All Photography by VINCENT ANDERT
Last night, the SLEEK Art Space on the 14th floor transformed into a vibrant meeting point for art, technology and conversation. Overlooking Berlin and framed by a stunning sunset, Mario Klingemann opened his latest exhibition in collaboration with SLEEK and partner Tezos. Thoughtfully curated by Anika Meier, the evening brought together a diverse crowd of art lovers, creatives and curious minds. It quickly became clear that this was not just about observing art, but experiencing it. Many of the works drew from generative processes, inviting visitors to engage with new forms of artistic expression across visuals and sound.
As a key partner of the exhibition, Tezos added an important dimension to the evening. Known for its energy-efficient proof-of-stake design, the blockchain platform has become closely connected to the digital art world. Its comparatively low environmental impact makes it especially attractive for artists working with NFTs and generative art, offering a more sustainable way to create, collect and exhibit digital works while actively supporting practices at the intersection of code and creativity.
At the core of the exhibition, titled Conflict of Interest, lies a question that feels especially relevant today: what choices do we have, and what do we choose when interests collide? Klingemann, who has been working with algorithms, data and artificial intelligence for decades, continues to explore authorship and autonomy in a time shaped by rapidly evolving technologies. As he puts it, “We need skeptics, and we need those who immediately embrace everything new, regardless of whether it’s truly better or not.”
The works on view reflect this tension. Earlier pieces, including his music videos, stem from a pre-prompt era, when Klingemann directly engaged with systems and machine learning models. More recent series such as Weapons of Mass Distraction (2026) and Landscapes (2026) suggest a shift in perspective — away from how images are generated, toward why they are created at all, in a world increasingly saturated with AI-produced visuals.
Beeple (l) & Mario Klingemann (r)
The atmosphere felt open and dynamic. Conversations flowed easily, moving between topics like artificial intelligence, creative processes and the ongoing debates surrounding digital art. There was laughter, thoughtful exchange and a genuine sense of connection throughout the space.
What made the evening stand out was its balance of lightness and depth. As the city slowly faded into night outside, the exhibition became a space for dialogue, inspiration and fresh perspectives. It was a vernissage that went beyond the visual and left a lasting impression.
Mario Klingemann (l) & Boris Eldagsen (r)
