Nakamoto (the proof), 2014 - 2018
Scanner HP, impression à pigments sur feuille backlit
Between 2014 and 2018, Emilie Brout and Maxime Marion began exploring one of the key legends behind blockchain by attempting to produce proof of the existence of Satoshi Nakamoto, the presumed, particularly secretive inventor of Bitcoin. In order to do so, they contacted a group of forgers on the darknet using a high-security Israeli messaging service, and ordered a passport in his name. Pulling together all the key information known about him, the forgers were paid for the passport in Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency widely used for illicit online transactions. As the passport has not yet been delivered, a scan received by the artists before payment is the only trace of his existence. This document and all of the efforts undertaken by the artists are showcased as part of this piece.
Marcella Lista et Philippe Bettinelli, 2023