Physical Misconceptions of Anonymity

Physical Misconception of Anonymity - Martin Lukas Ostachowski

Acrylics on wooden board with 3D-printed thermoplastic polyester (PLA) sculpture

2023

Physical: Edition of 1

Status: Sold

Artwork Description

“Remember, remember, the 5th of November.” For hundreds of years, fires have burned as effigies to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot, an attempt to overturn the British government by blowing up parliament. Its central figure Guy Fawkes, with his flamboyant beard, became the name bearer of the masks, which children have worn in his image on Bonfire Night since the Victorian era or even earlier. Over the last decades, these masks have become a symbol of anonymous protest against organizations and governments. Not surprisingly, they also found popularity in the Blockchain movement.

However, Blockchain’s encryption algorithms do not equate to anonymity. Since its inception, a permanent record shows every transaction; the Blockchain is a public ledger. Every transaction increases traceability. Complex, sophisticated, and costly processes are required to remain anonymous.

Physical Misconceptions of Anonymity is a physical representation of an animated photo collage Dreamy Misconceptions of Anonymity I created in 2020. It raises attention that governments worldwide realized the potential of cryptocurrency gains and quickly implemented fast-adapting taxation rules. The artwork warns that everyone is most likely subject to their government’s taxes each time a cryptocurrency is converted or an NFT traded. Thousands of programmers and consultants work on behalf of governments and institutions to dissolve this seemingly encrypted mask.