Le Random

In this Le Random podcast, special Exhibition Discussion edition, our editor in chief Peter Bauman (Monk Antony) speaks to three exhibiting artists of Infinite Images at the Toledo Museum of Art.Those artists are Erick Calderon (Snowfro), founder of Art Blocks, Sofia Crespo from Entangled Others and Tyler Hobbs.Chapters 📖:[00:00:00] Introduction[00:01:22] Exhibition Insights[00:02:26] Artists' Perspectives on Practice and Generativity's Breadth[00:07:45] Historical Influences[00:10:41] Communicating with New Audiences[00:14:13] Collaborative Dynamics and Artistic Processes00:17:08] Figuration vs. Abstraction[00:19:38] Generative Systems and AI Art00:27:04] Hows Software and Art Are Evolving[00:34:44] Institutional Interest and Market Realities[00:38:25] Navigating Funding Cuts in US[00:40:28] Engaging New Audiences

In this conversation, the Le Random team reflects on 2025's noteworthy second quarter in digital art. Host Peter Bauman (editor in chief at Le Random) is joined by thefunnyguys (CEO) and Conrad House (Collection Lead).📖 Chapters[00:00]: Introduction and Podcast Overview[01:38]: Discussion on Digital Art Institutions[06:18]: New York as a Hub for Digital Art[10:50]: Le Random's Second Quarter Events (4)[27:17]: Favorites of the year: Exhibitions[32:58]: Notable Artworks and Projects[42:59]: Standout Acquisitions[48:00]: Favorite Editorials[51:42]: What we're looking forward to, especially Infinite Images at Toledo Museum of Art

This is Part I of our Deep Learning Series where Le Random's editor-in-chief Peter Bauman (Monk Antony) speaks with the most relevant figures in deep learning art. In this first installment, Peter speaks with two of the earliest artists to engage with the intersection of art and deep generative models, Tom White (dribnet) and Gene Kogan.They explore the artistic, philosophical and cultural implications of GANs and deep generative models, drawing on the artists' early experiences and perspectives in the field . The conversation touches on the origins of their interest in GANs, the evolution of AI and its perception, critiques of AI art, the nature of machine representations, and the connection between AI and decentralization.Chapters 📖:[00:00:00]: Introduction and Guest Overview[00:01:50]: First Encounters with GANs and Initial Excitement[00:04:04]: Gene's Journey with Machine Learning and Art[00:08:55]: The Rise of AI Twitter and Deep Learning Culture[00:12:04]: The Mission to Make AI Tools Accessible[00:17:56]: Changing Philosophies of Computation[00:21:54]: Critiques of AI in the Art World[00:27:42]: Tom's Algorithmic Gaze, Machine Perception & The Platonic Representation Hypothesis[00:34:00]: Art by AI for AI—Tom's Machine Representation & Phil's Hypothesis[00:37:49]: Decentralized AI and its Evolution[00:40:33]: Tom's Early Work at MIT and Interactive Graphics[00:43:13]: Final Thoughts

In this conversation, the Le Random team reflects on a noteworthy start to 2025 in digital art. Host Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) is joined by thefunnyguys (CEO) and Conrad House (Collection Lead).📖 Chapters00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:29 – AI Ethics & Artist Consent Debates00:04:31 – Legal Uncertainty & Fair Use00:06:55 – How Artists Are Using AI Tools00:08:14 – Redistributing Value Through New Models00:11:02 – Silicon Valley vs. Academic Roots of AI00:14:11 – The Power Imbalance in AI Development00:17:36 – Why AI Agents Fell Short This Quarter00:21:45 – Functional AI Agents & DAO Experiments00:27:17 – Rethinking NFTs in Digital Art00:33:11 – Institutional Misalignment: Case of Sam Spratt00:40:50 – Manolo’s Return to Generative Art00:46:51 – Protocol Art & January’s Highlights00:51:08 – Q1 Standout Exhibitions00:55:57 – Favorite Projects, Acquisitions & Looking Ahead

In this episode of the Le Random podcast, host Peter Bauman (Monk Antony), our editor-in-chief, coordinates a discussion on coordination. He is joined by very special guests Mitchell F Chan, Operator's Ania Catherine and Dejha Ti, matto from Material Protocol Arts and maltefr.The conversation explores both the contrasts and connections between these seemingly opposing emerging camps, reaching at the very heart of why artists choose to work on Ethereum—straight from the protocol's leading thinkers and practitioners.

