Marjan Moghaddam: ShePepe in Ordinalandia
Bridging Ancient Iconography and Bitcoin's Meme Renaissance
Marjan Moghaddam stands at the vanguard of digital art, pioneering the intersection of 3D animation with the historic evolution of NFTs. Her latest brainchild, 'ShePepe in Ordinalandia’ is her genesis entry into the Ordinal space, encapsulating the marriage of historical artistry with the heart of contemporary Bitcoin meme culture.
I wanted to create a strong female Pepe presence, one that was informed by art history in terms of ancient matriarchal statuary, but also firmly rooted in the Post Internet Meme space. #ShePepe is the result.
ShePepe emerged as a Lenin Slayer with Marjan's participation in the "Enjoying the Silence?" exhibition at Art Basel 2023. ‘ShePepe in Ordinalandia’, a glitched Post-Digital displaced landscape, an ordinals logo made of VFX pink puffs, and a sassy walk, complete her entrance into Bitcoin culture.
The many-breasted depiction of Artemis Ephesia symbolised her profound association with nurturing and fertility, embodying the protective attributes of motherhood.
Artemis Ephesia was identified with the Roman goddess Diana of Ephesus. Her cult was a complex synthesis of indigenous Anatolian, Greek, and later Roman practices, making her a pivotal figure in understanding the cultural and religious syncretism of the ancient world. Her festivals were grand occasions involving processions, athletic games, and cultural events, reflecting her importance in the social and religious life of the ancient city of Ephesus, situated in what is now western Turkey.
Ephesus was a major centre of trade and religion in the ancient world and her worship there dates back to at least the first millennium BCE.
The temple of Artemis in Ephesus was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, serving as a religious centre that drew pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean.
The Roman cistophorus, minted during the reign of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, depicts on its reverse an image of Artemis Ephesus, functioning not only as currency but also a tool for Roman propaganda, asserting the power of Rome and honoring the cultural and religious significance of Ephesus within the empire.
The image of Artemis, with her distinctive multiple breasts emphasizes the fertility and abundance of the region.
ShePepe in Ordinalandia can be seen as a modern statement on the new 'fertility' and 'nurturing' that Bitcoin symbolises, akin to the ancient depictions of prosperity and protection bestowed by deities like Artemis of Ephesus.
In the context of modern meme culture, the "many-breasted" figure has been reimagined by Marjan as a playful yet poignant nod to the ancient deity, infusing the old symbol of fertility with contemporary issues of wealth and digital abundance.
The juxtaposition of ancient reverence with the post internet meme space creates a unique commentary, bridging millennia to reflect on how symbols morph yet retain core meanings.
Marjan's prolific history is studded with accolades and milestones. She has been an instrumental force in digital arts since the 1990s, inaugurating the DOTCOM Gallery and participating in forums for digital arts. Her work has graced the most esteemed exhibitions, from the Armory Show in NYC to Art Basel Miami, and has been an official selection at the Siggraph Computer Animation Festival multiple times.
Endowed with grants from prestigious bodies like the Rockefeller Fund and the NY Department of Cultural Affairs, Marjan's art engages with audiences through public speaking and educational endeavours. Her presence in digital art discourse has earned her the title of “the First Lady of Animated Painting.”
Marjan's AR creations have adorned both galleries and public spaces, merging the digital with the tangible world in breathtaking displays. Her sale of digital art on platforms like Superrare since 2020 further cements her status as a leading figure in Crypto Art. The BBC Click documentary 'Art Goes Digital' featured Marjan alongside giants like Beeple and XCopy, showcasing her significant contribution to the digital art world.
Stationed in Brooklyn as a Tenured Full Professor of Digital Art, Animation, & XR at Long Island University, Marjan continues to redefine the digital landscape. Her 'ShePepe in Ordinalandia' is a landmark in digital art history—a testament to her genius and foresight in the ever-evolving realm of art and technology.
“Marjan’s work is distinctive—her digital style is instantly recognizable and already an icon of the NFT art space. This is the definition of digital art as fine art.” – White Wall Art
"ShePepe in Ordinalandia" is immortalised on Bitcoin as ordinal inscription #66234024. Digital prints of 30 editions are available on Gamma, and 24” museum-grade archival prints are offered exclusively to ordinal print holders.
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