Echoes of Expectation: Emi Kusano’s High School Reflections through AI
Emi Kusano's newest AI film to be auctioned at Christie's in support of UNHCR
Dear Collectors and Friends,
I am thrilled to announce that my latest AI film, Echoes of Expectation, will be featured in Christie’s online auction, Bridging Worlds: Digital Art Beyond Borders, benefiting the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The auction offers a unique opportunity to not only acquire meaningful digital art but also contribute to a cause that aids millions of displaced individuals globally.
Inspired by the 60th Venice Biennale's theme, Stranieri Ovunque – "Foreigners Everywhere," this auction seeks to explore the transformative power of digital art in connecting worlds and transcending borders. Curated by Micol Ap, Bridging Worlds features 11 remarkable artworks, including my own, generously donated by leading digital artists, including Erick Calderon (Snowfro), IX Shells, Mario Klingemann, Niceaunties, and others.
This auction offers a unique opportunity to not only acquire meaningful digital art but also contribute to a cause that aids millions of displaced individuals globally.
Auction Details
Auction Dates: October 23-30, 2024
Estimate Price: 2-4 ETH
Auction Platform: Christie’s 3.0
Auction Schedule: Bidding opens on October 23 at 10 AM EST and closes on October 30 at 10 AM EST. Please note, bids will close in increments of 10 minutes.
How to Participate
Bidding starts at 0.05 ETH, and the artwork will be sold at the highest bid when the auction closes. There is no need to meet a minimum reserve price of 2 ETH.
To participate, simply log in to Christie’s 3.0 and place your bid during the auction period.
Additionally, an in-person event will be held on October 24 in Geneva, celebrating the powerful intersection of digital art and philanthropy. If you are interested in attending, you can find more information and register here.
Why This Auction Matters?
Proceeds from this auction will support UNHCR’s mission to protect refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or disaster. This collaboration demonstrates the power of digital art in uniting people across borders, raising awareness, and contributing to a better world 🤝🏻
About ‘Echoes of Expectation‘ (2024)
Echoes of Expectation is a deeply personal exploration of identity through the lens of my own experience as a foreigner in the American Mountain West during high school. Drawing from the 60th Venice Biennale theme of Foreigners Everywhere, the work delves into how societal expectations and cultural stereotypes shape one's self-perception. The AI-driven film portrays three different iterations of "self": the expected self, the desired self, and the true self, reflecting the tensions and microaggressions I experienced in a predominantly homogeneous community.
Reflecting on Past Collaborations with Christie's
This auction continues my journey with Christie's, building on previous collaborations that have left a lasting mark on my career. My work Shinjitai, created for the Gucci X Christie’s initiative, explored the intersection of tradition and modernity through AI. Another notable moment was the Bright Moments auction, where 216 of my works were successfully auctioned simultaneously, marking a significant achievement in my digital art journey.
Most recently, the Venice Biennale-themed auction, Foreigners Everywhere, was particularly influential. This event, tied to the 60th Biennale, inspired my lates work, Echoes of Expectation. The themes of displacement, identity, and the complexities of being perceived as a "foreigner" resonate deeply with my own experiences and have shaped the narrative of this new piece.
I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the latest milestones I've had the privilege to achieve. From my collaboration with LG Art Lab, which brought my work to the heart of New York’s bustling Times Square, to being nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Lumen Prize, it’s been a year filled with gratitude and incredible opportunities. Now, with this exciting auction at Christie’s, I’m reminded of how much I owe to the unwavering support and love from my core fans and collaborators.
Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the effort when the work feels like just another part of your day. But it’s through moments like these, when I look back, that I realize how each achievement has been built on dedication and passion and, of course, the shared belief in the power of art. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
With gratitude 🫶🏼,
Emi Kusano