In Part 3 of our Digital Curators Series, host Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) interviews Tate Modern's Val Ravaglia, a display specialist and the curator of Electric Dreams, Tate's major historical digital art exhibition which runs until June 1, 2025. Ravaglia is Curator, Displays & International Art at Tate Modern. Her curatorial work has focused on display for over twelve years. In addition to curating Le Random's exhibition of the year, Electric Dreams, Ravaglia assisted on Tate’s complete collection rehang in 2016. The conversation covers the complexities of digital art display from a major museum perspective. Links: Chapters 📖: [1:46] Audience Reactions to Electric Dreams [6:15] The Role of Display at Tate Modern [17:00] Challenges of Collection Displays [21:20] Displaying Digital Art: Unique Considerations [31:38] The Complexities of Displaying Electric Dreams [42:02] Best Practices for Exhibiting Digital Art [46:00] Advice for Artists and Exhibitors [50:35] Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

In this conversation, the Le Random team reflects on a whirlwind 2024 in digital art and looks ahead to 2025. Host Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) is joined by thefunnyguys (CEO) and Conrad House (Collection Lead). Chapters 📖 Chapter 1: Introduction [00:00:05] - Host Peter Bauman introduces the podcast, the guests, and the agenda: reflecting on 2024 and discussing the outlook for 2025. Chapter 2: Themes of 2024 [00:01:26] - Discussion on the major themes of 2024, focusing on digital art platforms like fxhash, Foundation, Art Blocks, and their pivots or expansions. - The Artist Token Economy [00:02:43] - Exploration of the fxhash artist token economy and its implications for artists and collectors. - Platform Developments [00:03:30] - Conrad House talks about Rodeo's onboarding process and how platforms are adapting to market conditions. - Market Conditions vs. Institutional Acceptance [00:06:29] - Peter Bauman discusses the dual themes of market struggles and institutional acceptance of digital art in 2024. - Institutional Recognition of Digital Art [00:09:45] - Thefunnyguys and Conrad House reflect on the institutional acclaim for digital art and its impact on the market. - Maturing Market and Collectors [00:11:06] - Discussion on the maturing digital art market and the growing sophistication of collectors. Chapter 2: Exhibitions of the Year [00:14:30] - We share our favorite exhibitions of 2024, including Electric Dreams and Electric Op. Chapter 3: Projects of the Year [00:22:55] - We discuss our favorite projects from 2024, such as The Call by Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst. Chapter 4: Le Random acquisitions of the year [00:35:55] - Discussion on favorite team acquisitions and commissions of 2024, highlighting Deep ASCII, Florada, and others. Chapter 5: Artist of the Year [00:45:45] - We nominate our artists of the year, including Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst, and Rafaël Rozendaal. Chapter 6: Events of 2024 [00:54:04] - Reflection on the major events of 2024, such as the Generative Art Summit in Berlin and Bright Moments Venice. Chapter 7: Accomplishments of 2024 [00:59:11] - We highlight personal and team accomplishments from 2024, focusing on commissions and content. Chapter 8: Looking Ahead to 2025 [01:04:29] - We discuss the events and projects we're looking forward to in 2025, including NFT Paris and new exhibitions. Chapter 9: Market and Regulatory Outlook for 2025 [01:10:24] - Discussion on the potential impact of political and regulatory changes on the crypto and digital art markets in 2025. Chapter 10: Goals and Aspirations for 2025 [01:20:59] - We share our goals for 2025, including exploring new technologies, activations, and preservation efforts. Chapter 11: Closing Thoughts [01:28:28] - Final reflections on 2024 and excitement for the opportunities and challenges that 2025 may bring.

