collective
Three years ago, a simple NFT sale opened the door to an extraordinary adventure. What was meant to be a brief exchange with a buyer turned into an exciting hour-long conversation, laying the foundations for a sincere friendship and a visionary project. Yves VdM, a passionate photography collector, and I quickly began regular dialogues, fueling our shared enthusiasm for art and innovation.
Inspired by my background as a photographer and the artistic influences of my sculptor father, I have always sought to push the boundaries between art and technology. This quest led me to conceive Ikigai, far more than just a curation platform and virtual gallery—a true symbiosis between the world of art and the digital universe.
In the face of the challenges of a bearish NFT market, our unwavering conviction was our greatest strength. With Yves, my partner and friend, we transformed a bold idea into tangible reality. Every sleepless night spent writing lines of code and every moment dedicated to refining our vision contributed to shaping Ikigai Labs.
The real magic of Ikigai Labs lies in its collaborative dimension. By integrating the curatorial expertise of Florence Moll, we brought together 10 talented artists, ready to illuminate our digital galaxy. The partnership with Mila Genuardi, founder of the Approche salon, born from long discussions and a shared vision, anchored our project in the physical world, creating a crucial bridge between the tangible and the virtual.
Innovation didn’t stop there. The integration of geolocated NFTs from The5ource added a fascinating interactive dimension, weaving an unprecedented link between real and digital spaces.
Ikigai embodies the Japanese concept from which it takes its name—a perfect balance between passion, talent, social impact, and economic viability. It is an ever-evolving ecosystem, nurtured by creativity and propelled by technology.
This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of artists Edouard Taufenbach and Bastien Pourtout, whose trust and commitment were beacons during the toughest moments.
Today, as we continue to explore new horizons, Ikigai Labs remains true to its mission: to create a space where art transcends boundaries, where each NFT tells a story, and where creators’ passion meets collectors’ enthusiasm.
Ikigai Labs is not just a platform; it is the vision of responsible and innovative digital art, merging creativity and technology ethically, paving the way for extraordinary artistic possibilities.
Join us. Our odyssey is just beginning, shaping a future where digital art thrives while respecting artists, collectors, and the environment.
MANIFESTO
At IkigAI Labs XYZ, we envision a future where technology and artistry converge to create a vibrant, dynamic marketplace that empowers creators and captivates audiences worldwide. Our mission is to champion creativity, excellence, and innovation, driving the evolution of the art world through cutting-edge technology and thoughtful curation.
Philosophy
Our guiding philosophy is rooted in the seamless integration of technology, creativity, and community. We believe in leveraging advanced technologies to amplify artistic expression, ensuring that every creation and curation is imbued with quality, authenticity, and purpose.
Core Values
- Championing Creativity
- Artistic Innovation: We support artists who push the boundaries of traditional art forms, merging them with cutting-edge technology to create groundbreaking works that inspire and captivate. Our platform is a space where creativity thrives, and innovative expressions are celebrated.
- Lean and Agile: Before hiring, we ask: Can we solve the business need with technology or AI? Our first approach is to explore innovative technological solutions that enhance our creative processes and operational efficiency.
- Excellence in Curation
- Meticulous Selection: We elevate the practice of curation to an art form itself. Our meticulous and thoughtful approach ensures that each collection we support is a harmonious blend of vision, talent, and context, providing a platform where quality and authenticity shine.
- Strategic Efficiency: If technology alone doesn't suffice, we look for SaaS solutions that can seamlessly integrate into our workflow, providing robust and scalable results. We collaborate with agencies and experts, utilizing their specialized skills to enhance our curatorial excellence.
- Fostering Community
- Engagement and Collaboration: We value the strength of community. By facilitating direct engagement between creators, galleries, and institutions, we create opportunities for meaningful interactions and collaborations that drive the art world forward.
- Empathy and Support: Our culture promotes recognition and appreciation. Through initiatives like our Kudos program, we financially reward team members who exemplify our core values, fostering a positive and motivated workforce.
- Enhancing Accessibility
- Global Reach: We are committed to making art accessible to a global audience. By leveraging high-volume digital marketplaces and innovative distribution channels, we help artists and galleries reach diverse and expansive audiences.
- Prudent Investment: We invest thoughtfully in new channels and opportunities, testing their potential with small, controlled investments before committing significant resources. This ensures every dollar spent drives maximum value and returns.
