Mario Klingemann Creates Botto

In October, Mario Klingemann launched Botto, a decentralized autonomous artist governed by a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). This decentralized autonomous artist was designed to generate and sell art based on community feedback mechanisms of the DAO.

Utilizing AI models and governed by the BottoDAO, Botto creates thousands of images weekly, with community members voting to select and auction the final artwork as NFTs. This project challenges traditional notions of authorship, harkening back to Harold Cohen and his AARON, which was similarly intended to be an immortal artist. While both AARON and Botto can operate somewhat independently of direct human control, Botto is guided instead by collective input and decentralized governance, meaning its future as a continuing artist is not limited by a single individual’s wishes or passing. The project’s roots lie in Gene Kogan’s Abraham.ai from 2017.