In this special Le Random artist conversation—hosted by Peter Bauman (aka Monk Antony), Editor-in-Chief of Le Random—we turn our attention to one of the most exciting shows of the year, Tate Modern's Electric Dreams. Peter is joined by three extraordinary exhibiting artists that exemplify the aims of the show: Rebecca Allen, Analívia Cordeiro & Eduardo Kac. Conrad House, Le Random's Collection Lead, co-hosts the talk. "One of Tate Modern’s most ambitious exhibitions to date," Electric Dreams is a major historical exhibition on the roots of new media expression celebrating "the early innovators of optical, kinetic, programmed and digital art." The artists reflect on their pioneering contributions to the major show, while sharing firsthand their experiences with the historical challenges and overdue recognition of digital art. Read from the show's curator, Val Ravaglia, with Peter.

In this conversation, Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) interviews Regina Harsanyi and Jon Ippolito, two digital curators and experts in digital art's preservation. Harsanyi is the Associate Curator of Media Arts at the Museum of the Moving Image and an independent advisor on preventive conservation for variable media arts. Ippolito is a new media artist, writer and former curator at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. He is also a professor of new media at the University of Maine, where he founded the Graduate Digital Curation Program. The conversation covers the complexities of digital art preservation, especially concerning blockchain and AI-based works. Links: https://transfergallery.com/data-trust/ https://dweb.grayarea.org https://DigitalCuration.UMaine.edu Chapters [00:00:04] Introduction to Digital Preservation [00:01:50] The Financial Reality of Digital Preservation [00:05:25] Industry-wide Challenges in Preservation [00:10:52] Variable Media: Why Preservation Matters [00:14:22] Legacy, Ethics, and Artistic Intent in Preservation [00:27:12] The Role of Museums and Institutional Standards [00:38:30] Blockchain Robustness as Storage Mechanism [00:43:15] Copyright Challenges in Blockchain-based Art [00:54:30] Strategies for Digital Preservation [01:04:02] Digital Conservation's Component Parts [01:13:40] Educational Resources for Collectors and Artists

In this conversation, Peter Bauman (Editor-in-Chief at Le Random) interviews Douglas Dodds, a longtime Senior Digital Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and a pivotal figure in the institutional collecting of new media art. The discussion covers the challenges of collecting digital art, including sourcing, preserving and showcasing these works in a museum context. Dodds shares particularly valuable insights into the acquisition process, from identifying valuable pieces to navigating relationships with artists and galleries. He also reflects on the unique historical significance of the V&A's collection, which spans early computer-generated works to contemporary digital media, emphasizing the importance of context in building a cohesive and enduring collection. They also discuss the role of donations, the complex value of digital art beyond financial metrics and the delicate relationship between institutions and new digital mediums like NFTs. We get a museum perspective on the concerns of our community. 📖 Chapters [00:00:03]: Introduction to Le Random Digital Curators Series [00:01:35]: Challenges in Collecting Digital Art [00:03:31]: Identifying Worthwhile Artworks and Preservation Issues [00:05:14]: Process of Identifying Digital Art to Collect [00:09:17]: V&A's Goals and Unique Collection Aspects [00:14:54]: Sourcing Digital Artworks and Building Relationships [00:20:55]: Donations vs. Purchases in Acquisitions [00:26:03]: Value of Digital Art for Museums [00:34:00]: Final Steps in the Acquisition Process [00:42:28]: Impact of Patric Prince on Digital Art Collection

In this special Le Random artist discussion—hosted by Peter Bauman (aka Monk Antony), Editor-in-Chief of Le Random—we cover the upcoming Electric Op exhibition at Buffalo AKG. Our guests include four of the most influential voices in digital expression over the past two-three decades: Cory Arcangel, Joan Heemskerk, Tali Hinkis, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Joining Peter is co-host Conrad House (aka Nemocake), Le Random’s Collection Lead.Each artist reflects on their unique practices and contributions to the Electric Op show, which bridges op art and digital media. We explore how their art interacts with technology’s aesthetic, cultural and historical dimensions.

