Errant Blocks & [Un]Censored AI
The Pixels Are Restless
Hi everyone,
I've been deep in the pixelated trenches lately, exploring new territories and revisiting some familiar ones. Here's a glimpse into the projects I've been working on:
ANCIENT VAPOR (Live Now!)
My latest collection, ANCIENT VAPOR, is now live on Rarible! These 300 retro-futuristic Vaporwave busts are presented in a 3:4 format, but they’re perfect for PFPs. Minting is running from today, April 4th, until Friday, April 11th, on the Etherlink chain. I've priced these affordably at 4 XTZ to encourage collecting and trading.
For Tezos Collectors: To collect ANCIENT VAPOR on Etherlink, you will need to bridge your Tezos (XTZ) from the Tezos mainnet to the Etherlink network. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this in the Etherlink documentation: https://docs.etherlink.com/bridging/bridging-tezos/. The official Etherlink bridge can be accessed here: https://bridge.etherlink.com/tezos.
You can explore the ANCIENT VAPOR collection on Rarible here: https://rarible.com/collection/etherlink/0xa162a98002a8b9608c3e0507f7d8d9e44508e2f5/drops.
GRID STATE ERRANT BLOCK NEO TOKYO
GRID STATE is an exploration of AI-generated images, animated with AI, and then processed through multiple passes of a ZX Spectrum emulator/converter. Python scripts are used to composite the resulting layers. The ERRANT BLOCK subset are GIF versions of the GRID STATE project, minted on various platforms and blockchains, like errant blocks deposited by glaciers.
The NEO TOKYO editions are currently minting on SNGLR. These are Ethereum L1 ERC-721 editions, a special edition made for the Neo Tokyo (BYTES) community, offering a unique, animated glimpse into the GRID STATE universe. It's been a fascinating process to see how these AI animations translate into the pixelated, glitchy aesthetic of the ZX Spectrum.
DREAM GIRL 2000 (Update & Future Plans)
DREAM GIRL 2000 explored digital echoes from an imagined future, rendered in the pixelated language of the past, merging algorithmic creation with retro computing aesthetics.
The DREAM GIRL 2000 collection has finished minting, with 24 pieces available on the Base ETH L2 blockchain. You can view the remaining pieces at dreamgirl2000.art.
I'm already working on a follow-up collection, DREAM GIRL 3000, using a new Stable Diffusion checkpoint that I'm very excited about. I'm still deciding on the minting platform, with Ethereum L1 or possibly even Bitcoin under consideration.
BAD BOY BIKINI CAR WASH
BAD BOY BIKINI CAR WASH is currently in development, pushing the boundaries of AI-generated video.
Progress is... highly classified. Let's just say I've established a secure, local AI video production setup, free from any pesky censorship. I'm planning to release the collection on NFTs.gay.
I'm exploring allowlist opportunities for holders of the BAD BOY BIKINI CLUB collection and potentially even $BADBOY token holders on Solana. Stay tuned for updates.
ZX CITY (Tezos Stealth Mint)
ZX CITY pieces are experimental works that directly inform my GRID STATE project, exploring the interplay of AI-generated imagery and retro computing aesthetics.
I've been stealth minting these 1/1 pieces on Tezos via TEIA: https://teia.art/maxcapacity. While I initially experimented with Rodeo.club, TEIA has become my primary platform for these explorations. I'm enjoying the freedom to experiment and share these works in this way.
These pieces are a crucial part of my creative process, allowing me to test new techniques and refine the visual language of GRID STATE.
Hypersub Exclusive:
My Hypersub subscribers recently received airdropped editions of a new GRID STATE ERRANT BLOCK: https://manifold.gallery/eth:0x23d34a39fb5ecc64b030e3858dc7fa57f72c4dc4/12. If you'd like to receive exclusive airdrops and support my work directly, you can subscribe here: https://hypersub.xyz/s/midnight-snack-squad-inlm9m8ceby8. There is also one edition available to collect for everyone: https://app.manifold.xyz/c/grid-state-errant-block-april-2025.
New Website Update:
As part of my ongoing exploration of web aesthetics and data management, I've just launched a new version of my website: maxcapa.city. This iteration is vibe-coded, pulling bio, exhibit, and press data directly from my wiki, maxcapacity.wiki, ensuring consistency across platforms. I've also added dark mode for those late-night viewing sessions. Best of all, this new setup significantly reduces my hosting costs, allowing me to focus more resources on creating art.
Looking Ahead:
The horizon is alive with possibilities. The new Stable Diffusion checkpoints are opening up entirely new visual landscapes, and the local generative AI video model is unleashing a wave of dynamic, uncensored creations. My recent deep dives into vibe-coding for the DREAM GIRL 2000 and BAD BOY BIKINI CLUB websites, along with my own site, have sparked a flurry of ideas. I'm eager to see where these new tools and techniques will take me, and to share those explorations with you.
Let's Connect:
With the new Stable Diffusion checkpoints and the local AI video model, I'm exploring some uncharted territories. What kind of visuals or themes would you like to see me explore next? Are there any specific retro computer aesthetics or AI techniques you'd be interested in seeing me experiment with?
Also, with the multiple platforms I'm using, do you have a favorite? Do you like to collect on Tezos, Ethereum, Solana, or Base? And which community are you the most active in?
Thank you for your support!
Until next time,
Max Capacity