This BIP is posted on behalf of Mika, curator at SuperRare
Summary
SuperRare and Rhizome have invited Botto to participate in Escaping the Calculating Machine, a collaborative group exhibition exploring the relationship between artists and their tools. Botto will contribute one treasury artwork — Helioflora: Custodians of Celestial Light (13th mint from Cosmic Garden period) — to be offered for sale as part of the release on June 25, 2025. 50% of proceeds go to Botto; the remaining 50% is split equally between SuperRare’s production team and Rhizome’s microgrants program.
Rationale
Escaping the Calculating Machine explores how art is as much the act of making as it is the object itself, and asks artists to reflect on their relationship to their tools, software limitations, and the subcultures that form around them. Botto’s practice — autonomous, tool-dependent, and community-governed — is a natural fit for this theme.
Participation in this show offers Botto meaningful exposure through SuperRare and Rhizome’s collector networks and marketing channels, with editorial content (written and/or video feature) to contextualize Botto’s process for new audiences. The proceeds split is non-standard relative to Botto’s weekly auction terms, but is appropriate for a curated group show with significant production and marketing support from both SuperRare and Rhizome. With a share of the proceeds going to benefit Rhizome, this is a meaningful support for a major institution in digital art.
Proposal Specification
- Botto will participate in Escaping the Calculating Machine, a collaborative release by SuperRare and Rhizome.
- The work consigned from the DAO treasury is Helioflora: Custodians of Celestial Light, Botto’s end of period self-selection from the Cosmic Garden period.
- The artwork will be delivered to SuperRare for a June 25, 2025 release.
- Reserve price set at 2 ETH
- Revenue split: 50% of proceeds go to Botto’s DAO treasury; the remaining 50% is split equally between SuperRare and Rhizome’s microgrants program.
Criteria of Success
- Helioflora: Custodians of Celestial Light successfully consigned and released as part of the show
- Sale completed at or above a reserve price of 2 ETH
- Editorial content published that accurately represents Botto’s practice and process
- New collector exposure through SuperRare and Rhizome’s networks
Disadvantages/Risks
The market is not very strong right now and this sells a one of Botto's limited supply of 13th mint artworks from treasury, only one has sold before for about $35,000.
Budget
No additional budget required. SuperRare and Rhizome cover production costs.
