What do you think is the value of digital art today?

Enrique Salmoiraghi I think the market for digital art is growing in a multidimensional way. Although the digital image can be copied and distributed on social networks, screening quality is not usually the best. People who are really into digital art are always looking for the hi-res copies either for commercial or exhibition purposes.

Life is becoming more and more digital. Screens are part of our everyday life: smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, among other devices, is from where people consume news, entertainment, and art. Companies and organizations are also using digital media as the main interface to communicate with their audience. I think nowadays, people are more aware of the complex process in the digital artistic production. Since “fine” contemporary art is becoming more and more expensive, now is the time for digital artists to sell copies of their works or licenses for its use.

Anna Devís Benet Digital art is little by little making its own room in the contemporary art world. It is a new way of expression that evolves with the new technologies and due to that reason, it still has a lot to say. People are used to traditional art, where the process involves paint, brushes or material, and not everybody understands the value of digital art. An artist that changes its tools, remains an artist, and so does its pieces. And for that reason, in my humble opinion, the value of digital art, as other art in general, is the appreciation by collectors and society in general.

Edgar Invoker I think that the digital art nowadays is as valuable as the traditional art and the digital technology in general. Digital technology is a new mediator, the art uses it and becomes digital at the same time being successful in its core tasks.

Marpi The concept of value in art has been discussed throughout its whole history, spanning from worthless to priceless, depending of course on who you want to listen to. I’m obviously biased, but looking at the past, it’s the art that created all those things we value and derive from now. Maybe, hopefully, in a way, we’re all part of creating them today.

How can blockchain help the current situation in the art market?

Enrique Salmoiraghi Blockchain offers a new financial system for the different actors in the art world who want to interact with the global market in a more independent way. A platform where they could deal without intermediaries. The digital scene has no geographical frontiers and this technology could be a perfect match.

Anna Devís Benet I think that blockchain is about to revolute the situation of art known until now. It can solve many problems surrounding art markets and can help to give more information to the customers and guarantee them a successful purchase. Well, I guess it is just a matter of time!

Edgar Invoker Blockchain can protect authors’ copyright. The deals would become transparent and reduce to the pair author — buyer. In blockchain network, a digital piece of art can finally be fully protected. In general, it will make the art market more dynamic in bringing together the authors and art lovers from all over the world.

Marpi What has been always a challenge with digital art is the translation of the core value of its uniqueness, rarity, value onto binary platforms. There haven’t been that many good attempts at that, and existing systems (DRM) are, well, let’s say, just not good for anyone.

For what reasons did you join ICONIC as a curator?

Enrique Salmoiraghi I joined ICONIC Biennale because this is an opportunity for artists to show their work and also to sell it. I also like the idea of the contest where the artist could be recognized with awards. I know many artists working on a wide range of fields and issues related to digital art. When I learned that ICONIC was proposing a special topic for this edition, I thought that was a great platform for many artists who were exploring in that conceptual/visual field.

Anna Devís Benet I discovered Iconic thanks to the organizer, and their enthusiasm while explaining me about the project made me wanna join the team. It is always interesting to discover what other artist fellows can create!

Edgar Invoker I, as an artist, have always been interested in new technologies and instruments empowering the art. The ICONIC contest is a part of “the new history of art” that we the modern artist participate in, and I prefer to participate actively.

Marpi I find it really interesting that in a lot of ways the artists have been leading the way in predicting the future, using new technologies, trying and breaking things, but through that discovering things eventually everyone will benefit from. This exhibition I think might be a step in the right direction.

How do you think ICONIC Digital Biennale and Art Market could help young digital artists?

Enrique Salmoiraghi I think ICONIC could be a link between digital artists and potential consumers. A bridge to connect Art & Market.

Anna Devís Benet ICONIC is a great opportunity for young artists to showcase its artworks. Being able to join the Biennale of Art is a challenging experience! So if anyone out there is wondering if submitting their work or not, do not hesitate! Customers at the market may be waiting for your piece!

Edgar Invoker A young artist usually has to face a wide range of tasks. One of them is to make a statement in the world which is already overcrowded. The other is to find the shortest way to the art lovers and buyers. ICONIC Digital Biennale and Art Market is a new and shorter path connecting the authors and art lovers. This new path also means creating new connections and possibilities.

Marpi I think, even in its simplest terms, it’s a great idea — upcoming artists need mostly two things — exposure and money. The good thing about the ICONIC, it offers them both, at the same time.

We have high hopes for the future of the digital art in cooperation with digital money and the blockchain technology. Our goal is to help build a self-sufficient community consisting of artists, curators, and art lovers, and we have already started to pursue this mission running ICONIC Digital Biennale. At the moment, we have finished accepting artists’ applications and the art world is waiting for the results those will be announced on February 7, 2018. ICONIC Art Market will launch later in February. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the updates.