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Daniel Arsham Cassette Tape Future Relic 04 For Sale

Daniel Arsham
Daniel Arsham - Cassette Tape Future Relic 04, 2015, Plaster and broken glass

Cassette Tape Future Relic 04, 2015

Plaster and broken glass

4 x 2 1/2 x 1/2 in 10.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 cm

About this work

Daniel Arsham's "Future Relic Cassette Tape" is a compelling exploration of nostalgia, obsolescence, and the passage of time. In this artwork, Arsham takes a once-ubiquitous object from the past—the cassette tape—and transforms it into a futuristic relic, evoking a sense of temporal displacement and mystery. Arsham's distinctive aesthetic, characterized by erosion and distortion, is applied to the cassette tape, giving it a weathered, fossilized appearance as if it has been unearthed from a distant future. This manipulation of form and material prompts viewers to reconsider their perceptions of technology and cultural artifacts. The "Future Relic Cassette Tape" serves as a poignant reminder of the rapid evolution of audio technology and the inevitable obsolescence of once-prevalent formats. Yet, amidst the decay, there is a sense of nostalgia for the tactile experience of handling cassette tapes and the memories associated with them. Arsham's creation invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of innovation and the enduring power of human creativity. Through this reinterpretation of a familiar object, Arsham prompts us to contemplate the ways in which technology shapes our lives and the ways in which our relationship with it evolves over time.

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Edition & Provenance

Year
2015
Medium
Plaster and broken glass
Edition
Edition of 500
Cassette Tape Future Relic 04

About Daniel Arsham

Daniel Arsham

Market Performance

Daniel Arsham commands one of the most enthusiastic collector bases in contemporary art, with primary market releases frequently selling out within minutes and works achieving significant premiums in the secondary market. His fictional archaeologies — eroded sculptures of familiar cultural objects — are sought globally, with strong auction results at Phillips, Christie's, and Sotheby's. His collaborations with brands including Adidas, Dior, Porsche, and Pokémon have expanded his cultural reach while maintaining his artistic identity. Limited-edition prints and small-scale sculptures offer entry points into his practice, while large unique works and site-specific installations command substantial six-figure valuations.

Life and Practice

Born in 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio, Daniel Arsham studied architecture at the Cooper Union in New York, where his interest in the relationship between time, objects, and material crystallized. He co-founded the multidisciplinary design studio Snarkitecture with Alex Mustonen and has built a prolific studio practice encompassing sculpture, architecture, performance, and film. His signature aesthetic — objects and figures partially consumed by geological erosion — imagines a future archaeology of the present. Cars, telephones, cameras, sneakers, and cultural icons are cast in minerals including selenite, quartz, pyrite, and volcanic ash, appearing as though excavated from some impossible ruin.

Series Overview

Arsham's major bodies of work include his Fictional Archaeology series, in which everyday objects are rendered in crystal, selenite, and volcanic ash as if centuries old. His Eroded series applies this treatment to art historical references and cultural icons. His Future Relics editions — collaborative releases with specific brands — have become some of the most coveted objects in contemporary collecting. More recently, his Hourglass series and large-scale architectural interventions have expanded his formal range.

Museum Collections

Arsham's work is held in significant institutional and private collections internationally, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. He has produced major public installations and has been featured at major international art fairs including Art Basel and Frieze.

Buying/Selling with Guy Hepner

Guy Hepner sources and places Daniel Arsham works including prints, editions, and unique sculptures. Contact us to discuss acquisition or consignment.
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