In this Le Random discussion we are so pleased to speak to a scholar of art history in Dr. Nancy Perloff from the Getty Research Institute. She joins Le Random's editor-in-chief Peter Bauman. Perloff recently curated Sensing the Future: Experiments in Art and Technology (E.A.T.), showing at the Getty Center as part of PST Art. The pair explores E.A.T.’s influential role in merging art, technology and engineering, a movement founded in 1966 by Bell Labs engineer Billy Klüver and artists like Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage. Dr. Perloff shares insights on E.A.T.’s success, including as an early digital art network, as well as its collaborations between artists and engineers (mostly from Bell Labs). This included performances like Nine Evenings: Theatre and Engineering and immersive experiences at the 1970 Osaka World Expo’s Pepsi Pavilion. They touch on curatorial challenges, EAT’s experimental nature, its role in building interdisciplinary networks, and its lasting, yet underappreciated, impact on art and technology.

In this Le Random Generative Art Timeline Artist Discussion, hosts Peter Bauman (Monk Antony), Conrad House (Nemocake) and thefunnyguys welcome four of this decade's most prominent voices and builders: Lauren Lee McCarthy, Erick Calderon, Itzel Yard and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. The artists explore themes like the rise of AI, NFTs, and the increased institutional interest in digital art, proposing names for the decade such as the "Normalization Era" or "Digital Dramaturgy Era." McCarthy and Lozano-Hemmer discuss the dual nature of technology, highlighting both its empowering and its potentially oppressive aspects, while stressing the importance of community and critical engagement. Erick Calderon and Itzel Yard emphasize the positive communal and creative impacts of digital platforms like Art Blocks and the significance of making art accessible through modern technology. We conclude with reflections on the growing acceptance of digital art by institutions, the importance of preserving digital art, and the powerful role of art in understanding and navigating contemporary life. Chapters: [00:00:05]: Introduction to Final Chapter Release Discussion [00:02:01]: Future Timeline Discussions and Cross-Generational Plans [00:03:39]: Generative Art Timeline's Completion and Future Plans [00:05:21]: Themes of the 2020s in Digital Art [00:07:07]: Introduction of Guest Artists and Their Achievements [00:10:03]: Naming the0s Decade in Digital Art [00:17:34]: Participation’s Role in Digital Art [00:28:20]: Artists’ Perspectives on Technology and Art [00:51:51]: Positive Trends in Digital Art and Museum Engagement [01:01:42]: Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

This is Le Random's discussion following the release of Chapter 9 of our Generative Art Timeline, which covered the decade of the 2010s. Le Random's Peter Bauman (Monk Antony), editor in chief at Le Random is joined by co-founder thefunnyguys and Content Lead Conrad House. Our guests today are some of the artists and thinkers who lived art history in the 2010s. They are Tyler Hobbs, Helena Sarin, Rhea Myers, and Gene Kogan. Join us as we discuss digital expression in a decade of major trends such as AI's rise and the invention of NFTs.

Algorithmic and digital art founder Frieder Nake joined Peter Bauman (Monk Antony) to continue their chat after the release of "Frieder Nake on 'Machinic' Miracles" at Le Random Editorials. Chapters: [00:00:29]: Introduction to Frieder Nake and his contributions to digital art [00:02:32]: Computers and the concept of quality vs quantity [00:03:26]: Quantity turning into quality [00:05:31]: Pattern recognition and discovery of new quality [00:07:07]: Connection to Max Bense's Generative Aesthetics [00:09:13]: Intuition versus machine randomness [00:12:15]: Creativity, emotion and the role of intuition [00:24:53]: AI and human choices in art [00:38:23]: Alienation and creativity in artistic expression

In our chat, "Art & Code in the 2000s," from May 14, 2024, a panel of the decade's leading figures joins ⁠Peter Bauman⁠, ⁠Conrad House⁠ and thefunnyguys from Le Random. They share their diverse perspectives on the 2000s in coded and generative art, reflecting on what made the decade unique as well as what we may have lost and are searching for today. Speakers include: ⁠Christiane Paul, Casey Reas, Christa Sommerer & Golan Levin

