Virtual Vegas 2017

Beeple made "Virtual Vegas" with what looks like digital tools, and right away, I'm struck by the color. The piece is dominated by a neon palette. It's like a digital dream, hyper-real and totally artificial. Looking closer, I see how he’s layered different textures and effects. There are elements that look almost like glitches or digital artifacts, which is part of the aesthetic experience of this image. Then there’s the light. The way it reflects off the buildings and illuminates certain areas creates this sense of depth and dimension that makes the image pop out at you. Look at the glow around the tower on the left side. The whole piece has a kind of retro-futuristic vibe that reminds me a bit of some of those old science fiction films. It's a world of pure fantasy, and it makes me think about the way we use technology to create these alternate realities.