William Mapan explains generative art using chalk and dice

Generative artist William Mapan’s latest collection, ‘Distance’, sold out within 24 hours, despite launching in the middle of a very weak NFT market.

From his early generative series ‘Dragons’ on the Tezos blockchain to the highly sought-after ‘Anticyclone ArtBlocks collection that currently commands a 5 ETH floor, Mapan has a unique way of capturing the hearts and minds of collectors.

But many people in the audience still don’t understand what generative art is. Mapan has a unique way of explaining the often misunderstood genre by reducing it to a piece of paper, a piece of chalk and a die.

It can be really hard to explain, but usually the way I explain it is putting away the code, putting away the blockchain, putting everything away. Just take a piece of paper, a piece of chalk and a die. Imagine drawing two by two boxes on that paper, for a total of four boxes. You then roll the dice if the roll is a three or lower, you draw a square; if the die shows four or more, draw a circle in one of the spaces.

You’ve just created an algorithm; you just created a set of rules and introduced some randomness into them. That’s basically what generative art is: you build a set of rules, an algorithm, and then introduce randomness. Then you try to control that part of the room.

Strands of Loneliness #010 by William Mapan (OpenSea)

With the two by two grid the parameter space is very limited, but once you expand to different parameters you can get many different outputs. Imagine a 10 by 10 box and imagine that you have multiple shapes, such as a circle, triangle, square, star or whatever. You just write down your rules and just follow them, and that’s it.

Fine line technique

Mapan’s work straddles the line between appearing physically or digitally created, a technique that other artists such as Tyler Hobbs and Emily Xiu have a reputation for.

I like to activate senses, feelings and memories. I hope that when you see my work it arouses curiosity. You might think that in one way my art reminds you of something, but in another way you think that there are so many shapes that it is impossible that someone made it by hand, says Mapan.

I hope it connects with people’s memories, especially like the last series I released last week, ‘Distance’. I want people to see themselves traveling, and they remember, Oh, I was on this plane when I saw this kind of landscape down there. I like to arouse emotions and curiosity.

Distance #22 by William Mapan (OpenSea)

Based in France, Mapan credits Matt Deslauriers, the artist behind Meridians and Subscapes, as his introduction to art on the blockchain. Mapan’s first NFT was minted on March 4, 2021 on Tezos, where he posted much of his early digital work before launching Anticyclone via ArtBlocks on Ethereum on April 23, 2022.

Matt helped me navigate early on. He kindly explained it all to me, and over time it started to make sense. I started in the Tezos ecosystem, which had a very community arts-driven atmosphere, says Mapan.

It intrigued me that you could put an algorithm on the blockchain, and when people minted it, they bought an iteration that activated your algorithm on demand. It was a new way to think about your work. In short, the collector is a trigger point.

Notable sales

“Anticyclone #470” by William Mapan sold for 182 ETH ($229,856). (Open sea)

“Anticyclone #743” by William Mapan sold for 37 ETH ($50,430). (Open sea)

“Strands of Solitude #253” by William Mapan sold for 16 ETH ($26,321). (Open sea)

Quick questions and answers

Are there any emerging artists you think people should pay attention to?

Anna Lucia:I absolutely love her work. She is very talented and I can’t wait to see her progress. You have to see her.

What are the influences on your art career so far?

Abstract expressionism movement and people pushing boundaries in contemporary art.

Who is a notable collector of yours that makes you smile knowing he or she owns one of your pieces?

AC the collector He is one of the most fascinating. He comes to exhibitions and talks to me. He always tries to contact me and understand the practice behind the work. AC is definitely a great collector.

What’s your favorite NFT in your wallet that isn’t your own?

“’Horizon(te)s #5” a collaboration by Iskra Velitchkova and Zach Lieberman.

I don’t know why I love this, but I just do. It’s perfect because I love Iskra’s work and I love Zach’s work. It’s the perfect combination. I love the light and the abstract shapes, it’s just amazing work.

Who do you listen to when you make art?

Kendrick Lamar and Sofiane Pamart. I really like classical music, especially when I try to be in the flow. If I have to crush things, it’s hip-hop.

Artists are seen in a different light. They must appear before the public. They must be vulnerable and sensible, but still you must lower your shield. I find that very inspiring.

I try to be more like that. To let my emotions run wild. I actually used to shut them down because I wasn’t making art full time. Now that art is my job, I want to discover more how I can express myself. Performers are very inspiring in that respect.

“Untitled” by William Mapan (objkt.com)

What’s hot in the NFT art markets

Mapan’s aforementioned ‘Distance’, a collaboration with Cactoid Labs and LACMA, sold its 250-piece collection at a coin price of 2 ETH each. The collection has generated nearly 185 ETH in secondary sales volume since its release on September 13.

Below are some of the other most recent digital art sales.

Ringers #343 by Dmitri Cherniak sold for 39.99 ETH ($65,395). (Open sea)

Matt Kane’s Door VII sold for 22.5 ETH ($36,787). (Open sea)

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Chromie Squiggle #1606 from Snowfro sold for 20 ETH ($32,877). (Open sea)

Cool Cats went to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Nothing says mainstream more than the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and Cool Cats will be the first NFT collection to be featured.

During its 97th annual edition, the parade hosted a contest featuring numerous NFT collections, including SupDucks, Boss Beauties and VeeFriends. Cool Cats ultimately won, meaning a huge Blue Cat balloon will grace the Manhattan sky on November 23.

Cool Cats’ lead artist and founder, Clon, couldn’t be more excited about his beloved project.

This is a big moment for me as an artist and as the founder of Cool Cats. Personally, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been an important event in my family and holds many memories. Being able to showcase my artwork alongside some of the most recognizable characters in the world is a dream come true, says Clon.

Nouns DAO fork is rounded

After a bumpy ride in recent weeks, the Nouns DAO fork has ended with 472 Nouns NFT holders out of a total of 844 opting for the fork approved in Proposition 356.

The noun holders who opted for the fork will have the opportunity to get approximately 35 ETH back, while noun holders who voted against Proposition 356 will continue as the DAO was originally structured, with 1 noun per day will be auctioned, the proceeds of which will go. to finance the treasury of nouns.

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