- Building Trust and Sustainability
- Blockchain Integrity: Our approach is rooted in trust and sustainability. Through the use of blockchain technology, we ensure the integrity and provenance of each artwork, creating a secure and reliable environment for artists, galleries, and collectors.
- Sustainable Growth: Our financial strategy aims for a break-even on every initiative, ensuring long-term sustainability and financial health. We strive for a cash conversion cycle where we receive payments before settling supplier dues, guaranteeing infinite runway and operational security.
- Connecting Worlds
- Digital and Physical Integration: We bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms of art. By integrating virtual experiences with physical events, we enrich the artistic journey, offering new and immersive ways for audiences to engage with art.
- Creative Solutions: Creativity fuels our innovation. We encourage out-of-the-box thinking and experimentation, allowing us to discover unique solutions that set us apart.
- Education and Inspiration
- Empowering Knowledge: We are committed to educating and inspiring the art community. By exploring the multifaceted dynamics of Web3 culture and the intersection of visual art and technology, we empower artists, galleries, and institutions with the knowledge they need to thrive in the digital age.
- Community Empowerment: We place empathy at the heart of our interactions with consumers, employees, and partners. Understanding and addressing their needs and pain points drives our innovation and service delivery.
Commitment
IkigAI Labs XYZ is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible through the intelligent application of AI and technology. Our lean and strategic approach to growth not only boosts our margins and profits but also empowers us to create lasting impacts in the industries we serve.
Our journey is defined by relentless innovation, strategic efficiency, and a deep commitment to our community and values. At IkigAI Labs XYZ, we are building a future where technology amplifies human potential, driving unparalleled success and making a meaningful difference in the world.
Together, we are shaping the future of art. IkigAI invites you to join us in this pioneering journey, where technology meets creativity, and every collaboration contributes to a vibrant and evolving artistic landscape. Welcome to the new era of art empowerment. Find your Ikigai.
We embrace the power of creation as a means to unleash untapped potential and push the boundaries of artistic expression. Through our talented team of artists and visionaries, we strive to produce captivating and thought-provoking works of art that challenge conventional norms and ignite the imagination. Curation by Florence Moll
It is with immense pleasure and a sense of creative wonder that I announce my artistic venture on the Ikigai platform. LiveTheLifeTV and Dimitri Daniloff have extended me the honor of curating a selection of distinguished artists for this innovative launch, a task that I embraced with great enthusiasm. This initiative marks a thrilling expedition, merging the realms of traditional photography and a novel, boundless exhibition space.
My fascination with evolving art forms, especially since the technological boom of the 2000s, drew me irresistibly towards this groundbreaking opportunity. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary. The artists featured in the ikigAI Genesis Art Collective have adeptly and eagerly adapted to this avant-garde medium, showcasing their remarkable talents.
Our curation is anchored in a meticulously reasoned selection of contemporary photographs, each leaving a significant imprint in the world of visual art. Spanning conceptual photography to ethereal poetic visuals, from the raw beauty of land art to the expanse of landscapes, each subject is distinct. These images, sometimes iconic, have garnered acclaim through exhibitions, awards, and publications. Their journey to recognition is a story in itself.
This first edition on the Ikigai platform is not merely a showcase but a reinvention of vision. Far from being simple reproductions, these photographs gain new life and dimension through their creators' touch. They offer a blend of spectacular and intimate experiences. The added layer of narration, be it the artists' voices or surprises in animation, enriches the encounter. Maia Flore's playful manipulation of stillness, Tauffenbach-Pourtout's visual illusions, and Hannah Whitaker's creativity, along with Cédric Delsaux's enhanced narratives in the 'Dark Lens' series, promise a journey beyond the conventional. The great artist’s team under my curation is composed with: Dimitri Daniloff, Edouard Taufenbach & Bastien Pourtout, Maia Flore, Ryan Hopkinson, Cédric Delsaux, Letizia Le Fur, Nick Meek, Hannah Whitaker and Joris Baquet. I'd like to thank them for their talent, faith, and commitment they've given to the Ikigai project
Nick Meek, born in 1969 in the North of England, is a distinguished photographer whose work has graced the pages of prominent publications such as the New York Times, the New Yorker, GQ, and Esquire. Renowned for his distinctive style and profound visual narratives, Meek's photographs have been widely exhibited, with notable shows in Miami and Los Angeles.
