Exploring NUMB3R xA: Collection Ø, a Dialogue with the Artist Andrea Belloni
The Vision Behind Collection Ø
Collection Ø by NUMB3R xA marks the debut of the Ordinals Art Collective NUMB3R xA, designed to collaborate with exceptional artists and share their work with the world. Andrea Belloni describes the collection as the cornerstone of the NUMB3R xA ecosystem. "This collection is the key to the NUMB3R ecosystem and community," he explains. Each piece certifies its owner as an OG member, forging a connection between this inaugural collection and future collaborations with other artists under the NUMB3R xA banner.
Collaborative Processes
As Belloni's first commissioned work, creating Collection Ø brought new challenges. "Until now, I followed my own process: starting with an idea, writing code to visualize it, and iterating until the result felt right," he shares. This project, however, required aligning his vision with that of NUMB3R xA, Inscribing Atlantis, and the Nolcha Shows. The starting point—the collective’s key emblem—demanded a collaborative approach, balancing artistic integrity with the shared goals of the collective.
The Tech
At the heart of Belloni's process lies mathematics, particularly Signed Distance Functions (SDF). "These functions describe the distance from the object's surface to any point in 3D—or 4D—space, where time introduces fluid motion," he explains. To visualize these concepts, he employed ray marching, a technique implemented through GLSL shaders.
Transforming the collective's emblem from bitmap to vector form was the first step. "I created a 2D SDF encoding the distance from the key's outline," Belloni notes. This enabled the generation of a 3D extruded version of the key, complete with an embedded SDF that introduced the fluid, dynamic elements characteristic of his style.
Visual Impact
Belloni chose JavaScript WebGL paired with GLSL shaders for Collection Ø. "These tools allow me to achieve my distinctive way of representing shapes and motion," he explains. Using these methods, he crafted the undulating surfaces and intricate forms that define the collection. A single algorithm managed both the shapes and shading, a hallmark of his efficient, integrated approach.
Symbolism in Unity
Unlike traditional generative art collections, Collection Ø focuses on unity rather than variety. "All outcomes are identical because each piece serves as the key to the NUMB3R ecosystem, a distinctive symbol of belonging to the community," Belloni clarifies.
Bitcoin’s Role
Working with Bitcoin introduced unique opportunities. "The immutability of the blockchain ensures the permanence of the work," Belloni highlights. He also leveraged recursive endpoints to create dynamic elements in the collection. For instance, the key’s color changes in sync with the average fee value of the Bitcoin mempool, reflecting the ever-evolving blockchain environment.
Advice for Aspiring Coders
Belloni emphasizes the importance of mastering tools. "Study and master the development tools to gain greater expressiveness," he advises. "During the development phase, aim to see the result in the code even before seeing it on the screen." While he admits he's still working toward this level of expertise, his commitment to growth serves as inspiration for others embarking on their generative art journeys.
A Foundation
Collection Ø by NUMB3R xA exemplifies the fusion of art, mathematics, and blockchain technology. Through intricate coding, mathematical precision, and a deep respect for collaboration, Andrea Belloni has created a collection that not only showcases his artistic vision but also serves as a foundational piece for the NUMB3R xA community.
