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Hello! Welcome to Kura Curiosa—your new art experience!
My name is Baptiste Tavernier. I'm an artist and independent curator based in Tokyo, and I love exploring the intersections between art, technology, and community participation. Kura Curiosa is my latest project—think of it as combining the charm of an old-world Cabinet of Curiosities with futuristic digital creativity and sci-fi storytelling. Or, if you prefer, imagine it like “Predator meets the British Museum!”
Ok so, What happens when we democratize art using technology? Inspired by Walter Benjamin’s ideas on mechanical reproduction, I'm transforming art from something you just look at into something you can actively create.
The project has three main parts: a free-to-download modular art collection for 3D printing, an immersive sci-fi lore with cosmic proportions, and exclusive mixed-media works for art collectors.
Kura Curiosa uses special modular frames called "Vexels," which clip together in endless configurations. Each Vexel holds different 3D printed or mixed-media artifacts. You can freely download and 3D print many of these pieces using your choice of materials and colors. Basically, Kura Curiosa invites you not just to collect art, but to actively create, customize, and curate your own gallery.
But there's more than just printing models! There's a rich story woven throughout the project. It all revolves around Arkhorin, a mysterious structure built around a primordial black hole, collecting strange specimens from all across the universe. The lore behind Kura Curiosa and Arkhorin unfolds through small texts, hidden clues on my website, and videos on this YouTube channel.
Kura Curiosa is all about opening up creativity! Most of the art is free for you to download and customize, but there are also some really special exclusive techno-mineral artworks for collectors. These pieces are handcrafted and blend futuristic digital aesthetics with the natural beauty of stones and crystals like agate, quartz, pyrite, and more. You’ll find these at select galleries and international art fairs.
This whole project grew out of my passion for modular synthesizers, sci-fi narratives, cyberpunk vibes, and what I like to call phygital futurism—where the physical and digital worlds blend seamlessly. By offering free downloadable art alongside exclusive limited editions, I'm inviting you to be part of a new, collaborative, and ever-evolving art experience.
Ready to dive into Kura Curiosa? Head to the website, download your first artwork, and start creating something uniquely yours. Follow along to access exclusive designs, updates, and insider stories from Arkhorin.
Let’s explore creativity together!