Meek's artistic journey is characterized by a deep exploration of the landscape. His work traverses a wide spectrum, from the microscopic organisms in the saline evaporation beds of Death Valley to the ancient glaciers of Mont Blanc. These images capture the essence of time, mass, and the ever-changing natural world. Meek's lens transforms these landscapes into sculptural forms, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to see the world from a fresh perspective.
In his series "Topographical Cognition," Meek delves into the arrangement of natural and artificial features of various terrains. His photographs are not meant to provide scientific answers but rather to provoke thought and reimagine our understanding of the landscape. By juxtaposing the transient beauty of a full moon rising against the enduring presence of atomic radiation, Meek creates a dialogue between the ephemeral and the eternal.
His first publication with prestigious Editions RM "Unreliable Memories" presents images created between 2002 and 2017, initially focused on the landscapes of the USA, a country that greatly influenced the visual and iconographic themes of the project. However, this new collection expands the narrative, featuring imagery from Meek’s travels across Japan, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Meek's use of washed-out, almost painterly Kodachrome oranges, yellows, and pale blues constructs a movie-style nostalgia. He subtly exaggerates the photographic style and iconography typical of these places, ingeniously tapping into their emotional resonance. His work embodies the essence of memory, where the process of remembering entails a certain amount of forgetting. In these photos, Meek mines this gap, creating space for scenes and meanings that might never have existed, yet feel profoundly real.
Nick Meek’s photography invites viewers into a world where the boundaries of time and space blur, offering a unique and evocative perspective on the landscapes that shape our lives. His work continues to inspire and challenge, making him a significant figure in contemporary photography.
Joris Bacquet, a multifaceted visual artist, has established himself as a trailblazer in digital art, particularly through his innovative use of artificial intelligence. His obvious pleasure in revisiting human nature in a close futuristic exploration draws new lines.
For Bacquet, AI is a medium that pushes the boundaries of visual, creative, and narrative expression. His approach, favoring visual research and experimentation, redefines the boundaries of art, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in the hands of a visionary artist.
Bacquet's work reshapes our understanding of artistic possibilities, marking a new era in digital artistry.
The starting point of the series called ANNA LOG was to mix older analogic technologies like oscilloscope variations with AI to express the fact that technology is part of our daily life since the 70’s. Playing with body distortions or alter the reality in a creative way is not new, just visually the way technology interfere in our life is different but not the process by itself.
Ana Log ©Joris Bacquet
ANA LOG
Inspired by the Joker costume from renaissance days, Bacquet then started thinking about how he can make it contemporary by putting it more into the sportswear and fashion look & feel.
Joker ©Joris Bacquet
JOKER
The very energetic series WE FLY HIGH shows his fascination for fashion inspired by the eponymous title from Jim Jones where our AI artist imagines strong looks here again mixed with codes coming from sportive codes.
Enrooted in film direction, his latest film DEDALE updates a mythological fable and invites in a cinematic rather dark world where God is a sun and Icarus doesn’t dream anymore ...
DEDALE
Baquet's artistic versatility is further highlighted through his collaborations with luxury brands like Issey Miyake and Dior, and his AI-assisted narrative music video « INFINITY », the very first music video using AI in a narrative way with the artist Azelphara which received accolades at the Berlin Commercial awards. This work prompts viewers to ponder the role of the 'creator' in the era of advanced technologies.
©Joris Bacquet
Read more on shots.net
We are thrilled to present Edouard and Bastien as members of our esteemed art collective, curated by Florence Moll. They embody the spirit of ikigAI and their genesis collection promises to be a captivating exploration of texture, form, and color, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards integrating avant-garde art with web3 tech.
Edouard Taufenbach and Bastien Pourtout are an acclaimed French artistic duo known for their innovative and evocative visual narratives. Taufenbach, holding a Master in Arts and Digital Media from Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne, and Pourtout, with a Master in Photography and Contemporary Art from Paris VIII, have been collaboratively exploring the boundaries of photography since their first joint project exhibited at Paris Photo "Spéculaire," in 2018.
Their residency at the Villa Médicis in Rome marked a pivotal point in their careers. It was here, during the creation of "Le bleu du ciel," that they explored the themes of freedom and creativity, capturing the swift flight of swallows in a series of checkered patterns.
