Azeri artist transforms carpets described in ancient Turkish epic Dede Korkut into NFTs

Duvar English

Ancient carpets are being brought to the Metaverse with a new, immersive exhibition and set of NFTs by visual artist Orhan Mammadov. Mammadov will be releasing 9 NFTs that represent carpets described in the ancient Turkish epic "Dede Korkut" as part of his upcoming “Revival of Aesthetics” project.

This represents the first time data collected from ancient carpets is encountering the Metaverse.

Mammadov’s art uses Artificial Intelligence to combine data inputs such as descriptions in literature, dyeing techniques, color, and yarn data to create original, immersive carpet designs. His work questions the role of “tradition” in the new, digital world. According to reporting by Milliyet Sanat, he aims to “energize and immortalize” a living tradition, rather than to use new technology to revive something dying.

Specifically, Mammadov uses data from silk carpets of Azerbaijan, which are praised in the twelve books of the epic Dede Korkut. The carpets have been known for their beauty and the epic stories they convey throughout history - Flemish painter Hans Memling famously immortalized a carpet in the Shirvan style in one of his works.

Mammadov’s exhibit, to be displayed at New York’s Lume Studios on January 27, 2022, from 14:00-22:00 EST, combined data inputs from 150,000 different works of art to create a 45-minute long immersive visual experience that aims to teach viewers about the carpet-making tradition. The nine NFTs that are also part of the collection will be sold to buyers on the Ethereum Blockchain. 

The experience will also be displayed on exhibition supporter Blackdove’s Instagram (@blackdoveart) on January 27, 2022, at 22:30 Turkish time.

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