Rutherford Chang passes away at just 45 years of age.
The conceptual artist's last major project was 'CENTS', released with Sovrn Art. Chang smelted 10,000 pre-1982 pennies into a 68 pound solid copper cube. Interestingly, he retained the physical cube, while auctioning a digital version at Christie's and distributing "10,000 CENTS on 10,000 [Bitcoin] SATS", each reflecting a single penny.
Via linked NY Times interview:
"[Aki Sasamoto] said that he brought personality to conceptual art, a field often devoid of one, and that he was a sharp observer of cultural phenomena and new media...
'There was something spiritual about him.'"
Via Sovrn:
"May his spirit rest in the luminous wisdom and compassion with which he lived.
Our thanks to each person who serves as a steward of his vision."
Monday, February 10:
'On The Way To Freedom' by BEISSU with The Memes by 6529
Tuesday, February 11:
'Decisions, Upsets and Unknowns - An Echo of Sacrifice' by Odious
I had the opportunity to meet Rutherford Chang at Christie's, just before the 'CENTS' auction concluded. While we spent only a few minutes in conversation, it was enough to leave with two distinct impressions. First: he was very understated. Second: he had a glimmer in his eye. It gave a sense of deeper curiosity and perception. As I learn more about him, it's clear that this was a trademark of his. Sad day.
Elsewhere, it was a slow Super Bowl Sunday. Let's get into a fresh week and see where it takes us.
Today Reported:
Sales thresholds of (USD) $10k+ Collection, 0.3 ETH+ 1/1, $2k+ 1/1/X, and 0.3 ETH+ Edition artworks
Under threshold but interesting to me is 'Experiments' 1/1/250 by Other World seeing a 4th sale in 2 days to Roses, this one for 0.5 ETH.
ART Hallucinations
The 39th ART of 2025 homages the big Refik Anadol auction moment, as well as a surge of attention for Primera by Andrew Mitchell and Grant Yun.
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