This project, supported by the Swiss Life Foundation, was not only a critical success but also led to their works being featured in the collection of the Cité de la Musique at the Philharmonie de Paris and the Neuflize OBC fondation.
Furthermore, their notable publications, such as "Obsession Dietrich" by Éditions de L’Artiere, "Cinémode" by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Flammarion, and "The Age of Collage 3" by Gestalten, reflect their presence in renowned art circles.
“ When the sky is full of swallows, it's a hypnotic aerial dance, and we've used optical effects to recreate the incredible aerobatics and music of these birds' flight ”
Edouard Taufenbach & Bastien Pourtout, LBDC 09014001, 2020 €6,800.00
In 2022, Taufenbach and Pourtout showcased their unique vision through the "OBSESSION DIETRICH" exhibition, held in collaboration with Pierre Passebon. This project featured innovative photomontages derived from Marlene Dietrich's photographs, reflecting on the themes of time, immobility, and the multifaceted nature of her persona. Their technique, reminiscent of the chronophotography of Étienne-Jules Marey and the stroboscopic effects used by Harold Edgerton or Gjon Mili, demonstrates their ability to renew photographic tradition through modern digital means.
In 2023, their project "LE JARDIN QUI BASCULE" - was exhibited at Galerie C in Paris. This exhibition, a metaphorical reflection of their collaborative space, showcases their unique method of creating art—a blend of protocols, games, and an exchange of images that evolve organically rather than being preconceived. Selected works from this project were chosen for the Photo Biennale in Daegu, Korea, further cementing their international recognition.
Finally, “Swinging Gardens” was created as the digital extension of this project through a collection of NFTs.
Their work is characterized by a deep understanding of the photographic medium, both in its historical context and contemporary possibilities. Taufenbach and Pourtout's methodical yet playful approach to art-making, combined with prestigious recognitions like the Villa Médicis residency, positions them as significant contemporary artists whose work resonates with a global audience. Their ability to transform everyday moments into profound visual experiences marks them as innovators in the field of contemporary photography.
The creation of the duo is an infinite conversation; with LES GLANEURS where the hand is at the heart of their photographic dialogue where they compose repertoires of shapes, like alphabets — intimate choreographies of private signs in a square format frame.
The French artistic duo’s self-portrait shows the spirit of an endless game …
Through drawing, photography and assemblages, they seek to develop new protocols and new tools of exploration.
Embark on a journey with us as we explore the mesmerizing world of Maia Flore, an artist curated by Florence Moll. Maia Flore transforms the mundane into the extraordinary through the lens of her camera. Her artistry lies in staging improbable, poetic, and metaphorical scenes, often using herself as not just a model, but an active subject in her own surreal narratives.
Her signature series "Sleep Elevations" exemplifies this philosophy. Here, Maia, often the subject herself, appears to float in serene, minimalist settings, amidst everyday objects rendered fantastical. This juxtaposition of the simple and surreal weaves a dreamlike tapestry, a delicate yet profound visual poetry, further accentuated by pastel hues and soft lighting. These images invite viewers into a world unbound by gravity, where imagination is sovereign.
In "Situations," Flore delves into the delicate interplay between freedom and environment, capturing a young girl in a striking red costume navigating uncharted landscapes. This series dances on the edge of reality and imagination, exploring emotional ambiguity as a canvas for creative exploration.
Her HSBC Prize-winning series, "Rememories" (2015), moves away from stark reality, favoring metaphorical and poetic imagery. Here, her distinctive red hair and pale skin blend seamlessly with her surroundings, creating a dynamic interplay of form and space.
With "Voyage Fantastique," commissioned by Atout France, Maia reimagines France's cultural heritage. This series transcends mere photographic journey, reenchanting the narrative of heritage, history, and art. Through her lens, castles, museums, and landscapes transform into stages for her imaginative tales, intertwining the absurd with the mystical.
Marking a significant evolution in her artistry, Flore has shifted from digital manipulation to choreographed performance, emphasizing physicality and space. This is evident in her recent works, "By the Sea" and "Scenes from the Sun," where the landscape itself becomes an integral character in her storytelling.
"D’Iles en Lune" (2019/2020), created during a residency in Saint Malo, beautifully extends Flore's exploration of the tangible and ethereal. Here, she harmonizes with the rhythm of the world's highest tides, allowing the sun and moon to guide her art. This series, symbolizing the balance between masculine ('Îl') and feminine ('Lune') energies, perfectly aligns with her themes of blending dreams and reality.
