Meet the Maestro of Digital Art

You might not know his name, but his work often pops up on screens near you. Alberto Mielgo is not just another artist; he’s the secret sauce behind some of the most visually stunning pieces in modern cinema and television. Think about Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots—the one that snagged multiple Emmys and left viewers wondering, ‘How did they even do that?’ Mielgo and his crew, which consists of over 70 talented individuals, are responsible for bringing that magic to life.

Nerds in the Driver’s Seat

Let’s face it, the traditional art elite have been sleeping on digital art for way too long. Mielgo isn’t just playing the victim here; he’s starting a revolution in how we perceive art in the digital age. “The art elite, this 2% or 3% with their fancy galleries, they’ve acted like digital artists are just craftspersons for movies and commercials,” Mielgo mused. But now, the tables are turning; the nerds—those who love movies, comics, and video games—are stepping into the spotlight. They’re diving into crypto and abstract concept art, and guess what? They’re not looking back.

Redefining Ownership

Mielgo emphasizes a key point: owning art is evolving. For generations conditioned to value tangible objects, the concept of a non-physical masterpiece seems daunting. “I think we’re gravitating towards that world,” he said, showing optimism for the digital future. While art institutions scramble to adapt, Mielgo sees it as an opportunity not just for himself, but for the whole digital art community. “It’s validating,” he commented, “but it’s more about showing that digital art is a serious category.”

Contractual Chaos in Corporate Art

The art world isn’t the only realm needing a wake-up call; Mielgo has some choice words for corporate culture, too. He openly criticized the existing contractual norms that border on exploitative, making artists feel as if they’ve sold their soul. “They’re behind,” he proclaimed, pointing out that the traditional studios and galleries aren’t keeping pace with the times.

Mind-Blowing Collaborations

Reflecting on his time collaborating with Beeple on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Mielgo recounted how they blew the minds of producers with rapid-fire, surreal visuals accompanied by electric techno beats. “They couldn’t even process it,” he joked, recalling the gaping mouths and bewildered expressions of the bigwigs at Sony.

Prepare for an Art Uprising

With the impending NFT auction on MakersPlace scheduled for April 14th, Mielgo aims to kickstart a similar renaissance but on a larger, digital scale. “It’s a real slap in their face, all these dinosaurs,” he laughed. This isn’t just an auction; it’s a loud, clear signal that traditional art paradigms are about to be shattered.