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Straight Outta Computer - 3.5” Black

Straight Outta Computer - 3.5” Black

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Limited edition

Edition of 20

Shipping estimated 20-27 November

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£295.00
£295.00
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About this work

Growing up with very little money, the allure of escapism was a constant in my life. Whether through gaming, technology, or dreams of wealth, the idea of breaking free from economic constraints was a powerful motivator. As a society we’re inundated with tales of rags to riches, stories of individuals who build empires from grit and determination. The message is clear: work hard, and you will achieve.

The movie Straight Outta Compton portrays the rise of rap group N.W.A. from the rough streets of Compton to global fame through sheer talent and determination. In the tech world, similar tales of success, celebrity influencers, college dropouts turning into tech billionaires, are commonly celebrated. Cryptocurrencies have joined this narrative as a modern 'get rich quick' avenue, promising revolutionary wealth creation. Yet, they also exemplify the speculative and often exploitative nature of rapid wealth, sometimes draining resources from those who can least afford to lose them. This reflects a broader issue: the widening gap between rich and poor, challenging the notion that hard work alone can bridge socioeconomic divides.

This piece draws on my own experiences with technology and socioeconomic aspirations. It questions the glorified success narratives and explores the complexities and potential illusions of the digital age's promise of social mobility. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities, it also presents significant challenges and perpetuates old inequalities under new guises.

 

Edition details

Dimensions:
Diskette: 9cm (W) x 9.4cm (H) x 3.3mm (D)
Framed: 23.5cm (W) x 23.5cm (H) x 3cm (D)
Box Dimensions: 28.8 (W) x 28.8cm (H) x 4.8cm (D)

Medium: 
Hand-painted retro floppy disk: acrylic paint, plastic disk, aluminium, paper. 

Edition size: 
20

Authentication: 
Signed and individually numbered: verso & inside frame by artist.

Packaging: 
Collectible box with fancy UV reflective floppy disk icon on the top.

Certificate of Authenticity:
Arrives with a signed booklet including signed certificate of authenticity, and potentially some retro digital files (non-infectious… probably).

Shipping:
Shipping costs will be calculated at time of check-out, and is location dependent.

Restrictions:
Please note orders are limited to 1 piece per person, any duplicate orders will be cancelled and refunded.

Floppy Art-iFact™ Details

This particular piece started life as a set of beat-up 3.5" floppy disks I rescued from the bottom of a plastic tub marked 'Important (Maybe)'. Each has been thoroughly mistreated, hand-painted, and spiritually upgraded into something far more emotionally complicated.

The artwork features a miniature version of my full-size oil painting of the same name, lovingly reduced to pocket-size with the help of a magnifying lamp, a suspicious amount of black coffee, and the ghosts of arcade sessions past. It reads “Space Invaders: Serious Boundary Issues Edition”. Make of that what you will. 

Now, the disk itself — for those of you who dare to destroy their artwork (not recommended) — is formatted in MS-DOS and contains a smattering of retro files: sketches, old concept notes, and one or two things I probably forgot to delete. It’s read-only, spiritually and technically. Do not attempt to boot it unless you enjoy mild disappointment and loud whirring sounds. 

Framing Details

Glad you asked. Each one is hand-assembled in Wales by Dave and his team, who approach framing like it's an Olympic sport. We use AR70 Artglass so you can see all the glorious scratches, pigment flecks, and emotional residue — without the distraction of your own reflection staring back at you, wondering what went wrong.

It’s all boxed up in a collector’s case that, frankly, looks fancier than the disk deserves. Inside this box, lovingly designed with help from my good friends at General LLC, you’ll find a mini booklet with signed certificate of authenticity, and some lovingly unhelpful guidance on how to make the most of your new acquisition.

 

Easter Egg

Note: there are also instructions inside the box on how to access the files on the disk should you decide not to destroy your newly purchased artwork.

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