Mike Winkelmann Unveils Mind-Blowing Robotic Dogs at Art Basel Miami Beach
Renowned digital artist, Mike Winkelmann, popularly known as Beeple, has once again captured the art world’s attention with his latest exhibition at Art Basel Miami Beach. The centerpiece of his display, titled “Regular Animals,” features a unique collection of robotic dogs worth $100,000 each. These mechanical canines are equipped with hyper-realistic heads resembling famous personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol.
The robotic dogs are housed in a transparent plexiglass enclosure where they move around, capturing images using chest-mounted cameras. These images are then processed by artificial intelligence before being transformed into prints. Interestingly, 256 of these prints contain QR codes that grant collectors access to a complimentary Non-Fungible Token (NFT). These NFTs are distributed in bags labeled “Excrement Sample,” adding a touch of whimsical irreverence to the exhibition.
In a bold and unconventional move, Beeple included himself among the distinguished figures represented by the robotic dogs. This self-portrait dog was the first to be sold, surprising both the artist and onlookers alike.
This project signifies yet another milestone in Winkelmann’s career, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the digital art realm. Notably, four years ago, his digital collage fetched a staggering $69 million at Christie’s, playing a significant role in popularizing NFTs and sparking a boom in the digital art market.
