Exploring inclusivity and digital permanence in Yuwen Huang’s In-circle Series
Yuwen Huang (E-von)’s In-circle Series is an interactive digital artwork that challenges participants to reconsider inclusivity and accessibility on the internet. Built on the Ethereum Blockchain, the series integrates smart contracts, creative writing, and internet interaction to redefine the understanding of artistic identity. Through two interactive websites, it creates a dynamic and democratic space for participants to engage with blockchain technology while reflecting on the nature of artistic recognition.
The first website enables individuals to assert their artist identity permanently on the blockchain without the need for third-party validation. This decentralized approach aligns with the democratization of art, allowing anyone to claim their place within the artistic sphere. Upon participation, users can mint an Artist Manifesto NFT, a digital token serving as immutable proof of their engagement.
This action raises questions about the limits of artistic freedom within seemingly egalitarian digital structures, while also shedding light on issues of privilege and digital literacy. The concept is inspired by Jier He’s assertion that “the person standing in the circle is an in-circle artist,” a statement that challenges traditional perceptions of artistic legitimacy.
Additionally, the work draws parallels to Greco’s 1962 piece Vito Dito, in which an artist encircled an object or person, symbolizing that art extends beyond institutional boundaries.
The second website fosters a collective and evolving definition of artist identity. Through real-time contributions, participants generate a public manifesto that poetically liberates artistic identity beyond conventional frameworks. This participatory creative writing element is influenced by Alison Knowles’ House of Dust (1966), an early computer-generated poem that emphasized the fluidity of language and meaning.
By leveraging blockchain’s immutability, this work permanently archives diverse interpretations of what it means to be an artist, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and shared authorship in digital spaces.
Through this dual-framework, Yuwen Huang’s In-circle Series serves as a call to action for a more equitable online artistic environment. It highlights the power of blockchain not only as a technological tool but also as a medium for questioning systems of recognition and authority in the art world.
Yuwen Huang (E-von), a media artist based in San Francisco, is known for her work exploring technology’s role in expanding human perception. Recognized in international exhibitions such as Ars Electronica Festival (Austria) and The Wrong Biennale, she continues to push boundaries at the intersection of art and emerging technologies.
All images courtesy of Yuwen Huang, shared with permission