Maia Flore's photography is more than a mere collection of images; it is an odyssey through a visionary's mind, constantly challenging and blurring the lines between the real and the imagined. Each series is a chapter in her ongoing narrative of exploration and discovery, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of her dreamscapes.
Maia Flore's world is a realm where imagination is boundless, and the pursuit of beauty and freedom is unceasing.
Maia Flore's work is an open invitation to a playground of wonder and imagination, where enchantment is tangible in every scene.
Curation: Florence Moll
In this 4th edition of our ikigAI Labs Newsletter, we're thrilled to spotlight Hannah Whitaker, whose innovative work has been shaping the international art scene. As we approach the soft launch end of Q1 2024, let's dive into the creative realm of one of the eight icons representing our Genesis Art Collective and curated by Florence Moll.
Hannah Whitaker, an artist and photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, has become a prominent figure in the international art scene. Her captivating work has been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions, such as the Henie Onstad Triennial for Photography and New Media in Norway (2020), the Public Art Fund's citywide exhibition, Foam Talent (2014), and Rencontres d'Arles in France (2012), where she was a nominee for the Discovery Prize. In 2021, Galerie Christophe Gaillard in Paris showed her solo exhibition "Shadow Detail" and simultaneously presented her work at the prestigious Paris Photo Fair. Her publication "Ursula" (2021) further cements her status as a visionary in photographic art.
A significant element of Whitaker's oeuvre concerns her reflections on photography's role in technology. Through her insightful essays and publications, Whitaker explores the complex relationship between photography and truth, particularly in today's digital age where the distinction between reality and its representation is increasingly blurred. Her work challenges the conventional perception of photographs as mere reflections of reality, pushing the boundaries of photographic meaning.
In her compelling exhibition, "Shadow Detail," Whitaker expands upon themes from her book "Ursula." The exhibition includes an array of new photographs, a large collaged triptych, a video work, and several sculptural lamps. This body of work continues to explore the sensory potential of silhouettes and patterns, as seen in her previous series. Whitaker ingeniously wraps the human form in reflective tape and aluminum tubing, transforming it into something almost alien. These alterations and her use of bright, monochromatic backgrounds and strategic lighting, create a sense of futuristic isolation.
The exhibition's highlight is the way Whitaker plays with scale, bringing the viewer to a level of equal footing with the figure, yet simultaneously creating a distance from the depicted futuristic world. The shadowy figures, veiled in patterned shadows and sometimes obscured faces, become screens for the disorienting effects of light and props. The still-life components of the exhibition, constructed with the same materials used in the portraits, add another dimension to the work, standing as sentinel-like structures that echo the human form.
Whitaker's first venture into video art in this exhibition is particularly notable. She captures brief episodes featuring the same model used in her photographs, emphasizing the gap between posing and the natural flow of time. This approach extends the moment of a photograph into a narrative in real-time, further exploring the dynamic between stasis and movement, control, and gesture.
Additionally, "Tangled," a three-panel collage in the exhibition, showcases Whitaker's skill in layering and texture. The collage, with its striking use of black and white stripes and hot pink slashes, centers around a large, cloud-like form made of various textures and patterns. This central tangle is patrolled by silhouettes of Whitaker’s model, adding a sense of absurdity and menace to the composition.
An exploration of form, pattern, and the elusive nature of photographic truth.
Hannah's work challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality, truth, and art in the digital age.
In the latest volume of our ikigAI Labs Newsletter, we're excited to feature the groundbreaking artist Cédric Delsaux. As we near the culmination of Q1 2024's soft launch, we invite you to explore the imaginative world of this distinguished member of our Genesis Art Collective, thoughtfully selected by Florence Moll.
Cédric Delsaux, born in 1974, is a Paris-based artist originally known for his advertising photography. He has since gained international recognition for his long-term series that each time invent unique approaches. His work, inspired by cinema and literature, equally summons the fantastical and the mundane, to make visible the fictional power of images and the phantasmagorical potential of reality. His "Dark Lens" series, a photographic sequence that gradually shifts from "non-places" to urban "hyper-places" inhabited by characters from the Star Wars saga, has achieved global success since 2004.
