Immerse yourself in a world where digital art meets human experience, identity, and connection. “We Are The Vibists” is a piercing and heartfelt curation by Jen Panepinto, AKA QuantumSpirit, set to take center stage at Muscle Beach during this year’s Art Basel Miami from December 8-10. Brought to life by Illust, this innovative AR art walk seeks to provoke thought and spark conversations about our rapidly evolving cyber world.
Introducing the Vibists
The “Vibists” represent a modern movement of digital artists who push the boundaries of traditional art forms. They are not just creators; they are connectors, using digital media as a bridge to unite disparate ideas and people. According to the curator Jen Panepinto, she came up with this concept in one of those rare moments when she was in between projects and had time to reflect on the last year in web3. “I finally had a moment to sit back and look at the space as a whole, and look at kind of what makes us who we are, and what’s important to me is that I wanted to make sure that I re-introduced who we are as ‘1 of 1’ artists in web3.”
These artists, brought together by Jen’s vision, challenge the status quo and inspire audiences to view the world through a different lens. By exploring ideas that are inherently intangible, they help us to understand the in-betweenness of life in an increasingly digital world.
Featured Artists and Their Works
“We Are The Vibists” showcases a wide array of artists, each with a unique style and themes. These artists use digital media to explore the question of what it means to be human in a world where the lines between reality and online worlds continue to blur. Each piece of art will serve as a testament to the artists’ creativity and their ability to reflect the human experience in the digital age.
“When I think about the concept of being ‘in between,’ specifically in terms of the way this was curated, looking at more surreal and metaphysical things, vibey things, I really wanted to capture that transformative moment when you’re going through a change, and reality becomes surreal for a moment, you’re not quite one thing or another.”
–Illustrata
“In a weird way I think [my photographic process] is my way of tapping into alternate ways of thinking and being and turning over power to forces that are far more interesting than what I could have planned out by myself.”
–Jim Roll
“We’re able to break apart from ourselves. There is this sense of self beneath ourselves, and we are intertwined with it, we are united with it, and the only real way, in my opinion, to ignite a path of passion or realization or enlightenment is to kind of deunite from that self.”
–BLAC
“At first glance it’s just a messy collage, but I actually put a ton of time into it, and for me, it’s kind of the reality of all the ideas that are bouncing around in my brain constantly. I have a hard time sitting down and focusing on just one thing, and it’s like that psychedelic reset, the control-alt-delete, where I can look at all the files and try to make sense of them and pull the beauty out.”
–friskyfoxtrot
“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.”
–p0ng
“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 chaos is what gets us moving.”
–Emaweird
“In my work I’ve always been really fascinated with the universe…I always was really into space movies and what was out there, and I wanted to be moving through the cosmos.”
–Infinite Mantra
“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 oneness.”
–FARRAH CARBONELL
“I like things to have a handmade feel even if it is AI. I do enjoy film, shooting on film, and that sort of thing, and I like that kind of vintagey, nostalgic kind of feel you get with this sort of process, the one that I like to work with, and the whole thing about having your family connections and how that affects your whole life, your mental state, you know, in some ways. Yeah, it’s kinda about how your past can shape you, and how your connections, with family, with friends, with people that you vibe with on X, how all of that can affect your work and your life.”
–Weird Momma
“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 the fantastical realms of the mind.”
–Moba
“There’s always something bad happening and always something good happening, and it’s really about the way that we manage to exist within that illusion of happiness, that illusion of the moment we create.”
–Nuclear Samurai
“Your pain is also other people’s pain, and there is a collectiveness to sharing that, so I guess it’s sort of like the dissolution of illusion in terms of individuality, but also of whether you’re fine or not…there’s the realization of what humanity is, but also trying to be at peace with and sharing that desire to find stillness.”
–KEZIAI
BASKING IN EPHEMERA
–ABCDJ
“At certain points in my life I’ve felt far away from myself, like, being on the outside and just watching how everything goes, and this piece speaks about it. I’m kind of in-between; I’m in a surreal place, like everything is kind of foggy and I’m just contemplating all of the messy stuff and chaos that’s going on in your head. But in my pieces I try to find a certain calmness…layers and the complexity of thoughts…and balance in the overall picture.”
–Hanne Van Briel
“Are we all replaceable?”
–kapstone
“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 realms only known in the unconscious.”
–Neal
What Makes “We Are The Vibists” Stand Out?
Unlike other curations, “We Are The Vibists” leverages the power of digital media to create an immersive experience. The curation embraces the digital revolution, highlighting its impact on art and how we perceive it. It’s not just about viewing art; it’s about experiencing it, engaging with it, and understanding its relevance in our contemporary world.
The AR Gallery Experience
Attendees can expect an interactive experience at the AR gallery in Miami. The exhibit, powered by Illust, aims to engage art enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the world of digital art. From experimental photography to digital collage to artificial intelligence, the curation promises to be a visual feast that will stimulate the senses and challenge conventional thinking.
Art Basel Miami has always been a platform for showcasing groundbreaking work, and “We Are The Vibists” is no exception. It’s not just a curation; it’s a revelation, a testament to the transformative power of digital art.
As we count down the days to this exciting event, one thing is certain: “We Are The Vibists” is set to redefine what we think about art, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms along the way. Sound like something you can vibe with? Immerse yourself in the art and the vision, and feel free to join the movement, because as Jen Panepinto put it, “I think we are all Vibists if we want to be.”
Read the full curation statement here, and follow us on X to stay tuned for contests, helpful links, and more information about what Mint Gold Dust is doing in Miami.
