Deafbeef, created by artist and engineer Eric Hu (0xdeafbeef), is a pioneering collection of on-chain generative art that pushes the boundaries of what's possible to create entirely within Ethereum smart contracts.
Launched in 2021, the collection consists of multiple series (known as "Synths") that generate audio-visual compositions using pure code stored on the blockchain. Each piece creates both visual elements and sound, making it a unique exploration of algorithmic audiovisual art.
The Deafbeef collection is committed to technical innovation and true on-chain generation. Unlike many NFT projects that store assets on IPFS or external servers, Deafbeef pieces are entirely self-contained within their smart contracts.
The artwork is generated in real-time through complex mathematical functions and bitwise operations, creating unique patterns and soundscapes. Each series explores different algorithmic approaches, from basic waveform manipulation to more complex mathematical patterns.
"Deafbeef began an as art project in 2020 at the start of the COVID 19 pandemic. I emerged after 7 years living under a rock while my kids were young, to discover that modular synthesizers had come back into style. Having a background in electrical engineering, sound recording and music, I was excited the culture of synths had re-emerged. However, there was a certain amount of consumerism in the new culture, and I decided to take an alternative ascetic approach of using 'nothing' to make music, rather than sink time and money into expensive hardware that many seemed to view as magical "black boxes". Nor did I want to upgrade my 10 year old laptop to be able to run the latest DAWs. I opted instead to rebuild from scratch, using only a cheap laptop running Linux, emacs text editor and a C compiler. The intent is to work at a fundamental level, scrawling numbers directly into digital storage media later to be interpreted as sound and images." -- 0xdeafbeef