George Lucas himself praised Delsaux's work, highlighting its uniqueness and the honor it brings to the Star Wars legacy. The success of "Dark Lens" culminated in a book published by Éditions EXB, featuring a preface by Lucas. The series, now known as "Welcome to The Dark Corporation" in 2017, imagines an Earth entirely populated by droids where humans seem to have no place left;
In "Dark Lens," Delsaux offers a unique and intriguing interpretation of Star Wars, integrating its characters and vehicles into stark urban and industrial, yet unmistakably earthbound environments. His images are novel and disruptive yet completely plausible, demonstrating his ability to blend fantasy with reality. This series, showcasing a world where Star Wars mythology and our contemporary surroundings merge, provides a commentary on the increasing encroachment of fictional narratives into real-world landscapes.
As highlighted in a New York Times Magazine article by Dana Jennings, Delsaux's "Dark Lens" series represents more than a tribute to Star Wars; it's a meditation on the fusion of fiction and reality in our modern world. The images, while surreal, resonate with a profound sense of possibility and familiarity, underscoring the blurred lines between the realms of fantasy and the tangible world. This aspect of Delsaux's work challenges traditional perceptions of reality, urging viewers to consider the pervasive influence of fictional narratives in shaping our understanding of the environment we inhabit.
With A Common Destiny edited in 2009 by Random House Editions with an introduction by Bill McKibben and a special notable support from Robert Redford, Cédric Delsaux explores the hidden face of our modernity.
Delsaux has exhibited in numerous galleries, fairs, and institutions like Paris-Photo, Art-Paris, Art-Genève, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the BNF François Mitterand in Paris, the National Center of Photography in Greece and Slovakia, and the Museum of Elsewhere in Yverdon, Switzerland. He is progressively expanding into other disciplines, now adding text, drawing and sculptures to his photographs that have already met their fans, his bronze sculptures being lastly collected by private collectors and Foundations.
Curation: Florence Moll
In this ikigAI Labs Newsletter, we spotlight the remarkable Letizia Le Fur. An award-winning photographer and esteemed member of our Genesis Art Collective. Her visionary work, curated by Florence Moll, masterfully blends narrative depth with visual elegance, making every piece a captivating journey.
Letizia Le Fur, an alumnus of the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in France, embarked on her creative journey as a painter, graduating in 1998. Her artistic trajectory took a pivotal turn under the mentorship of Valérie Belin, an influential artist and teacher, who steered her towards the realm of photography. This transition marked the genesis of an aesthetic quest that blends the fluidity of painting with the precision of photography.
In the sphere of photography, Le Fur has achieved notable accolades. She was a nominee for the esteemed Niepce Prize in 2022, a testament to her prowess in the photographic arts.
Her mastery has also been recognized through several awards, including the Leica/Alpine Prize in 2019 and the BNF's Grande Commande Photographique in 2022.
Further cementing her status in the art world, she received the "Fenêtres Ouvertes" Prize by the MEP in 2020 and has been selected for prestigious residencies at the Planches Contact festival in Deauville (2020), the InCadaquésfestival (2021), and the Festival Portrait(s) in Vichy (2023), with a future residency lined up with the BNP Foundation in 2024.
Le Fur’s work has graced numerous solo and group exhibitions, showcasing her ability to encapsulate beauty and a fantasized otherworld. Influenced by Greek mythology, her photography is not just a capture of moments but a reflection on humanity's place in a primordial world. Her unique perspective is further illustrated in her publications, “Mythologies - Chap. I & II” (2021) and “Mythologies - Chap. III” (2022), which explores mythological themes through a contemporary lens.
Her approach to color and light is reminiscent of her roots in painting. With a palette that extends beyond the conventional, Le Fur transforms, isolates, and amplifies tones to transcend reality. This process creates an ethereal world, suspended between fantasy and dream. Her quest for harmony and beauty, akin to a cult-like devotion, stands in stark opposition to ugliness and inappropriateness, breaking free from prevailing norms to achieve a form of artistic liberation.
Mythologies - Les Métamorphoses ©Letizia Le Fur
Alongside her personal projects, Le Fur’s talent extends to collaborations in advertising and the press, working with illustrious brands such as Belmond, Air France, Ruinart, and Chanel, and contributing to publications like AD, The New York Times, and Grazia. As a Leica ambassador since 2019, she continues to showcase her commitment to quality and excellence in the field of photography.
