Tyler Hobbs is a renowned artist who has become a prominent figure in the world of generative art. Originally a software engineer with a passion for drawing and painting, he discovered the potential of algorithm-assisted art a decade ago. By writing simple programs and continuously refining them, Hobbs has developed a distinctive digital aesthetic that combines elements of non-digital 'system' art and Abstract Expressionism. His work stands out for its unique, almost painterly quality.
At the age of 35, Hobbs gained significant recognition for his Fidenza series of NFTs in 2021. These NFTs, generated by a single algorithm, fetched impressive prices in the art market. Unlike many other generative artists, Hobbs successfully separated the artistic value of his work from the hype and speculation surrounding cryptocurrencies.
Despite the ups and downs of the crypto world, Hobbs's reputation remains unscathed, and the demand for his art continues to soar. As the focus shifts towards generative art of genuine worth, Hobbs emerges as a trailblazing star in the field, claiming a space that few have achieved.
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Tyler Hobbs is an artist who utilizes algorithms, plotters and paints to create his unique artworks. He delves into the intersection of computational aesthetics, exploring how computer hardware and software interact with the natural world. Hobbs's custom-designed algorithms generate visually striking imagery that balances the precision of computers with the organic qualities found in nature. His international exhibitions and collections in various countries attest to the widespread recognition his work has garnered. Initially, Hobbs explored traditional drawing and painting, but his love for art and computers ultimately led him to the realm of generative art, where he discovered the perfect fusion of his passions.
Driven by a perpetual curiosity, Hobbs constantly seeks to expand his knowledge of programming and algorithmic art generation. He embraces the unpredictability of random art and approaches programming as an experimental process, always open to novel ideas and eager to test unconventional concepts. Interestingly, he sometimes introduces bugs into his programs, finding that they unexpectedly improve the artwork. Hobbs's journey to generative art was a departure from his earlier work in more traditional forms, such as figure drawing. However, his background in computer science and programming compelled him to integrate these elements into his artistic expression. For him, writing code transformed his perspective on the world and became an integral part of his artistic practice.
Tyler Hobbs and Generative Art
Tyler Hobbs has become a prominent figure in the world of generative art, thanks to his groundbreaking contributions. His journey began with the exploration of "flow fields" in 2016, which allowed him to create organic, non-overlapping curves in his artwork. Combining his background in traditional portrait, figure, and landscape drawing with his love for computers, Hobbs found his true calling in generative art. His relentless pursuit of knowledge in programming and algorithmic creation has propelled him to new heights.
After studying computer science and graduating in 2010, Hobbs stumbled upon the generative art community in 2014 and realized its potential as a perfect fit for his artistic and coding skills. This discovery ignited his passion, and he has been wholeheartedly devoted to generative art ever since. By 2017, he leapt to become a full-time artist, producing around 100 pieces per year and sustaining himself through commissions and print sales.
Although the path was challenging, with feelings of loneliness and financial difficulties, Hobbs persevered. In 2018, he even founded a startup called Travel Boss, focusing on business travel, to support his artistic endeavours. However, the pandemic led to the closure of the company, which turned out to be a serendipitous event. It was during this time that Hobbs came across Art Blocks, a platform that would change his future dramatically. Hand-picked as a curated artist by Art Blocks, Hobbs quickly rose to success, solidifying his position as an influential figure in the generative art scene.
Tyler Hobbs Art process
Tyler Hobbs employs a distinct creative process in his artwork, relying solely on programming to bring his vision to life. He forgoes traditional methods like hand drawing or post-editing in favour of crafting his pieces entirely through code. This approach allows him to explore the possibilities of generative art, where the artist's role involves designing a program that generates the final artwork.
Hobbs collaborates with technology, selecting colours, aesthetics, and pattern preferences to express himself in a harmonious fusion of art and technology. In an effort to provide collectors with insight into his artistic process, Hobbs goes beyond the finished artwork and offers a glimpse into the program itself. This inclusion is vital to him, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between the artwork and the underlying code. By sharing the snapshot of the program alongside the artwork, Hobbs invites viewers to appreciate the integral role that coding plays in his creations.
While generative art has a history dating back to the 1960s, artists like Tyler Hobbs are propelling the genre to new heights, particularly with the recent surge in the popularity of NFTs. Through his unconventional approach, Hobbs not only showcases the potential of generative art but also serves as an educator, enlightening people about the symbiotic relationship between technology and art. His work demonstrates how these seemingly disparate realms can seamlessly coexist and thrive.
Tyler Hobbs NFTs collections
Tyler Hobbs's NFT collections, have made a significant impact in the digital art world. These collections are hosted on Art Blocks, a prominent platform for minting generative art as NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain, where Hobbs has become.
The process of creating these NFTs involves a competitive artist selection, with buyers playing an integral role in the creation of each unique piece. Through the random seed generated during the minting process, every NFT image is uniquely created, adding an element of emergence and originality. Collectors have the opportunity to trade these NFTs on secondary markets, further contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of digital art.
Fidenza stands out as a remarkable collection within the realm of generative art. Developed by Tyler Hobbs, these NFTs are the result of a versatile and self-developed generative algorithm. This algorithm, considered his most versatile yet, produces unpredictable and high-quality artwork, showcasing Hobbs' artistic vision and technical prowess.
The SolBlocks Controversy
The controversy emerged when an NFT project on Solana, named SolBlocks, introduced a new NFT drop called SolBlocks Series I. The controversy stemmed from the fact that this art collection was created using Tyler Hobbs' Fidenza program.
The creators of SolBlocks defended their project, emphasising that the NFTs were not copies of the original Art Blocks collection. They acknowledged their utilization of Hobbs' code but claimed to be "honest pirates" by committing to sharing a portion of the proceeds with the artists whose code they employed.
However, Hobbs strongly denounced the unauthorized commercial usage of his program, describing the project as "distasteful." While the SolBlocks project doesn’t directly affect the provenance of the original Fidenza art pieces, which are securely recorded on the blockchain, many collectors have raised concerns about the dubious nature of the endeavour from legal and ethical perspectives.
This controversy highlights the clashes that can arise in a field characterized by innovation and experimentation, and it serves as a reminder that the emergence of generative art within the metaverse may give rise to further disputes in the future.