A Pioneering Voyage into Multi-Dimensional Art at Sotheby’s Los Angeles

The Future Is Now: A Seamless Blend of Physical and Digital Art

ThankYouX • 28 November–20 December 2023 • Los Angeles

In an epoch-defining event this November, Sotheby’s Los Angeles is set to unveil “inertia,” a solo exhibition spotlighting an exhilarating new collection from the multi-talented, Los Angeles-based artist Ryan Wilson, more commonly known by his artistic alias, ThankYouX. This eagerly awaited exhibition not only serves as a testament to the thriving partnership between Sotheby’s and cutting-edge artists but also marks one of the most ambitious exhibitions of primary work by an artist at Sotheby’s to date.

Breaking Boundaries: From Canvas to Blockchain

The “inertia” exhibition will offer a panoramic view of ThankYouX’s diverse artistic prowess, featuring a wide array of works ranging from large-scale physical canvases to avant-garde digital compositions and hybrid artworks. These hybrid pieces ingeniously incorporate digital screens into traditional canvases, thereby serving as a metaphorical bridge between the physical and digital realms of art. ThankYouX’s work, which comprises 13 masterpieces, encapsulates his ongoing fascination with motion—both in the literal and metaphorical sense—across multiple mediums.

“For me, every painting in ‘inertia’ is an abstract love letter to motion,” expresses ThankYouX. “I envision each brushstroke as a colorful dance, inviting the spectator into a dynamic symphony of movement.”

A Meteoric Rise: ThankYouX’s Journey from Street Art to Blockchain

Having begun his creative journey as a street artist, ThankYouX rapidly ascended to international fame thanks to his unique style. His art has graced the walls of galleries from London to Miami and found homes in esteemed private and public collections globally. However, it was his foray into blockchain-based digital art in 2020 that cemented his position as one of the leading figures in the digital art arena. This exhibition marks a significant milestone in his career, reaffirming his passion for both traditional painting and the ever-evolving world of digital art.

The New Frontier: Sotheby’s Embrace of the Digital Age

Sotheby’s, too, has been actively broadening its horizons, embracing digital art and blockchain technologies. The auction house, which established its Los Angeles gallery in October 2021, has been expanding its footprint, opening new spaces in Palm Beach, Aspen, and Monaco. The “inertia” exhibition stands as a resounding affirmation of Sotheby’s commitment to not only supporting artists but also to revolutionizing how we engage with art in a digitized, blockchain-driven world.

TL;DR

Sotheby’s Los Angeles is hosting “inertia,” a groundbreaking solo exhibition by LA-based artist ThankYouX. The show, running from November 28 to December 20, 2023, features an eclectic mix of physical, digital, and hybrid artworks. The exhibition underscores both the artist’s and Sotheby’s evolving roles in the merging worlds of traditional and digital art.