In Search of Otherland

We are at the crossroads of a new digital revolution. An exciting time, where AI technology is becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, and entirely new, experiential digital ‘metaverses’ are enabling new ways of ‘being.’ Web3 has gone beyond idealism, and its principles of decentralization are acted upon in discord communities and DAOs. If it is done well, this technological advancement can have a positive impact on the evolution of humankind. The artists in this exhibition are visionaries that build worlds and inspire us to dream of that better future by creating alternative realities, conceptualizing ideal states, sharing the idea of what utopia can be for each. Farnaz and Lemony, both from Iran, and BKVoxel, based in Canada, are masters of voxel art, creating mini-worlds that take their inspiration from myth. Kefan, Rui Huang (both in China) and Johana Kroft, based in New York City, build otherworldly landscapes that are informed by their experiences within the Web3 space, and inspired by their boundless imagination. All of the artists have generously pledged to direct proceeds from the sales of their work to benefit Iranian women, either by collecting Iranian women artists’ work, or by donating to United For Iran, a non-profit organization working to empower the voices of women and girls in Iran through mobilization, technology, and education.