Currently, Letizia Le Fur is preparing for her next solo exhibition at the French Institute in Madrid, an event that promises to be a confluence of her journey in art and photography, showcasing her unique ability to blend these mediums into a distinctive visual language. Her work, transcending the barriers between art forms, invites viewers into a world where myth, beauty, and imagination meld seamlessly.
By the end of 2023, She has been the proud recipient of the" Paris Je t'aime x Photodays" Prize, a testament to her innovative approach to capturing the essence of Paris through « Small games » in echo to the Olympic Games that will be exhibited by the end of the year 2024.
Curation: Florence Moll
Let's talk about one of our own, the heart & soul behind IkigAI – Dimitri Daniloff. He isn't just the founder; he's the living embodiment of what ikigAI is all about: a platform by creators, for creators.
Dimitri Daniloff stands as a testament to the transformative power of art when fused with technology. His illustrious career, spanning over more than two decades, is a journey that transcends the realms of traditional photography, venturing into the innovative frontiers of digital artistry.
From his earliest influences under the tutelage of his father, a master sculptor, Dimitri developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of form and texture. His initial forays into the world of visual art using the 4x5 view camera marked the beginning of an enduring exploration of reality's capture. However, it was his unquenchable thirst for innovation that propelled him into the digital sphere, where he began to challenge and redefine the boundaries of the photographic medium.
Dimitri's work is characterized by a unique blend of authenticity and fantastical elements, strikingly evident in his groundbreaking campaign for PlayStation in 2003. This project marked a pivotal point in his career, as he skillfully intertwined real-life elements with alien realms, creating a hybrid space where the real and the surreal coexist in harmony.
His collaboration with the iconic electronic duo, Daft Punk, on the avant-garde Virtual Girl project in 2008 further showcased his ability to incorporate 3D elements into traditional photography, presenting a compelling narrative of augmented humanity. This venture exemplified his flair for merging the artistic with the technological, a theme that has become a hallmark of his work.
Dimitri's advent into the world of photogrammetry, a technique that using photography to create detailed 3D models, marked another significant evolution in his artistic journey. His series 'L’humain illimité’ (Human Unlimited)from 2018 stands as a revolutionary project that blurs the line between the virtual and the real. This work, a virtual figure anchored in reality, challenges the viewer's perceptions of the human form, pushing the limits of traditional 2D imagery.
As the CEO of Kklone, Dimitri has continued to explore the potential of photogrammetry, creating breathtaking 3D models and immersive digital experiences. His work in this field has been recognized internationally, including a major project for EDF at the VR Arles festival, showcasing his ability to merge artistic vision with cutting-edge technology.
In his current role as a consultant at Mazarine Paris, Dimitri brings his artistic vision and technological expertise to the forefront of the evolving digital landscape, advising on trends in web3 and the metaverse. His work here involves curating artists for events and providing insights into the future of digital art spaces, further cementing his position as a pioneer in the field.
Throughout his career, Dimitri has collaborated with some of the world's top agencies and brands, including Adidas, Nike, and several prestigious international agencies. His passion and dedication to photography and digital art have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Grand Prix de Cannes at the Cannes Lions, gold and silver Lions, and awards at the Clios Awards.
Dimitri Daniloff's career is more than a chronicle of personal achievement; it is a vivid illustration of the endless possibilities at the intersection of art and technology. His journey from capturing reality to creating new realities serves as an inspiration, inviting us to envision a future where art and technology coalesce to redefine our experiences and perceptions. His work stands as a beacon for those who dare to dream beyond the confines of the conventional, heralding a new era of visual storytelling where imagination knows no bounds.
Keep dreaming, keep creating,
Yves's journey began at Quiksilver, where he contributed to the Image Control team, aiding in the launch of flagship stores, notable events, and innovative marketing and PR strategies. This experience paved the way for his groundbreaking work in WebTV technology, well ahead of YouTube's emergence. In 1999, his early video streaming achievements, in collaboration with Akamai, earned recognition from Apple.com, featuring him and his partner as webTV pioneers on the homepage.
Yves has interviewed prominent figures in the action sports world and written for esteemed international publications, refining his storytelling skills and deepening his appreciation for the arts. This passion led him to found LiveTheLifeTV, a curated platform for boutique hotels and luxury surf properties. By 2017, Yves recognized the transformative potential of NFTs for photographers, merging art and technology to create new avenues for expression and monetization. Advised against an "ICO", he chose not to file a patent for his NFT platform with Mick Jagger's ex-attorney.
