Brigitte Dätwyler

Bitcoin
2011
Lecture Performance / Triptych
42' / 20 x 15 x 3 cm each
  • a BTC that is no BTC
  • triptych
  • floppy with wallet.dat
  • introduction
  • explanation
  • find the block
  • blockchain
  • everybody wants to be rich - even the punks.
  • there is no bank.
  • open source!
  • tell everybody about your transfers
  • bitcoin is safe. users are stupid.
  • donation
  • response from the audience
  • end

General
Bitcoin is a virtual currency using decentralized peer-to-peer networking. It combines characteristics of cash with those of international electronic transfers. The network is built by the computers of all the participants, who run the free open-source software Bitcoin client.
The concept is being discussed controversially because of its new combination of formerly incompatible qualities, which rise legal, economic and technical matters.

Triptych
Bitcoin I - III
Framed Bitcoin, digital photo frame and framed floppy disc

Coin: one Casascius Bitcoin of limited fan edition from Memorydealers.com, Inc.
Slideshow: PowerPoint presentation for the performance Bitcoin – a performance of the global currency system
Floppy disc: contains wallet.dat with 20 BTC from the artist's Bitcoin client

Performance
Bitcoin – a performance of the global currency system
Lecture performance
8th of October 2011 at Stadtgalerie, Bern

From and with: Brigitte Dätwyler (artist)
Guest expert: Johnny Nia (programmer)

Setting
conventional lecture setting for presentation with PowerPoint: projection and seating for the audience.

Part 1 – introduction 9‘
The artist starts by introducing the invited expert and herself. She then presents the issue at hand. She talks about ideological and real strengths and weaknesses of the virtual currency, stressing the political implications. In conclusion she compares Bitcoin to the art business before handing over to the expert.

Part 2 –  explanation 15‘
The expert explains creation and operation of Bitcoin in mathematical terms. He clarifies the onset and significance of Bitcoin in the web community and indicates opportunities and dangers for users if there is no bank.

Part 3 – live demonstration 3‘
The artist navigates on the Bitcoin client and triggers a transfer: she donates 20 BTC to the media coverage team of the occupy movement in NY. She opens the site globalrevolution.tv, where the team is streaming live from Zucotti park.

Teil 4 – Q&A 15‘
Until the transfer gets confirmed by the Bitcoin community, artist and expert are available for questions. On the projection Bitcoin client and browser can be seen, in which the video of the demonstrating people plays. When there are no more questions and the transfer has been confirmed in the Bitcoin client, the artist thanks the expert and the audience.