# The Creative Code Revolution

- Speakers: [Jesse Pollak](https://streameth.org/speakers/jesse-pollak), [Nat Emodi](https://streameth.org/speakers/nat-emodi)
- Event: [Base House](https://streameth.org/base/base_house), Miami
- Channel: [Base](https://streameth.org/base)
- Date: 2023-12-09
- Duration: 30:47
- Topics: cryptocurrency, art, ethereum, NFT, blockchain
- Watch: https://streameth.org/watch/65b8f60da5b2d09b88ec0c9d
- Download: https://vod-cdn.lp-playback.studio/raw/jxf4iblf6wlsyor6526t4tcmtmqa/catalyst-vod-com/hls/3f9ft5yzyp78hqi9/1080p0.mp4

## Description

As art creation shifts from brushes to algorithms, a vanguard movement leveraging computation as creative material is disrupting the art world. This talk traces generative art’s evolution from fringe curiosity to ascendant artform uniquely enhanced by blockchain technology, alongside stunning artworks being released on Base from today’s leading generative artists. The video features Jesse, the creator of Base, hosting a conversation with Moti, the founder of Highlight, an open access generative art platform on the blockchain. They discuss Moti's background in technology and art, his journey to creating art on-chain, and the evolution of generative art. Generative artists use code to create systems that produce unique artworks, making this form particularly native to blockchain technology.

Moti explains how blockchain allows artists to monetize their work by collectors minting unique versions of algorithm-generated pieces. He highlights the historical context of generative art by referencing pioneers like Vera Molnar and Sol LeWitt. The conversation also touches on CryptoPunks and Autoglyphs as examples of blockchain-native generative art.

The video includes a discussion about new projects released on Base at Art Basel, such as Rat Lladis by Ana Carreras, The Omega Code by Joshua Davis, and Diaphanous by Landlines. These projects utilize unique data inputs to create individualized outputs for collectors.

They explore how generative art is becoming recognized as a legitimate form within the broader art world and speculate on future trends in the space. Moti provides advice for aspiring generative artists and emphasizes the importance of passion for both coding and artistic expression.

In conclusion

## About the speakers

### Jesse Pollak

Jesse Pollak is Creator of Base. Prior to Base, Jesse led all of Coinbase’s consumer-facing engineering from early 2017 to middle 2021, including building Coinbase, Coinbase Pro, and Coinbase Wallet. Jesse joined Coinbase through the acquisition of Clef, a company he founded and ran for five years that built passwordless identity solutions for crypto companies.

### Nat Emodi

Nat Emodi is founder and CEO at Highlight, a toolkit for creating art and culture on the blockchain and the first open-access generative art platform on Ethereum. Prior to Highlight, Nat held various leadership roles at Block (formerly known as Square), DoorDash, and elsewhere. Originally from Canada, he lives in California with his wife and two children.