UNDRGRND DIGS 003
DECEMBER 13TH, 2021
5 Artists From the UNDRGRND Collection
UNDRGRND DIGS is a periodical feature showcasing artists that the UNDRGRND curators dig. We sift through the social media and NFT platforms to find the best artists waiting to be discovered. UNDRGRND believes in the artists we feature and we will purchase NFTs from each artist featured. Purchases will be airdropped to reward UNDRGRND community members.
Theirry Thillier’s use of analog material in a digital medium can be a way to preserve the past while enhancing through alterations. The majority of the work focuses on the female figure, with models posing powerfully and confidently. However, almost every model’s face is obscured through a tear or image replacing their eyes. Much of the work revolves around the idea of “Haecceity” which is “the irreducible determination of a thing that makes it this particular thing”. At what point do these images, stripped from their origin, stop being the original to become something new?
Glitch Salvador Dali, that’s Toxic Motel. Their work is self-described as “manifestations of a hysterical mind and traumatic events” that are “expressed into surreal creatures and ambiance with glitch touches”. If we take Toxic Motel at their word then these are perfect representations of disturbing ideas and memories. Waking nightmares that are unsettling and processing deep psychological traumas. Many who have survived trauma may identify with the work as a visual interpretation of the painful memories that reside inside, striking nerves the way an eerie sound tortures an eardrum. The work is hopefully healing in the creative process and in creating connections to others that feel that their pain is understood by others.
Cruel Coppinger is a talented glitch artist who will be recognized for it, someday, just not today. Any of his works (e.g. The End of Analogue TV, Freshen Up, Lake Evanesce) are great additions to any NFT collection. However, one work, in particular, stands out from the rest, Cloud Time. The above images are from just one NFT. They are each 1 of 24 images that rotate depending on the time and location of the viewer. This means that the 15 owners of Cloud Time, if spread across 15 times zones, could all be viewing a different image at the same moment. For years we have devalued the digital medium and taken for granted the effort and time put into creating work such as this. Previously, a work such as this would have been relegated to a desktop background on one’s computer. Now, Cloud Time becomes a symbol of the power NFTs have given to digital creators.
Finding the proper balance for any creative endeavor can be difficult. Too much or too little and the work becomes something else entirely. Restricting one’s focus can bring out an artist’s best work but then that restriction can hinder an artist from exploring new ideas. Carlos de Andrade uses similar objects, shapes and motion between all of his works. Where he begins to expand and explore is the primary set of colors he uses in each series. By switching the color palette Carlos’s work changes the mood from calming to eerie despite using similar subject matter. Carlos strikes a balance of parameters to allow exploration and narrow focus to coexist.
COMMUNITY DIGS: John Talley
UNDRGRND community members nominate their favorite undiscovered artists to be featured in weekly DIGS. UNDRGRND empowers its community to dig for bold, innovative, under valued NFT artists.
John Talley created a seemingly simple yet very deep world with his Talecard series. They are exactly what the name says: Tales on Cards. He defines himself as a writer and storyteller first, painting came after. From an exposition where Jean-Michel Basquiat, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinici have a conversation to a mashup featuring classic TV characters, Talley's work is full of surprise. Viewers can find new details every time they look at them. The art style is easily recognizable and the possibilities for more Talecard are endless. - Galaraga
