TRAME Debuts Collections by Globally Renowned Artists in Marfa Exhibition: Code + Craft

TRAME was proud to present three new collections illuminating the artistic possibilities at the intersection of Code + Craft during Art Blocks Marfa Weekend in November. We introduced new works from globally renowned artists Ix Shells, Linda Dounia, Fingacode and A.A. Murakami.

Desert Threads: Weaving Tradition and Technology

Situated on the open, canvas-like landscape of Marfa, Desert Threads: Weaving Tradition and Technology invited visitors to explore how the boldness of digital art can be applied to the tactile richness of weaving to disrupt expectations about traditional craft.

Conceived by artists Ix Shells, Linda Dounia and Fingacode during a joint research trip to Morocco in 2023, the artistic concepts based on creative code intertwined the heritage of Moroccan artisanal craft with the free-spirited, artistic experimentalism that has come to characterize Marfa.

The tapestries opened a powerful dialogue about technology and tradition across continents and cultures.

A Thousand Layers of Stomach

Inspired by the intricate patterns found on the shell of the ancient Asari clam, A Thousand Layers of Stomach, an abstract work by A.A. Murakami, explored the intersection of nature and technology by using code to replicate the natural processes of Asari clam shell formation.

An on-site knitting machine translated the artist-generated code into an ongoing textile piece with endlessly changing designs, capturing the evolutionary beauty of the clam’s mesmerizing array of shell patterns. 

A Thousand Layers of Stomach will be touring to different museums around the world where the knitting machine will continue to grow the textile based on the evolving generative pattern.

Punks in Marfa: Reflections on Counter Culture

Punks in Marfa: Reflections on Counter Culture, a TRAME exclusive, made a memorable debut set in shimmering contrast against the desert landscape. This exhibition of handcrafted Venetian mirrors reimagined CryptoPunks as timeless works of art. 

Much like Donald Judd's iconic sculptures, the CryptoPunk mirrors created a dialogue between the physical environment of the Marfa landscape, Judd’s “anti-museum,” and experimental art culture.

The mirrors invited viewers to reflect on the intersection of art, technology, and personal expression, and engage with both the crafted world of the past and the digital art shaping our future. 

Original Cryptopunk tokens were displayed on the new Ledger Flex alongside their physical mirror counterparts.

A Warm Thank You

Our Marfa exhibitions were made possible through the support of Art Blocks Engine, Black Digital Art Collective, and Ledger.

Tequila Komos supplied the delicious drinks for our cocktail party.

Learn More

For details on these collections, please visit our website. For specific questions and purchase inquiries, feel free to contact us via email.

Finally, please stay tuned to this newsletter as well as TRAME on X and Instagram for regular updates about upcoming events and new collections.