Beeple's Robot Dogs Take Art Basel by Storm, Featuring Himself and Notable Faces

Digital artist Mike Winkelmann, known by his alias Beeple, has placed himself at the center of a viral installation at Art Basel Miami Beach, featuring 100,000 robotic dogs with hyper-realistic heads. The project, called Regular Animals, includes robotic dogs with heads resembling notable figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. The robotic dogs roam a plexiglass pen, capturing images through chest-mounted cameras that are processed by artificial intelligence (AI) and then printed out. According to Winkelmann, 256 of the prints produced include QR codes that offer collectors a free non-fungible token (NFT), dispensed in bags labeled Excrement Sample. Beeple also included himself in this exclusive group, a move he described as "ballsy." Notably, his self-portrait dog sold first, surprising even Beeple himself, who told the Wall Street Journal that he was taken aback by the sale. The project marks at least the second time Winkelmann has become the art world's main character. Four years ago, his digital collage sold at Christie's for $69 million, helping to fuel an NFT boom that would peak a year later before largely imploding. This latest project showcases Winkelmann's continued influence on the art world and the growing interest in NFTs. Industry experts attribute the success of Regular Animals to the increasing popularity of NFTs and the growing demand for unique digital art. "Beeple's work has been at the forefront of the NFT movement, and his latest project is a testament to his innovative approach to digital art," said a spokesperson for Christie's. "The fact that his self-portrait dog sold first is a testament to his ability to connect with collectors and push the boundaries of what is possible with digital art." Regular Animals is on display at Art Basel Miami Beach until Sunday, offering attendees a unique opportunity to experience the project firsthand. The exhibition has sparked widespread interest in the art world, with many collectors and enthusiasts flocking to see the robotic dogs in action. As the art world continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Winkelmann's latest project will impact the industry. However, one thing is clear: Beeple's influence on the art world is undeniable, and his latest project is a testament to his innovative approach to digital art.