Art Tradition Meets Digital Innovation — Ohnahji U Syllabus for September 30, 2023
🎼 “Robot got future, I don’t / Robot get sleep, but I don’t power down / I’m wide open, I’m awake, I’m on autopilot / I’m out of my mind and I’m wide open” 🎵
I’m not even gonna keep y’all long on the intro today — this week’s Syllabus is comprehensive! Jamal and Zion are back as we cover a bit of Tech and a LOT of art, so let’s get right to it!
This space took place live on 9/30/23 @ 10am PST and was hosted by Ohnahji B, Chancellor of Ohnahji University, and co-hosted by Deans BOSS2.0 & EyeSeeThru. Our discussion revolved around how Web3 art and music increasingly integrate with the physical through displays and merchandise. We also explored how visual art and music relate to concepts of space, time, and history. It was a great convo!
OHNAHJI U UPDATES
To kick off the Ohnahji U Saturday, Ohnahji B shared his experience at Tec Leimert. The event occurred in Leimert Park, a historic Black neighborhood in LA, and featured a music mainstage and various tech demonstrations. As part of Iman Europe’s The Homies DAO, Ohnahji B educated attendees about NFTs and blockchain discussions while surrounded by black visual art at Aziz Gallerie. He even had the chance to create his own art by customizing a vinyl record using the ONJU signature magenta and gold color scheme.
Recently, mints have continued going up, reaching 4839 tokens on the blockchain! Not only has keeping minting open helped to continue spreading awareness of ONJU and our mission of education but it’s also revealed some rare new traits! Peep some fresh mints below and get into the latest mint rocking the halo and Peppa’s earring traits!
THE EVOLUTION OF WEB3
From Digital to Physical
Jumping into the title discussion, the Ohnhaji fam chewed over how Web3 is evolving beyond only digital creations to merge with physical merchandise and products. Referencing the recent news about Pudgy Penguins getting plush toys and other merchandise into Walmart stores, Ohnahji B called the move a “huge win” for demonstrating Web3’s potential.
This highlights how Web3 enables new intellectual property (IP) and business models that bridge the digital and physical worlds. As creators explore new mediums, merchandise like t-shirts and hoodies have given way to footwear and fashion (including the new Nami slides from our adjacent Auracles fam.) Now, we are seeing major retail chains like Walmart get involved in distributing Web3 products to a mass consumer audience.
These new opportunities show Web3’s potential to make a widespread cultural impact beyond its crypto roots. As the evolution continues, mainstream retail distribution shows a growing appetite to experience Web3 IP in physical forms.
Music Grows By Deconstruction
We discussed new AI music generation tools like Sounds Studio that can create original beats, melodies, and stems from text prompts, demonstrating the sonic evolution of technology. Ohnahji B shared how he has been experimenting with the tool, working with over an hour of musical generations that he described as a “sampler’s paradise.”
BOSS2.0 expressed excitement about AI music tools for their creative potential and ability to generate original compositions without copyright issues.
In addition to Sounds Studio, check out two other AI-powered audio generation tools.
Hugging Face Img-to-MusicGen — An image-to-music generator that now allows users to upload audio files for melody inspiration in addition to image prompts.
Meta’s Music Gen — Accessed through HuggingFace, Facebook’s Music Gen model builds on what can be generated with existing music uploads and text prompts of your music idea.
Will the Metaverse Be Left Behind?
Spurred by questions from colleagues who are curious about the Metaverse, Speaker SouL*ibrarian asks:
Will VR app Spatial have another evolution also?
These speakers offered their takes:
- Ohnahji B believes Spatial is pivoting towards gaming to expand its reach, citing its new Unity SDK integration, virtual currency features, and focus beyond just Web3 projects. He sees gaming as a way for Spatial to achieve more mainstream adoption.
- DR Smart advocates for Spatial as an ongoing platform for Web3 users, mentioning its usefulness for conferences and networking. He recommends it along with Monaverse for community building.
- EyeSeeThru analyzes how headsets are still a niche device, so platforms follow the money, which is now concentrated on gaming. He explains gaming is the gateway for average consumers to purchase headsets, so Metaverse platforms cater features to that industry first.
