URL to IRL

Located in the Marais district of Paris, ArtVerse is a digital art gallery and Web3 cultural hub founded by Sebastien Borget and Arthur Madrid, co-founders of The Sandbox, and directed by Grida (Jang Hye-won), a first-generation digital and crypto art curator.

Guided by the motto “URL to IRL”, ArtVerse connects the digital and physical worlds, offering a unique space where art and technology harmonize seamlessly. ArtVerse exhibitions bridge the gap between digital art and traditional fine art, fostering connections between artists and communities while strengthening the authenticity of the Web3 ecosystem. With solo exhibitions of digital artists, collaborative community projects, and curated collections from the founders, ArtVerse actively elevates digital art as a significant genre in art history.

Beyond being just an exhibition space, ArtVerse serves as a central hub for digital art communities, creating a platform where artists and audiences can engage and experience art in transformative ways.

By breaking the boundaries between digital and physical art, ArtVerse explores the sustainable future of art, making it an essential destination for those seeking new possibilities in creative expression.

In addition to exhibitions, ArtVerse hosted various seminars and special events in 2024 focused on digital culture.

  • All & EveryTommy Hollenstein & Foodmasku Duo Exhibition

  • Hemyeong Stitched Constellations on Hanji

All & EveryTommy Hollenstein & Foodmasku Duo Exhibition

In the summer of 2024, ArtVerse hosted the special exhibition “All & Every” to commemorate the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. The exhibition showcased the works of T ommy Hollenstein, who paints using his wheelchair wheels, and Foodmasku, known for creating unique face masks from food. Their art reinterprets the Olympic spirit, emphasizing equality and accessibility in art. As philosopher John Dewey said, “Art is not the possession of a privileged few; it is the authentic expression of individuality.” This exhibition explored the boundless possibilities of art through the bold creativity and collaboration of the two artists, transforming trauma into artistic expression. 

Additionally, all artworks were authenticated using blockchain technology, highlighting the innovative value of digital art.

Hemyeong Stitched Constellations on Hanji

In October, ArtVerse presented “Hemyeong: Stitched Constellations on Hanji”, the first solo digital art exhibition by renowned Korean painter Kim Seong Heui (Hemyeong). Known for her 40-year career painting constellations and the universe on traditional Korean hanji using ink and natural dyes, this exhibition showcased the harmony of tradition and digital technology.

Simultaneously held in Paris and Seoul, physical artworks were displayed in Seoul, while digital works were exhibited in Paris, reflecting the artist’s vision of connecting East and West, as well as tradition and modernity. Hemyeong’s philosophical exploration of human desires and the finite nature of stars found its expression in interconnected artworks reminiscent of blockchain structures. This exhibition marked a significant turning point in Kim Seong Heui’s career as a digital artist and symbolized the realization of her artistic journey.

YUYU A Thousand Layers And A Thousand More

In November, during Paris Photo, ArtVerse presented a solo exhibition by digital artist and photographer YUYU, “A Thousand Layers and A Thousand More”. The exhibition explored themes of time, memory, and the interwoven histories of individuals and communities through a large-scale installation and 15 animated derivative artworks. At the heart of the exhibition was a reinterpretation of William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s Les Oreades (1902), created using five asymmetrical polyester fabrics. These semi-transparent layers hung from the gallery ceiling, providing an immersive experience as visitors walked through a temporal landscape symbolizing the dynamic nature of memory. This exhibition not only highlighted the interplay of time and memory but also marked.

Ongoing involvements in art charity

ArtVerse continues its mission of exploring nature, culture, and the future with two Tupcoming exhibitions. The first, MAYA SPIRITS, celebrates the beauty of Mayan culture and nature through striking photographic works. Renowned artists capture the light filtering through ancient trees and the resilience of stone structures that have withstood the test of time. Proceeds from the exhibition will contribute to preserving the Maya forest, empowering women, and protecting biodiversity, delivering a profound message of harmony and sustainability.

The second exhibition, SOFT MUTATIONS, is a collaborative project by ArtVerse, Objkt.one, and Blueshift Gallery. This exhibition explores the fusion of human and non-human existence, blurring the boundaries of identity and ecosystems. Featuring 10 international artists, it marks Wildlife Conservation Day on December 4 by donating a portion of proceeds to the Wildlife Conservation Society, contributing to nature conservation and biodiversity preservation. Both exhibitions convey powerful messages of responsibility, harmony, and the connection between tradition and modernity, as well as the shared future we must protect. ArtVerse is more than just an exhibition space—it is a bridge connecting artists, collectors, and the public, continuously working to integrate digital art into mainstream culture. Through artist solo exhibitions, community collaborations, and permanent collections, ArtVerse strives to establish digital art as a critical genre in art history, rather than a fleeting trend. As Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Guided by this philosophy, ArtVerse seeks to present new perspectives through the fusion of technology and creativity. It aims to be a pivotal space that bridges the digital and physical worlds, expands the boundaries of artistic expression, and shapes the future of art.

With consistent exhibitions and meaningful dialogues, ArtVerse will continue to lead the evolution of digital art and culture, opening new chapters for artistic expression in the years to come..

Grida curated a collection of works by Jason Kim, who reinterpreted Chanel’s iconic tweed texture for an AI seminar by the luxury brand.

  • During October’s Art Basel, ArtVerse collaborated with the Paris Opera’s Coddess Variations project to host an artist talk, offering a multidimensional perspective on digital culture and its evolving role in the arts.

  • The gallery director

    Grida,  served as the director of Europe’s first NFT gallery and has curated

    significant exhibitions, including the first CryptoPunk digital art show and a crypto art exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery.

    She has also introduced digital art at the World Knowledge Forum, Seoul National University, the Vatican, and the Medici Villa, continuing her efforts to establish digital art as a significant part of art history.

    Grida lives in an era where digital art and blockchain technology are opening new frontiers,

    emphasizing the inseparable connection between technology and creation. Just as the Latin word Ars and the Greek word Technē symbolize the fusion of art and technology, she explores through her exhibitions how this integration shapes the future of art in the digital age.

The gallery Co-Founder

Sebastien Borget, is also the Co-founder and COO of The Sandbox, a virtual platform where players can create, play, own, govern and monetize their experiences using NFTs & SAND. In addition to his role at The Sandbox, Sébastien serves as the President of the Blockchain Game Alliance, a non-profit organization comprising 600 key members within the industry. His contributions to the blockchain space have garnered significant recognition, including being ranked #4 on CoinTelegraph’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Crypto for 2022.

Furthermore, Sébastien has been acknowledged by Forbes, where he was honored as one of the OC Top 100 Creators for 2024 in the Gaming category.

For more informations : https://linktr.ee/artverse.paris
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