Mat Collishaw: Heterosis, 2023

Heterosis is a collection of dynamic digital collectibles that combine genetic algorithms with blockchain technology to facilitate the hybridisation of mutable digital flowers. 

Drawing inspiration from circulation of knowledge in 17th century Holland, where natural science and art played a pivotal role, Collishaw looks to the so-called ‘tulip mania’, when a rare tulip bulb could be worth more than a painting of that same flower.

Heterosis compares ideas of beauty and asks questions regarding where it may be found. Is it in the triumph of natural selection to create self-sustaining organic blooms, or in the ability of mankind to create exceptional paintings? In this artwork, Collishaw wonders if the digital realm has the possibility of challenging the tradition of oil on canvas.

The artwork was made in collaboration with Danil Krivoruchko, produced by Snark.art and El-Gabal on the OG.art platform.