The "Human Generated" podcast, hosted by Omid Honari, recently featured a compelling discussion with artist VESA, delving into the intricate relationship between contemporary art, emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse, and the enduring influence of spirituality. The conversation, which stemmed from their serendipitous meeting during a day of keynote speeches at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, revealed a shared interest in the profound implications of art and its connection to deeper human experiences. This encounter, occurring in late May amidst Dubai’s sweltering heat, provided a unique backdrop for a dialogue that spanned VESA’s Finnish origins, his artistic evolution, and his philosophical approach to creation.
A Meeting of Minds in Dubai
The genesis of this discussion lies in a significant event held at the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Both VESA and Omid Honari were invited to deliver keynote addresses, an experience that VESA, a native of Finland who had spent years in the UK, found particularly resonant. He noted that the Dubai engagement marked the first winter in his 44 years where he had experienced consistent warm weather, a stark contrast to his Northern European roots. This personal observation about climate and comfort subtly underscored the broader theme of human adaptation and perception, a concept VESA later linked to how individuals rationalize their emotional responses to their surroundings through shared narratives and advice. Omid, drawing on a childhood anecdote about the relative ease of coping with cold versus heat, mirrored this sentiment, highlighting the personal nature of our interactions with the environment and the stories we construct around them.
Their shared presence at the library, a hub for knowledge and culture, provided fertile ground for their subsequent podcast recording. The convergence of their topics – art, its societal role, and its spiritual dimensions – made a deeper exploration seem not only natural but inevitable. The podcast, captured in late May 2023, aimed to unpack these complex themes, offering listeners a comprehensive look at VESA’s unique perspective.
Navigating New Technological Frontiers in Art
A central point of contention and discussion in the podcast was Omid Honari’s proposition that the constellation of new technologies, including NFTs and the metaverse, might be fundamentally at odds with traditional notions of creative arts. VESA, however, respectfully disagreed, articulating his worldview through the lens of Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory. This philosophical framework, which emphasizes viewing oneself and one’s contributions as integral parts of a larger, interconnected whole, informs VESA’s approach to art and life.
He argued that traditional art education often begins its historical narrative in the postmodern era, neglecting the primal origins of human artistic expression, such as cave and body painting. From VESA’s Integral perspective, new technologies are not disruptive forces but rather powerful tools that, when harnessed effectively, can dismantle old gatekeeping systems and foster a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape. He cited his LUXOR-inspired art gallery as a prime example, demonstrating how innovative technologies can lower entry barriers and connect with the very roots of artistic creation. While acknowledging that traditional institutions, often preoccupied with identity politics, might be slow to adopt these advancements, VESA expressed optimism about the "total freedom" these new avenues offer to individuals.
This perspective aligns with a growing discourse surrounding the democratization of art. Historically, access to artistic creation, exhibition, and patronage was often concentrated within elite circles. The advent of digital platforms and blockchain technology has the potential to decentralize these structures, allowing artists to connect directly with a global audience and retain greater control over their work. However, this shift also presents challenges in navigating value and authenticity in a rapidly evolving digital art market.
From Primordial Expression to Digital Scarcity
The conversation then delved into the seemingly vast chasm between the corporal essence of body painting and the cerebral, intangible nature of the digital realm. Omid questioned how an artist, particularly one with VESA’s background in visceral, human-centric art, bridges this divide. VESA recounted the profound impact of his first encounter with a fully body-painted model, describing it as akin to witnessing a superhero. This experience, he explained, solidified his connection to the physical form as a canvas for artistic expression.
His transition to the digital space was not a deliberate choice to abandon his roots but rather a natural progression dictated by his artistic methodology. VESA revealed that his original works had been digital since 2008, a stance that posed significant challenges for traditional art institutions prior to the widespread acceptance of NFTs. These institutions, he noted, often demanded physical originals, a requirement VESA, working primarily in the digital medium, could not fulfill.
The introduction of Bitcoin and its underlying blockchain technology marked a pivotal moment for VESA, offering a solution for digital scarcity and ownership. This technology enabled the creation of digital assets, such as artworks, that could possess a rarity akin to physical masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. Omid, however, raised a pertinent question about the perceived value of certain digital artworks, referencing the now-famous image of a monkey that gained significant traction, questioning if this represented a dilution of genuine artistic endeavor.
