June 2026 • In Discussion
Kim Asendorf at NODE
Digital Materiality: The Pixel World System
The first institutional exhibition of a programmable art economy. Kim's pixel ecosystem—15 years from foundational code to living artwork—debuts as a survey show transforming visitors into on-chain participants. Culminates with Pixel Net premiere during Stanford Commencement Weekend (June 11–14, 2026).
Status
In Discussion
Opening
June 2026
Key Date
Jun 11-14
Event
Stanford Commencement
Partners
NODE Foundation
Venue & production
Kanbas
Acquires Pixel Net 1/1
Mickey Malka
Patron & economic sponsor
Seth Goldstein
Strategy & production
Pixel Ecosystem
1. PXL DEX (2025)
The Console — 256 read/write NFTs. Floor ~8-9 ETH. High-end collectors anchor here.
2. Pixel Tube (2026)
The Outer Ring — 256 supply, ~4 ETH target (Mar/Apr launch). DEX holders get 1:1 allowlist.
3. Pixel Net (2026)
Center of Gravity — 1/1 installation (Kanbas). Visitors deposit pixels → receive receipt NFT. 1% exit fee = deflationary engine.
Long arc: Kim's final work requires 100M pixels—nearly impossible, but possible. Mythology that sustains collector engagement for decades.
Timeline
Dec 2025Miami Art Basel — Monogrids on LED. Non-selling. Positioning.
Jan–Feb 2026Development — Kim builds Tube + Net. No distractions.
Mar–Apr 2026Pixel Tube Launch — 256 @ ~4 ETH. Builds hype pre-exhibition.
Apr–May 2026Survey Opens — Pixel Sorting (2012) → Monogrid → DEX → Tube. Weekly performances.
Jun 11–14Pixel Net Premiere — Stanford Commencement Weekend. Every visitor gets 1,000 pixels. Receipt NFTs. NODE becomes first pixel economy venue.
Economics
Revenue
- Kanbas 1/1 acquisition (secured upfront)
- Pixel Tube: ~256 × 4 ETH = ~1,024 ETH
- Receipt NFT secondary market
- Pixel Net yield (1% exit fees)
Strategy
- Tube price anchors to DEX floor
- No Dutch auction (avoid QQL mistakes)
- Pixel Net = main value sink
- 1/1 value grows parabolically
Why This Works
For Kim
6-month runway. Institutional breakthrough. Platform for next decade.
For NODE
First programmable art economy exhibition. Stanford weekend = perfect audience.
For Kanbas/Mickey
Participatory 1/1 with yield. Economic flywheel. Early access.
Open Items
Decisions Needed
- Tube final price (~4 ETH?)
- Flamingo + XX allocation negotiation
- Receipt NFT: withdrawable? tradeable? animated?
- Pixel distribution policy (1,000/visitor?)
- LED pitch selection
Q1 2026 Actions
- Kim: Tube website/contract, Net mechanics
- Seth: Pricing, NODE specs, marketing narrative
- Phil: Lock dates, LED specs, visitor flow
- Kanbas: Acquisition agreement, pixel holdings
Bottom line: NODE becomes the first institution to present a programmable art economy. Pixel Net premieres when Palo Alto fills with exactly the audience that needs to see it.
NODE Foundation — Confidential — December 2025