Cesar Escudero Andaluz and Martín Nadal
Bittercoin, 2016
Repurposed calculator machine used as bitcoin miner
Size: 40 x 30 x 10 cm
Edition of 10
Description:
Bitttercoin is an old calculator machine hacked to be used as a miner validating the pending bitcoin transactions in the blockchain. It combines Internet of Things (IoT), media archaeology and economics, and works as the most basic computer, increasing the time needed to produce bitcoins to almost an eternity.
The operations are displayed on the calculator screen and printed afterward, the paper accumulates around the machine making visible the amount of calculation required, as well as, the natural resources expended in the process, often covering the whole room and the calculator itself.
Bittercoin talks about the effort, resources and the working time expended that is conditioned by technological devices. In terms of efficiency, the artists paid a lot of effort to develop the slower miner ever; Bittercoin is able to calculate one hash per ten minutes, consumes 80mA, Watts 220V * 0.08A = 17.6W and 10m of paper per hour.
Although highly unlikely, in the case of a successful mining of a block, the nonce would be sent back to the server and the corresponding bitcoins from the reward would be deposited in the artists’ bitcoin wallet.
Exhibited at “Perfect and Priceless” show, Zürich, Kate Vass Galerie, 2018-2019
Exhibited at POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair, Berlin, Kate Vass Galerie Booth A18, September 2024
Bittercoin, 2016
Repurposed calculator machine used as bitcoin miner
Size: 40 x 30 x 10 cm
Edition of 10
Description:
Bitttercoin is an old calculator machine hacked to be used as a miner validating the pending bitcoin transactions in the blockchain. It combines Internet of Things (IoT), media archaeology and economics, and works as the most basic computer, increasing the time needed to produce bitcoins to almost an eternity.
The operations are displayed on the calculator screen and printed afterward, the paper accumulates around the machine making visible the amount of calculation required, as well as, the natural resources expended in the process, often covering the whole room and the calculator itself.
Bittercoin talks about the effort, resources and the working time expended that is conditioned by technological devices. In terms of efficiency, the artists paid a lot of effort to develop the slower miner ever; Bittercoin is able to calculate one hash per ten minutes, consumes 80mA, Watts 220V * 0.08A = 17.6W and 10m of paper per hour.
Although highly unlikely, in the case of a successful mining of a block, the nonce would be sent back to the server and the corresponding bitcoins from the reward would be deposited in the artists’ bitcoin wallet.
Exhibited at “Perfect and Priceless” show, Zürich, Kate Vass Galerie, 2018-2019
Exhibited at POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair, Berlin, Kate Vass Galerie Booth A18, September 2024
Bittercoin, 2016
Repurposed calculator machine used as bitcoin miner
Size: 40 x 30 x 10 cm
Edition of 10
Description:
Bitttercoin is an old calculator machine hacked to be used as a miner validating the pending bitcoin transactions in the blockchain. It combines Internet of Things (IoT), media archaeology and economics, and works as the most basic computer, increasing the time needed to produce bitcoins to almost an eternity.
The operations are displayed on the calculator screen and printed afterward, the paper accumulates around the machine making visible the amount of calculation required, as well as, the natural resources expended in the process, often covering the whole room and the calculator itself.
Bittercoin talks about the effort, resources and the working time expended that is conditioned by technological devices. In terms of efficiency, the artists paid a lot of effort to develop the slower miner ever; Bittercoin is able to calculate one hash per ten minutes, consumes 80mA, Watts 220V * 0.08A = 17.6W and 10m of paper per hour.
Although highly unlikely, in the case of a successful mining of a block, the nonce would be sent back to the server and the corresponding bitcoins from the reward would be deposited in the artists’ bitcoin wallet.
Exhibited at “Perfect and Priceless” show, Zürich, Kate Vass Galerie, 2018-2019
Exhibited at POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair, Berlin, Kate Vass Galerie Booth A18, September 2024