In this episode, we go down some rabbit holes with Bahrull Marta, talking about his process with his art, the blockchain, and how we are going through a cultural shift with digital art. As a multi-disciplinary artist who has been working with darker themes in his work for a long time now, he has a unique perspective on both the digital art space, as well as the traditional art world.
I think one of my favorite things about talking with artists that have darker themes in their work, is the unspoken fact that we are used to being on the fringes of the art world. I’ve always been of the opinion that art out on the peripheries of trending work is the stuff that is life changing, and will actually appreciate in value for those that get something out of it.
We talk a lot about web3 culture, and how NFTs have changed the way we work as artists. There are new tools we have decided to pick up and learned to use. We have made connections with folks in ways that are valuable, and lasting. And we’ve also learned a lot about how it all works as an ecosystem.
Bahrull has an approach to his work that is uncanny, compared to most folks I interview. He does not approach his work as a therapeutic experience, nor does he do it to avoid suffering. He is fully engaging with discomfort and chaos during his process, and he is not left with a sense of being healed, or calmness.
I’m keeping this podcast’s article short, because I think Bahrull presents his process in a way that I feel is best heard - most of what I have to say would be a disservice. From metal music to dark themes in his work, he is a well of insight about what it means to be an artist that creates because they need to create. And from a cultural perspective, he stands out as a contrarian in a society that is relatively conservative.
Please be sure to check him out on Twitter, Instagram, and his work across various marketplaces. I’m looking forward to talking with him again soon, and getting into some more specific topics.
I’m taking a break next week. I wish I could say I’m taking a personal vacation, but really, it’s just me taking a break from creating and managing content. The week after that, I’ll be coming back with some discussions about AI, art, and more - with some guests you may or may not have heard on this podcast before. See you then.
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