offering fresh perspectives on the possibilities within generative art.

Mapan emerges as a visionary artist who shapes the generative art movement within "Distance." His seamless fusion of analog and digital, past and present, challenges traditional artistic conventions. Through this exhibition, Mapan invites viewers to explore the intersection of art, technology, and human interaction. Even in an era characterized by digitality and physical distance, "Distance" underscores the enduring power of art as a catalyst for understanding the world.

Visitors are invited to embark on this extraordinary artistic journey—a dialogue where echoes of Paul Klee's genius intertwine with the innovative artistry of Mapan. "Distance" invites exploration into the ever-evolving landscape of art, code, and human connection, offering a glimpse into the vibrant spectrum of possibilities that lie ahead.