In our chat, "Pioneering Digital Expression in the '90s," from April 10, 2024, a panel of legends joins Le Random's ⁠Peter Bauman⁠, ⁠Conrad House and thefunnyguys⁠. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1990s as pioneers of an often overlooked decade. It's only overlooked because of its recency, as the impact the decade had can still be seen all around today, including AI and Internet-related art. The parallels between artists getting started on the Internet in the '90s and artists beginning with blockchain and AI today are stark. Enjoy one of Le Random's most enriching conversations yet. Speakers include: Auriea Harvey, Joshua Davis, LIA, Scott Draves, Vuk Ćosić Chapters 📖 [00:00:04]: Introduction to the Le Random discussion [00:05:05]: Early experiences with net art in the 90s [00:17:16]: Early programming experiences and Flash art [00:27:27]: Creation of the Electric Sheep algorithm [00:31:58]: Evolutionary art and machine learning influence [00:44:02]: Personal connections and significance of local scenes [00:49:21]: Impact of global audience on creative freedom [00:56:56]: Use of Flash and freedom in artistic expression [00:58:41]: Influence of avant-garde and personal creative journey [00:59:45]: Reflections on early internet experiences and creativity [01:01:12]: Introduction to Flash vs. Director [01:02:42]: Transition to Flash for Design Intention [01:04:06]: Benefits of Vector-Based Design in Flash [01:06:38]: Evolution to Processing and Coding [01:08:55]: Transition from Director to P5JS [01:09:56]: Learning Different Programming Languages [01:10:42]: Challenges of Shader Programming [01:11:13]: Node-Based Programming Tools [01:12:46]: Impact of Tools and Languages in Work [01:15:16]: Reflections on the '90s Tech Community

The Le Random team met up to celebrate a year since our public launch. thefunnyguys, Zack Taylor, Peter Bauman and Conrad House discuss: -One year of LR: Our favorite collected pieces 36 Points by Sage Jensen & seeds of seeds by Entangled Others Polygona Nervosa by Golan Levin RGB Elementary Cellular Automaton #1 by ciphrd Mondrian by Herbert W. Franke -One year of LR: Our favorite editorial pieces Demystifying Generative Aesthetics by Peter Demystifying Generative Art by Peter AGH on Glorifying the Computer by Peter Il(Lumina)ting Marfa by Nathaniel Stern Zach Lieberman on the Resonance of Generative Art by Peter -One year of LR: Our favorite moments -Our current thoughts on the market -Questions from the audience

In our chat, "Pioneers of '80s Art & Innovation," from February 7, 2024, a panel of icons joins Peter Bauman and Conrad House. They share their diverse perspectives on the 1980s in digital and generative art, reflecting the decade's richness and complexity. Speakers include: Mark Wilson, Copper Giloth, Dan Sandin, David Em, William Latham, Stephen Todd, Darcy Gerbarg + Geoff Davis Chapters 📖 [00:00:00]: Introduction [00:01:55]: The Decade of the 80s [00:02:30]: Darcy Gerbarg's Experience [00:06:36]: Copper Giloth's Pioneering Work [00:09:04]: Mark Wilson's Journey [00:14:53]: David Em's Early Encounters [00:20:50]: William Latham's IBM Fellowship [00:24:50]: Stephen Todd's Collaboration with William [01:00:02]: Early experiences with personal computers [01:01:13]: Transition to personal computers for artists [01:03:01]: Evolution of personal computers in the 80s [01:04:22]: Giloth on gender bias in the '80s art world [01:06:21]: Giloth on computer graphics & the portrayal of women's bodies [01:08:38]: Expansion of artist community in the '80s [01:10:19]: Generative art and its evolution [01:13:47]: Creativity & the Chicago video game industry [01:17:05]: Influence of Silicon Graphics on commercial graphics

On February 1, 2024, Le Random collaborated with Joyn to host and present a community celebration of Genuary. Genuary is a generative art month, during which artists create daily pieces according to 31 carefully selected prompts. We invited some very special artists as guests, including the organizer of the event itself, Piter Pasma. We asked the artists about their experience participating in Genuary 2024 and more. The talk is in conjunction with an article Peter Bauman (Monk Antony) wrote on Joyn.xyz, where he curated and shared his thoughts on his 10 favorite Genuary prompts. Hosts: Aleksandra Art (Joyn), Peter Bauman⁠ (Content at Le Random), thefunnyguys (Co-Founder of Le Random), Conrad House (Nemo Cake, Collecting at Le Random) and Andrea (Crown & Palette at Joyn) Arists: Piter Pasma, Ella, Darien Brito, Ahmad Moussa