Harvey RaynerQuasi Dragon Studies
On View\n26 July - 30 July 2023\n4 Cromwell Place, South Kensington\nLondon SW7 2JEnnOpening event\nTuesday 25th July, 6pm \n6pm - 8pm : Reception evening \n7pm - 8pm: In conversation with curatorsn
Verse Solos
Verse proudly presents the second edition of Verse Solos: Quasi Dragon Studies. This is a culmination of Harvey Rayner's 25-year project, which explores new ways of creating compositions. Rayner, known for his notable works such as Fontana (2022), Vellum (2023) and Covehithe (2023), expands his artistic exploration in this series by inviting collectors to actively contribute to the artwork.n nQuasi Dragon Studies challenges traditional art-making by utilising algorithmic software to enable experimentation and explore new artistic frontiers. Collectors mint art tiles with randomly assigned edge properties, enabling them to assemble unique artworks using the ‘Composite Builder’ tool. Engagement with the builder tool can be done in two distinct ways: 1) treating it as an artistic sandbox or 2) strictly adhering to joining rules to construct limited edition Black Dragons, emphasising quantifiable rarity. This allows collectors to construct composites and rare elements based on chance and secondary market purchases.n nIn total there are 108 Black Dragon composite configurations available, and once all are assembled, tile availability will cease. Arguably then, the project poses an open question: which incentive does the collector value more deeply? The focus on completing Black Dragons results in a smaller supply, while an emphasis on creativity yields a larger, more accessible collection. Rayner embraces this dichotomy, acknowledging that in art – unlike science – it's ok to just ask questions without having to find definitive answers.n nQuasi Dragon Studies showcases visually striking elements that bear resemblance to textile designs and Japanese aesthetics, notably embodying the concept of ‘Kanso’, that emphasises simplicity through natural materials and textures. Additionally, the series draws inspiration from Buddhist aesthetics, a long-standing influence within Harvey’s practice. In this fusion of diverse influences, Quasi Dragon Studies invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where tradition meets innovation, and creativity is unlimited.nnPlease join Harvey Rayner and Verse for the IRL reception evening and in conversation with the curators Alfredo Cramerotti, Nico Epstein and Julia Greenway on the 25th of July, 2023. nn6pm - 8pm : Reception evening \n7pm - 8pm: In conversation with curators
Quasi Dragon Studies, Tile, 2023
Quasi Dragon Studies, Tile, 2023
Harvey Rayner
Quasi Dragon Studies, Tile, 2023
Quasi Dragon Studies, Tile, 2023
Quasi Dragon Studies, Composite, 2023
How it works:nn- All tiles have the property that they can be joined into composites using a tool called the 'Composite Builder'.n- Composites can be minted into new NFTs for free from the ‘Composite Builder’.n- Tiles are burned when converting to a composite, decreasing tile pool.n- Once a composite is built, it cannot be added to or dismantled back into single tiles.n- There is a rare set of 108 Black Dragon composite configurations.n- To mint a Black Dragon composite strict joining conditions must be met.n- Only one of each of the 108 cell configurations can be converted to a Black Dragon.n- All tile colours in a Black Dragon composite are converted to the characteristic Black Dragon dark colour spacen- Tile supply closes when all 108 Black Dragon composites are minted.n- There is no time limit to convert tiles to composites either before or after 108 Black Dragon completion.n- Single tiles can also be minted into the composite collection either with or without blank tiles to change composition.n- There will be one final composite collection of unknown size containing single tiles, regular composites and Black Dragon composites.nnFor more extensive information, please read the full Quasi Dragon Studies overview here.
Quasi Dragon Studies, Composite, 2023
