NFT combines art and technology to protect cultural treasures.
CityX’s pop-up expo showcases the fusion of art and technology by digitizing traditional artworks into enhanced NFTs, ensuring the preservation of culture amid modern challenges.
In an era when cultural heritage faces threats from conflict, neglect and age, it is increasingly important to integrate technology into art conservation. Innovative activities that blend art and digital technology play a vital role in protecting and revitalizing these cultural assets.
These initiatives are vital to ensuring that our rich and diverse cultural heritage is preserved, explored and appreciated in contemporary society. By employing methods such as digitalization and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), such events can make it easier for global audiences to appreciate and participate in art, and protect artworks from physical damage and loss.
Explore the intersection of art and technology
CityX, which specializes in digital preservation of art, held the CityX pop-up expo at Lume Studios in New York City, USA, from April 5th to 6th. In its second phase of the ULIVE project, this event focused on demonstrating the unique integration of art and technology, and launched an innovative method of art preservation: digitizing physical artworks and enhancing them with other technical means to create a new type of NFT (non-financial financial technology).
Curated by Eugenia Brodsky, the ULIVE series launched by CityX in collaboration with Hyperlab includes 16 art works. Each work is transformed into an NFT (Network Image Transformation Tool) that goes beyond simple digital reproduction. CityX’s NFT blends sensory experience and visual aesthetics, aiming to create a more attractive and immersive way to appreciate art.
These NFTs are designed to act as portals, providing viewers with a brief yet rich experience. Each NFT is 8-10 seconds long and contains a unique narration and soundtrack clips by composer Dmytro Aksentiev (DJ Koloah), designed to guide viewers into a deeper appreciation of the artwork. The exquisite visuals encourage viewers to repeatedly explore each piece to fully appreciate its hidden details.
In addition to the exciting digital art exhibition, the CityX event also presented a vibrant music and dance feast. The musical lineup, led by Ukrainian DJ Koloah and featuring Erica Mancini of Gogol Bordello, creates a dynamic atmosphere that perfectly blends cultural expression with the digital art on display. The excitement continued on day two with performances by DJ Lago, DJ St.Art and DJ Vikudza.
Despite the unexpected challenges posed by the April 5 U.S. earthquake, the event demonstrated resilience, highlighting themes of perseverance through art and technology.
NFT and interactive technology
During the CityX pop-up exhibition, visitors experienced the ULIVE series of works in a variety of ways, including on-site viewing, digital maps, and interactive demonstrations through the WOWcube entertainment system. In order to highlight the event's commitment to creating an immersive art experience, one lucky visitor received a limited edition WOWcube, which was specially designed with the CityX app to further enhance the visitor's interactive experience with the artwork.
The collaboration between CityX and WOWcube aims to revolutionize the way people perceive and acquire art, making every work in the ULIVE series closer to the sensory experience of art lovers. Each NFT purchaser will receive a unique WOWcube, which acts like a digital portal connecting the entire series and demonstrating the fusion of traditional and digital art.
With only 16 NFTs available, CityX invites you to acquire this special utility designed to usher in a new era of technological innovation through interactive devices. In line with its important mission to “create galleries without walls,” CityX is expanding the reach of art, providing an experience that both showcases art and encourages active participation.
The future of art conservation
Day two of the CityX pop-up gathering featured panel discussions that delved into various topics related to art and technology. Speakers include CityX founder and film director Asia Nikolaeva, CityX chief curator Tatyana Tumasyan, guest curator (ULIVE drop) Eugenia Brodsky, and ARSNL Art CEO and founder and film director Katarina Feder.
The discussion explored the conservation of fragile artworks and the potential of NFTs as a medium to preserve artistic expression. Fuelarts founder, film director and CEO Denis Belkevich also gave a speech on the Art and Technology NFT Startup Company Report, focusing on emerging trends and innovations at the intersection of art and technology.
The "Synergy of Art" panel, created by Antenna Gallery and moderated by Arthemort, brought together a variety of perspectives from the art and tech worlds, including insights from filmmaker and cryptopunk Sherone Rabinovitz and BitBasel co-founder/film director and CEO Scott Spiegel.
Additionally, Ulive second release artist Oles Derega and LiveArt head of business development Luisa Leon also joined the discussion with their expertise. These conversations provided the academic underpinning for this event, highlighting the role of NFTs in contemporary cultural preservation.
CityX pop-up art exhibitions showcase the evolving relationship between traditional art forms and modern technology. By transforming physical artworks into digital formats that preserve and enhance their essence, the event charts a promising path for the future of art conservation, ensuring the long-lasting preservation of artistic heritage in conflict zones and redefining the accessibility and appreciation of art in the digital age.