Ideally, Spatial is evolving to have more mass appeal by integrating gaming, though it still has a lot of value for connecting web3 communities. For now, gaming is the key to expanding the metaverse for broader adoption.
ART IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Digital Displays vs. Physical Art
The space continued with a discussion around whether physical or digital displays are better for art, with arguments made that physical spaces allow more of an emotional connection while digital reaches wider audiences.
The speakers debated whether NFT art is best displayed digitally or brought into physical galleries. From what he’s seen in physical spaces, Ohnahji B has noticed how some creators are liquidating screens they once used to display digital art. “They’re like, nah, it’s like, it’s not really working for me.” This represents the view that physical spaces allow for a deeper connection.
In that same vein, Speaker Miyagi finds more value in art close to traditional forms, adding, “You’re going into galleries, for the way that the art makes you feel, not the way that the screen makes you feel. Being around electronics is a there’s a different feeling.”
Ever the analyst, Dean EyeSeeThru counters that the digital displays arose as a formula for showcasing web3 art within its natively digital environment:
“That’s not a thing. It a byproduct of the Web3 space where it became a formula for how you display NFTs. It was meant to be digital with the philosophy that this was supposed to be a purely digital environment.”
Honoring Tradition, Pushing Boundaries
Ohnahji B presented a Jean-Michel Basquiat quote that underlines the entire conversation that reads,
“Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.”
The quote showed how visual art and music are connected to ideas of space, time, and history, with viewpoints that visual art captures a particular moment while music is more closely linked to memories that develop over time.
Miyagi and Dean JT believe digital mediums cannot create the same connection with art as physical art. They argue that the sensory experience and emotional impact of visiting a gallery cannot be reproduced on a screen.
BOSS connected the statement “art is how we decorate space” to the multi-dimensional experience of appreciating artwork in person. However, they also acknowledged the value of digital representations for their aesthetic appeal.
“I don’t mind seeing art on a screen. I can still look at it and connect to it, from observing it with my eye and seeing the detail, whether it’s physical texture that that I can touch or other purposes. So I don’t mind the screen. I don’t mind the canvas. I don’t mind sculpture. I don’t mind dance. I just think they’re all valid vehicles for people to access and experience art in many different ways.”
Both perspectives reveal the benefits of physically and digitally displaying art. Physical spaces offer more sensory experiences, while digital displays provide access to wider audiences.
Basquiat’s enduring words speak to “decorating space” by curating an environment and mood — something that can be accomplished through virtual and physical art. Conversations like these teach us how to honor artistic traditions while pushing creative boundaries.
ALPHITE ROLL CALL
Check out what our intrepid Alphites have been working on lately!
Kang Hussle / Mind Vibes Studios
Dean Kang Hussle recently rebranded his podcast from 10 Minute Morning Huddle to Protect Ur Vibes. Under the Mind Vibes Studios umbrella, This podcast focuses on the significance of self-care and personal growth. Compared to his previous offering, Protect Ur Vibes is more personal, with Kang sharing his own experiences and displaying a refreshing sense of vulnerability, helping listeners connect deeper with his messages of self-love and improvement.
SickSentz
SickSentz, a faculty member and scholar at ONJU, recently launched his latest EP, "Girldad.” The four-track release, created during the early morning hours as he cared for his newborn daughter, captures the emotions and love of a new father, blended with house and electronic music. I love the track “Liquid Gold.”
Miyagi
One of our most active and enthusiastic Alphites, Miyagi, is on a mission to establish his art and e-commerce empire! You can visit his website, Peace of Miyagi, to explore a diverse range of products featuring his unique artwork, from kitchenware to home decor. If you are an art lover, you can also browse his HUG profile to discover his collection of artwork available for sale.
WeCreatures
WeCreatures, a family art collective of Alphites, has launched a new podcast called Nook. The first episode discusses pricing art and features audio clips from various artists and creators. It’s a short and engaging listen, so give it a listen and share your feedback!
As web3 continues evolving, so does its relationship with the physical world. As a forward-thinking creative community, Ohnahji U is here to help you birth new creative mediums and business models, but most importantly, enjoy the journey.
See you on the blockchain (or on OhnahjiU.com, at least!)🎓