Venturing into Machine Learning and AI, Yves initially developed LLM AI chat agents for his startup in lifestyle travel and luxury surf real estate. His artistic drive later led him to explore AI creatively. He uses Dream Machine for image-to-video generation, Magnific.ai for upscaling, Eleven Labs for music, voice-over, and sound design, and Davinci Resolve 19 for analog film grain, color grading, and editing. Currently, he is exploring custom Runwayml Gen-3 models allowing for even stylistically controlled and consistent characters and specific artistic and narrative webTV requirements.
His AI-generated art series, "Chromatic Futures." redefines the luxury lifestyle aesthetic for the 2050s, seamlessly blending high-end fashion with advanced technology to create a visionary visual experience. Simulating a Hasselblad CM 500 with Velvia film, this AI series is a persiflage on the world dominated by superficial Instagram perfection, while simultaneously paying homage to the elegant aesthetics of the 50s, infused with a futuristic twist. Enjoy Sneak Previews @ LiveTheLife.TV
A surreal and vibrant exploration of the color red, interwoven with elements of 1950s retro-futurism and contemporary fashion.
On April 20, 2024, he launched a non-custodial, open-source Curated Art Explorer with his lifetime friend Roy as CTO. IKIGAILABS.XYZ, features the top 420 art collections since early 2017.
We are thrilled to announce a partnership between Ikigai Labs and 'a ppr oc he', the Parisian salon dedicated to the image.
Together, the two structures are launching 'a ppr oc he' extended, an innovative virtual extension of the salon, to be held online from November 15 to 17, 2024, presenting 4 artists who have marked the salon's history, for an immersive and sensitive experience that will offer visitors a renewed perception of the creations.
a ppr oc he
8th edition
7 - 10 Nov 2024
Opening Wednesday 6 November
Le Molière - 40 rue de Richelieu 75001 Paris
approche.paris
Wednesday 6 Nov : Opening 13 pm – 9 pm
Thursday 7, Friday 8 & Saturday 9 : 13 pm – 8 pm
Sunday 10 Nov : 13 pm – 6 pm
'a ppr oc he' is an independent salon dedicated to the experimentation of images, conceived as an exhibition, with a curatorial gaze and composed only of solo shows.
15 artists, represented by French and international galleries will be exhibited from 7-10 November 2024, in the intimacy of the old mansion Le Molière, in Paris.
Constantly seeking new forms of dissemination, the 'a ppr oc he' salon is collaborating with Ikigai Labs Art, dedicated to digital art in virtual spaces.
Ikigai Labs has supported 'a ppr oc he' in its expansion which inaugurates a new era for the presentation and appreciation of contemporary photographic art in virtual spaces.
Continuing its tradition of pioneering new forms of artistic engagement, 'a ppr oc he' has joined forces with Ikigai Labs to create 'a ppr oc he' extended, a virtual extension of their esteemed salon.
This partnership marks a significant milestone, offering a bridge between the physical presence of the 'a ppr oc he' salon and the expansive possibilities of virtual art exhibitions.
Curated by Emilia Genuardi and Dominique Moulon, 'a ppr oc he' extended will feature works from four distinguished artists who have made their mark on the history of 'a ppr oc he'.
Dimitri Daniloff, co-founder of Ikigai Labs and 'a ppr oc he' will invite visitors to explore their virtual gallery, where they can engage with artworks in an entirely new dimension. This immersive experience will include guided tours and discussions with the artists and curators, providing deeper insights and fostering a closer connection to the art.
By extending the exhibition beyond the physical salon, Ikigai Labs and 'a ppr oc he' extended aims to enhance accessibility and understanding of the intricate relationship between visual creation and blockchain technology. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for collectors and art enthusiasts to explore and acquire artworks in an innovative and engaging setting.
Join us from November 15th to 17th, 2024, for 'a ppr oc he' extended, where the worlds of contemporary photography and digital innovation converge, offering an unforgettable journey through art in the digital age.
www.approche.paris
Innovation did not stop there. The integration of geolocated NFTs by the5ource added a fascinating interactive dimension, weaving an unprecedented link between real and digital spaces.