In an unprecedented fusion of technology, art, and community, Botto, a decentralized autonomous artist, has emerged as a significant player in the digital art world. Since its inception three years ago, Botto has generated $4 million from selling approximately 140 pieces of artwork—an extraordinary accomplishment for any artist, let alone one that isn’t human.
Botto operates by creating thousands of original digital artworks autonomously, without any human prompts. The AI artist is curated by BottoDAO, a community of over 15,000 members who vote on which creations should be minted as NFTs. This unique blend of machine creativity and collective human intelligence allows Botto to explore and evolve its artistic vision continuously. The community’s voting not only shapes the aesthetic direction but also shares in the economic rewards, making the process as much about social collaboration as artistic production.
This revolutionary concept is being celebrated by none other than Sotheby’s, the venerable auction house established in the 18th century. Sotheby’s is hosting an exhibition titled “Exorbitant Stage: Botto, a Decentralized AI Artist,” showcasing six of Botto’s works. The auction, which concludes today, represents a milestone for AI in the art world.
Botto was conceptualized by Mario Klingemann, a pioneer in AI-generated art, who collaborated with ElevenYellow, a software collective, to bring Botto to life. Klingemann’s vision was to create an autonomous artist that could evolve through human interaction, and with the rise of blockchain technology and NFTs, Botto finally came to fruition in October 2021.
Botto’s creative process is a sophisticated dialogue between AI and its community. Every week, Botto generates thousands of images or “fragments,” which are then reviewed and voted on by BottoDAO members. The highest-ranked fragments are minted and sold as NFTs. This process not only curates the art but also influences the ongoing development of Botto’s AI models. The revenue from these sales is shared between the voters and Botto’s treasury, ensuring the project’s sustainability.
The digital art market has seen explosive growth, with Botto at its forefront. All of its minted works have found buyers, maintaining a 100% sales rate, which speaks to the strong demand for Botto’s innovative creations. Sotheby’s interest in showcasing Botto highlights the increasing convergence of art and technology, as well as the growing acceptance of AI-driven creativity.
Botto’s success signals a new chapter in the art world, where AI and human collaboration redefine what is possible. The exhibition at Sotheby’s not only showcases Botto’s artwork but also challenges the traditional boundaries of art creation and appreciation. As Botto continues to evolve, it opens new possibilities for integrating AI into the cultural and creative landscapes.
As for the future, Botto might expand into physical art forms, such as sculptures, with the guidance of its community. This could further blur the lines between digital and traditional art, paving the way for a new kind of artist—a decentralized, autonomous entity thriving on the synergy between machine intelligence and human creativity.
