Art and technology unite in this year’s Lugano’s Plan B conference. As Bitcoin and blockchain developers and enthusiasts listen to the keynote speakers, an art installation was unveiled last weekend to honor Bitcoin’s founder- Satoshi Nakamoto.
The ‘Disappearing Satoshi’ statue by Valentina Picozzi, an Italian artist, is a homage to Satoshi Nakamoto and the principles that he embodies.
According to the artist, the statue was completed in 21 months, including 18 months of study and three months of completion. In a statement, the artist-turned-Bitcoiner said that her artwork aims to connect Bitcoin to the people through art.
Grateful for the opportunity to make a statue of Satoshi Nakamoto for the city of Lugano 🇨🇭displayed in Parco Ciani.
The statue disappears in front of the audience and what’s left of Satoshi in visible “between the lines” (of the code) for all the #bitcoin users.#bitcoinart https://t.co/tf6SOe2sxi pic.twitter.com/eW1VE5xwKk
— Satoshigallery (@satoshigallery) October 25, 2024
Disappearing Satoshi – Connecting People With Bitcoin Culture
The statue of the ‘Disappearing Satoshi’ by Picozzi features an interesting design and offers two kinds of images depending on the viewer’s perspective. Looking from the side, you’ll notice a busy man working on his laptop. But if you stand in front of the statute or at the back, you’ll enjoy a see-through effect of the image thanks to its slit design.
In a statement, Picozzi shared that the statue disappears in front of the viewer, and what’s left of Satoshi Nakamoto is observable between the lines of codes. The artist also shared that we can all “become Satoshi” by placing ourselves behind this statue.
A Bitcoin-Inspired Artwork 21 Months In The Making
The Disappearing statue was unveiled in time for Lugano’s Bitcoin conference. It is made from corten block and 304 stainless steel and currently stands in front of Villa Ciani in the city of Lugano.
According to the artist, the statue also celebrates the annual Bitcoin gathering and pays tribuet to the City Mayor of Lugano, who is also an active supporter of Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
Looks dope as hell, good job pic.twitter.com/PaVuC0x4ux
— Bart Mol (@Bart_Mol) October 25, 2024
Michele Foletti, the city’s mayor, stated that the artwork represents the city’s support for digital innovation. The mayor acknowledged the city’s growing role as a leading center for digital innovation, and the artwork symbolizes how forward-thinking they have become.
Where To See The Disappearing Satoshi
The popular artwork is currently placed in front of the Villa Ciani in Lugano. However, this isn’t the fixed location for the statue. According to Picozzi, they’re still debating and identifying the final resting place of her artwork, but they admitted that it will become part of Parco Ciani’s permanent collection.
Picozzi has assured locals and visitors that they will share the information with the community as soon as they have identified the final location.
Featured image from Reddit, chart from TradingView