Future of Blockchain 2018
First tech conference to include art as a program topic and feature original relevant art as a venue centerpiece and the winning trophy of an eSports gaming tournament.
In 2021 Art+Blockchain is big news.
The world is catching up to “Future of Blockchain 2018”
Ad from conference back in 2018
Visions of Art+tech by example
Two years before before NFT was a thing in the art world, a gathering of blockchain experts with other leaders in science, technology, the arts, and civic leaders happened in Frisco TX. It was an awesome exchange of information, ideas, and visions for this technology and the future. It was the first conference of its kind to include art as a central feature and an integral to overall conversation
Accidental secret
Chances are you didn't hear anything about it. The intersection of art and tech just wasn't on most people's radar back then. But I never stop looking for that sort of thing. Same for others in the Frisco community. Now, the story seems somewhat prophetic given recent happenings with art, NFT, and blockchain technology.
Farhin Ali, Conference Chair, with Zuriel, Tammy, and Roger
Art+Blockchain, Who Saw this coming?
The organizers of The Future of Blockchain 2018 Conference that took place inside the quiet Frisco Convention Center in September of 2018. The organizers had a vision. And this conference had cool techy art all over it.
Farhin Ali and organizers
Thanks to conference chair, Farhin Ali, the visionary who added art to the equation. She immediately consulted with Frisco Arts Foundation’s Tammy Meinershagen. Tammy knew exactly who were the nerd artists that lived at that intersection of art and tech to tap for this event.
Featured Artists
They were: the amazing Tech Violinist, Mr. Zuriel Merek, Tech painter, Ms. Denise Lion, and for sculpture, the guy already enjoying a reputation as the artist to the digital design community, roger belveal - that's me.
Zuriel Merek
Denise Lion art
Roger Belveal
This art piece was a physical collage of blockchain applications
The Centerpiece(S)
Art as the centerpiece of the conference provided the spark for some monumental conversations among leaders in these related fields.
Individual desk sculptures were given to the speakers. This piece being given by Farhin Ali, became the favorite of the event. It was showcased in the Frisco Style magazine, Aug 2020.
Mario under glass. The patron saint of avatars everywhere
Would you like to play a game?
The whole thing was topped off with a eSports game tournament. In case anyone is till unaware, gaming has become a big deal. eSports has become a huge business opportunity and a whole culture has evolved around it.
Game and eSports Culture
As you might well know, I’m fascinated by tech culture. See my page of art devoted to it at https://www.belveal.com/art-of-gaming-esports
Champion Team receiving their trophy
Championship Trophy
The winning team received a piece of original metal art celebrating the imagery inside the game, DOTA02.
Digital to Physical
Imagine spending many hours fighting your way through armies in an imaginary world in a quest for that special shield. Its that object Hitchcock called a McGuffin. Then upon winning, you raise your head up from the virtual world and are handed a real life physical trophy that resembles that virtual object. Call it a Roger MacGufin.
Trophy was an original piece of metal art resembling the McGuffin of the game
What’s next? Lots more!
Stay tuned to belveal.news for more virtual + real Art + Tech culture adventures. Look for more blending of virtual and real world art and artifacts. Something special relating to NFTs is in the work. Can’t tell you about it yet, but very soon. Its very cool and I think you’re gonna like it!
Art work in the making