The Premier Destination for Generative Art
Art Blocks is a digital platform where generative artists publish unique artworks using creative code. With historical roots in conceptual art, generative art involves the creation of an algorithm using computer code, with randomness introduced into the artist’s algorithm to produce unique works.
When a collector purchases an artwork on Art Blocks, they trigger the creation of a never-before-seen iteration of the artist’s work in the form of an NFT artwork—a digital asset that records ownership and provenance on the blockchain. This ensures that every piece is one-of-a-kind, verifiable, and permanently secured.
By merging art, technology, and community, Art Blocks is redefining how digital art is created, collected, and preserved.
Generative Art on Art Blocks
Art Blocks showcases a diverse range of groundbreaking generative art collections—featuring animated compositions that unfold over time, dynamic pieces responding to interaction, intricate audio-visual experiences, and evolving works that transform with each viewing. Artists releasing on Art Blocks continue to expand the boundaries of on-chain creativity, redefining what's possible in this innovative artistic space.
What is Generative Art?
Generative art is an artistic practice where an artist writes an algorithm that defines a system for creating unique works. Randomness is introduced, allowing the system to generate unpredictable yet artistically guided outputs. The practice has roots dating back several decades when artists first began exploring rule-based and algorithmic approaches to artistic expression.
Consider a simple example: an artist designs an algorithm to generate compositions of colorful circles. They carefully define key parameters, such as color palettes, size constraints, positioning rules, and interactions between elements. The artist then deliberately incorporates randomness into specific parts of the algorithm. When the algorithm runs, it generates a unique digital artwork. While randomness influences each output, the controlled elements of the algorithm ensure every piece remains true to the artist’s creative vision.
The Generative Art Process at Art Blocks
At Art Blocks, every artwork is created at the moment of purchase:
- The artist writes the algorithmic code – defining rules, parameters, and randomness that shape each output.
- The collector makes a purchase (also known as “minting”) – triggering the system to generate a new, unique digital artwork.
- The digital artwork is stored on-chain – becoming a non-fungible token (NFT) that ensures verifiable authenticity and permanence.
When you purchase a generative artwork on Art Blocks, your transaction initiates a one-time execution of the artist's algorithm. Your purchase creates a unique digital fingerprint that serves as the seed for randomness, creating an artwork that is completely unique, never to be repeated, while following the artist's carefully crafted algorithm. This moment of creation is both personal and unrepeatable—a digital artwork born through your direct participation.
Preserving Generative Art
Art Blocks pioneered on-chain generative art by creating a platform where code, creation, and collection merge into a seamless experience. Unlike traditional digital artworks that may fade with time or technological shifts, Art Blocks ensures permanence by storing both the generative script and the resulting artwork entirely on-chain. This approach guarantees that these digital creations can always be recreated with just a web browser and blockchain access—independent of any platform.
Today, 90% of all collections across Curated, Studio, and Engine are fully on-chain, including all dependencies, marking a major milestone in the preservation of digital art history.
Learn About On-Chain Preservation
Our History
Art Blocks was founded in 2020 by technologist, designer, artist, and entrepreneur Erick Calderon (Snowfro). Driven by a passion for generative art, Calderon released Chromie Squiggle, the founding collection at Art Blocks, which continues to embody the heart and soul of the ecosystem.
What began as a personal exploration into the intersection of art and technology has grown into the premier destination for generative art, shaping the future of digital creativity while remaining committed to its foundational values: innovation, artistic empowerment, and community.
The Art Blocks Ecosystem
Art Blocks Curated represents the highest standard of innovation, technical mastery, and aesthetic excellence in generative art. This flagship collection embodies our vision for the medium’s future, showcasing collections that push creative and technological boundaries.
Continuously evolving, the Curated collection sets benchmarks for artistic ingenuity and collector engagement. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
Art Blocks Studio is a self-publishing platform that gives generative artists complete control over their artwork. Designed to foster artistic independence, Studio provides the tools and infrastructure for artists to release collections on their own terms.
Through Studio, artists can explore the boundaries of generative art with full autonomy over creation and distribution, enriching the Art Blocks ecosystem with diverse, self-directed collections that push the medium forward.
Art Blocks Engine extends our generative technology beyond traditional art, enabling brands, creators, and communities to develop unique, 1of1ofx experiences that foster individual expression and deeper engagement.
By licensing Art Blocks’ robust generative infrastructure, Engine helps partners launch innovative projects—from digital collectibles to interactive experiences and physical goods—all powered by the same technology that drives Art Blocks.
Whether collaborating with leading brands, creative pioneers, or cultural institutions, Engine makes generative creation accessible, scalable, and impactful.
Historical Art Blocks Collections: The Origins and Evolution of Art Blocks
- Presents – A hand-selected collection of generative collections curated by the Art Blocks team and complemented the Curated collection. (Active November 2022 – January 2024)
- Explorations – Experimental, community-focused commissions that break the mold. (Launched November 2022)
- Collaborations – Unique collections released in partnership with renowned institutions, extending the global reach of generative art. (Launched June 2022)
- Playground – A space for previously Curated artists to experiment and innovate independently. (Active February 2021 – October 2022)
- Factory – A more streamlined platform for generative artists to explore different styles and release mechanics. (Active March 2021 – October 2022)
We believe in using technology and creativity for good.
- Sustainability – We’ve offset over 25,230 tonnes of CO2 and remain committed to environmental responsibility as we grow.
- Artist Giving – Since our inception, we’ve facilitated over $55 million in charitable donations through our artists and platform.
Visit the Art Blocks Gallery
109 W. San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
Nestled in the heart of Marfa, Texas, our gallery is a hub for generative art. We host exhibitions, community events, and conversations celebrating the intersection of art and technology.
Open seven days a week—all are welcome.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you!
General Inquiries: info[at]artblocks.io
Press & Media: press[at]artblocks.io
Gallery & Events: marfa[at]artblocks.io
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