VESA clarified that while such projects might possess strong marketing and serve as access passes, they do not necessarily equate to fine art. He emphasized the need for greater public education to discern the difference between collectible digital assets and digitized fine art, underscoring that the common thread is the underlying technology, not necessarily the artistic merit. He echoed the sentiments of cultural critic Camille Paglia, suggesting that society stands on the precipice of a new cultural Renaissance, but our existing institutions are not adequately preparing our collective consciousness for this transformation. VESA pointed to Finland, his native country, as an example where government grants are often tied to perpetuating specific narratives, stifling genuine creativity and fostering a climate more akin to students catering to a teacher’s preferences rather than exploring relevant artistic avenues.
The Divine Spark and the Origins of Creation
The conversation took a more introspective turn as Omid inquired about the origins of VESA’s artistic journey. VESA attributed his creative drive to two pivotal moments: his connection to music, particularly the resonant power of African drums, and a profound spiritual experience during a near-drowning incident at the age of six. He described his creative process as being driven by a desire for connection, where at its best, the act of creation feels almost divinely guided, with skill serving to manifest this connection in a form that resonates with others.
This exploration of the divine led to a discussion about VESA’s understanding of spirituality. He referenced "The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life," a book that profoundly influenced his perspective during travels in Egypt and Mexico in 2012. This text posits that the fundamental patterns of existence originate from a singular source, with the diversity of life being an expression of this unified divine. VESA views the human brain less as a generator and more as a receiver of this divine energy. His near-drowning experience, he believes, brought him into a state of heightened connection to this origin point, prompting contemplation about pre-existence and the nature of consciousness.
Omid poetically illustrated this human yearning for origin through Rumi’s famous poem about the reed pipe, longing to return to the wholeness from which it was cut. This metaphor beautifully captures the human condition of being a conduit for a greater force while simultaneously hankering for a return to ultimate unity. The impact of cultural touchstones, such as the Pink Floyd "Back Catalogue" poster on VESA’s teenage wall, also hinted at the formative influences that shape an artist’s trajectory and worldview.
Artistic Expression Across Different ‘Bodies’
The discussion extended to VESA’s practice of bodypainting and its extension to inanimate objects, such as his "Art Cars." Omid drew a parallel between painting on human bodies and applying art to other forms, inquiring if this represented a continuation of his core methodology. VESA acknowledged that while these endeavors are still human-centric, as they are created for human appreciation, his approach is deeply respectful, particularly within Islamic cultural contexts. He expressed a conscious effort to avoid idolizing the human form and instead aims to showcase the "divine spark" within it, celebrating the magnificence of creation.
This nuanced perspective highlights the artist’s role in not only aesthetic creation but also in cultural dialogue and spiritual exploration. The conversation concluded with an invitation for a potential follow-up episode, to which VESA responded with "Inshallah," signifying a shared hope for continued exploration of these multifaceted themes.
Broader Implications and Future Directions
The podcast conversation between VESA and Omid Honari serves as a microcosm of broader trends shaping the art world. The integration of technology, the re-examination of artistic origins, and the exploration of spiritual dimensions are not isolated phenomena but rather interconnected facets of a rapidly evolving cultural landscape. VESA’s Integral approach offers a framework for understanding these shifts not as disruptive forces but as opportunities for growth and deeper connection.
The implications of this discussion extend beyond the art community. As digital technologies become increasingly pervasive, the questions raised about authenticity, value, and the very definition of art become relevant to a wider audience. The podcast underscores the importance of critical engagement with these new frontiers, encouraging a thoughtful consideration of how technology can be leveraged to enhance, rather than diminish, human creativity and spiritual understanding.
The journey from the ancient practice of body painting to the digital realm of NFTs, as articulated by VESA, represents a continuous human quest for meaning and connection. The "Human Generated" podcast has provided a valuable platform for exploring these complex intersections, offering insights that resonate with both seasoned art enthusiasts and those new to the evolving world of creative expression. The dialogue promises to continue, as the art world navigates the exciting, and at times challenging, possibilities of the future.
