Course detail

Blockchain. Decentralization and automation

FaVU-1BCHDAAcad. year: 2022/2023

A follow-up course to the Blockchain: Introduction to Narrative and Technology is designed as a series of workshops that will explore selected technological aspects of the application of blockchain technology. The aim of the course is to explore and critically evaluate various applications of this technology and speculate on its possible uses or better alternatives. The selection of guests is defined by a desire to highlight the specific characteristics of this technology in the context of wider cultural production and artistic practice. Decentralization is a key feature of the Internet, which is intertwined with the possibilities of autonomy for individuals and groups. Thus, throughout the semester, we will explore various aspects of technological solutionism and speculate on the limits and opportunities offered by exponential blockchain technologies. 

The course will be organized in the form of a block teaching. Specifically, the course will offer 6 workshops - 3 in Czech and 2 in English; the final workshop will be dedicated to consultations and presentations of proposals of own projects or their concepts.

 

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Mgr. Jan Zálešák, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Art History and Theory (KTDU)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to realize their own project using blockchain technology. They will also be guided to think critically about its possible use in the context of contemporary art. The aim of the course is to develop a practical-critical approach to this technology and its applications within art practice and artistic research. 

Prerequisites

The course requires no prior knowledge on the topic and is open to beginners. 

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Workshops, discussions, and excercises.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

In order to successfully complete the course, the following conditions must be met: active participation in class (1 unexcused absence allowed, higher absences can be compensated by submitting an assignment based on an alternative assignment in agreement with the teacher) and submission of the final assignment, which will be presented in a colloquium at the end of the semester.

 

Course curriculum

The specific content of the workshops and the names of the lecturers will be specified before the start of the semester. A preliminary schedule includes the following guests and topics:

Andrej Boleslavksý: Tokens and digital items  (4x 45min)

Denisa Kera: Lithopia and smart contracts (4h)

Ryska: How to design your own Metafesto (4hrs)

Laura Lotti: Black Swan DAO (4hrs)

Simon Denny: Blockchain the artworld (4x45min)

The lure of software magic - designing your own project (6x 45min)

 

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to show how different creators approach blockchain technology and define the expectations and possibilities offered by this technological solution. The aim of the course is to enable students to design and implement their own project. This may not only make use of blockchain technology, but may critically respond to it or work with its use in an offline mode. The diversity of thinking about the application of a particular medium should enable students to take a critical look at how technological determinism defines our thinking about the world around us. 

 

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Teaching takes place in the classrooms of FaVU VUT in the hours determined by the timetable. The minimum attendance is 85%. Making up missed classes is done in agreement with the teacher in the form of alternative assignments. 

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Not applicable.

Recommended reading

CATLOW, R., GARRETT, M., JONES, N., SKINNER, S.: Artists re:thinking the blockchain, Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 2017
WEIDINGER, A.: PROOF OF ART – A short history of NFTs, from the beginning of digital art to the metaverse, Distanz, 2021
FERNÁNDEZ, M. P., GUSTAFSSON, S.: There is no Such Thing as Blockchain Art - A report on the current status of the intersection of Blockchain and art, 2019
QUARANTA, D.: Surfing with Satoshi. Art, blockchain and NFT. Introduction, 2021
FORD, P.: Crypto Isn’t About Money. It’s About Fandom, 2021
RYAN, T. R.: Will the artworld’s NFT wars end in utopia or dystopia?, 2021
WHITAKER, A.: Art and Blockchain: A Primer, History, and Taxonomy of Blockchain Use Cases, 2019
WHITAKER, A.: Blockchain, Fractional Ownership, and the Future of Creative Work, 2020
ROEDER, O.: The Blockchain Is Just Another Way To Make Art All About Money, 2018
STEYERL, H.: If You Don’t Have Bread, Eat Art!: Contemporary Art and Derivative Fascisms, 2016
GLOERICH, I., LOVINK, G., DE VRIES, P.: MoneyLab Reader 2: Overcoming the Hype, 2019
FLASH ART: Uncanny Valley - Episode V. Toward a New Ecology of Crypto Art: A Hybrid Manifesto, 2021
SPIKE MAGAZINE: Web3, číslo 70, 2022

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme VUB Bachelor's

    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4. year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Practical class

24 hours, compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. Michal Kučerák