We Are The Vibists (Vibism)
BY: QuantumSpirit
Featured Artists:
Emaweird
illustrata
Superjimmer
Hanne Van Briel
Moba
ABCDJ
friskyfoxtrot
p0ng
Infinite Mantra
kapstone
BLAC
NuclearSamurai
Neal
KEZIAI
Weird_Momma
FARRAH
CURATORIAL STATEMENT
Artists unite through digital connections on social audio apps; the "Vibists" are drawn to themes exploring the essence of human existence, identity, and connection in their digital art. As these artists convene online, often in real-time from opposite sides of the world, the expansion of consciousness and the questioning of physical limitations become focal points of their artistic exploration. Utilizing blockchain technology to share their art, the so-called "1/1 artists" or Vibists embody forward-thinking individuals delving into timely and relevant themes. Artists now share ideas more freely than ever on social media apps and social audio spaces, forming connections with like-minded thinkers. The novelty of this connectivity can feel both intangible and surreal, resembling a playground of ideas. Within this new online realm, Vibists establish their own rules, stripping away the typical superficial baggage of the real world (IRL) and expressing themselves authentically to create identities that reflect their true essence. While the WAGMI culture has taken on a nostalgic tone, with the passing of the first financial boom, decentralization remains a driving narrative. The promise of equal opportunity for artists to be seen without gatekeepers, capturing the majority of their financial share for hard work, persists. In the recent past, Vibists have been crafting art in online communities without a guaranteed financial gain, emphasizing that the art itself is the primary focus. Many express that they stay "for the vibes." The Vibists seek connection, yearning to be seen for who they truly are, acknowledging that not all limitations are as they appear. In this evolving online landscape, vibists engage in conversations about information sharing, networking, and mutual learning as technology continues to evolve. Collaboration and group shows are commonplace, and without these connections, the vibist identity would cease to exist. The paradox lies in the Vibists' exploration of the unseen and the idea that there is more than meets the eye, translating these concepts into visual art. Largely influenced by the 1980s and 1990s, the Vibists are products of color television, video games, and the emergence of the first computers and cellphones. Viewing content on early technology screens was a constant theme during their formative years. Many openly identify with mental illnesses such as ADHD, viewing it as a benefit to their art. Additionally, they are frequently influenced by psychedelics and/or metaphysical ideas. As the ability to communicate has accelerated, the Vibists ponder the implications of this creative openness and accessibility through their art, attempting to answer the question of what it truly means. They strive for authenticity and meaningful connections. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the Vibists' activities, particularly in the art world, traditional institutions often repel the idea of the Vibist. The reasons behind this resistance remain uncertain—is it the newness of the movement, or does it challenge established norms? One thing is certain: the Vibists persist, continuing to create art with increasing autonomy and collaboration. The rest of the world simply needs to catch up.
Smiling Through The Ch...
“The inspiration behind this piece: Keeping a smile even when things get messy. Imagine being surrounded by a whirl of events, like sparks flying in all directions. In that mix, there's a smile that stays put. It's about not just getting by, but shining through tough times, because sometimes the chao...”
Flux 2
“A fleeting moment where form and chaos meld. A face emerges—half there, half melting into the unknown. It's a snapshot of change, the kind that comes from within and reshapes what we see in the mirror. Not quite here, not quite there, it's a secret passage between worlds, asking us to find the beaut...”
Absinthe Trail
“The mysticism of France via the river trails of Michigan USA. A friend asked me to explore film soup using absinthe and he is an avid cyclist. The French connection was reaching out to me; so I added cycling grease to my licorice scented green 73%-proof potion, honoring the false history of wormwood...”
Cloud Dance
“Artwork Harmony Code - HVB20510620232CD”
Where Is My Mind?
“Where Is My Mind? The idea for the piece was conceived while listening to The Pixies song Where Is My Mind. The piece depicts the subject in a state of substance induced introspection; journeying through the intricate landscapes of the subconscious and exploring the boundaries between reality and t...”
HERE & GONE
“BASKING IN EPHEMERA”
Brain Buster
“Curated for Vibism by QuantumSpirit, as part of Mint Gold Dust A/R experience in Miami, December 2023”
Quantum Head_Space
“I can still feel the heat from the glass that this piece originated from. I can remember making the glass and imagining the digital life of it. The soft pauses represent those moment of mental drift when living in between different mediums, different worlds”
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Celestial Rhythms
“Celestial Rhythms captures the essence of the dynamic dance of universal energies that flow through us. Each element in this composition mirrors the cosmic choreography, where the subtle interplay of energy unfolds like an intricate ballet. ”
The Replaceables
“November, 2023”
Deunite
“DEUNITE // We move from within From a point of one true knowing Time is just an illusion Our Enigmatic side is growing Separation is liberation Deunite to ignite A force of enlightenment Reckoning in sight To come on back around the cycle will continue The selfish one of self won Univ...”
Mirage
“a reflection on the delicate interplay between beauty and the grotesque that underpins the natural order. As a whole, the artwork stands as a metaphor for the mirage of perception, where what is seen is intertwined with the unseen, and reality is a tapestry woven from threads of stark contrasts. It ...”
Flower fever Dream
“Beneath the surface of things seen, there lie deeper truths concealed, veiled by the senses’ narrow sheen, yet real as rock. The unseen mystical woven strands are hidden in the wonderlands of the mind. We deftly leave the shackles of this place and soar on gossamer wings, encountering Beauty in real...”
Dissolution Disillusio...
“A surreal metaphor for personal and collective pain, a metaphysical reflection on the nature of existence, anguish and compassion. The figure's pastel blouse and dark skirt grounds her in normalcy, juxtaposed with a fiery glow of pain and dissolution: an everyday burden. Her closed eyes and downward...”
Family Ghosts ...
“Some might take this as a negative but I'm hoping a few people out there welcome their family ghosts. Lessons ... memories ... love.”
UNUM VIS
“UNUM VIS invites contemplation on the interconnected nature of our existence, where the lines between self and other blur into a harmonious unity. This is not merely a representation; it is a visual exploration of the profound interplay of identity and connection in the grand tapestry of human onen...”
