A few days ago, invited by Cinello, we went to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana to discover what a DAW (Digital Art Work) is on the occasion of the replacement of Caravaggio‘s Basket of Fruit. But let’s learn more about Cinello and their work, focused on limited 1:1 digital editions, certified and authorized.
What is a DAW
From November 22, 2023, Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit will be in Asti for La Canestra di Caravaggio. Secrets and Enigmas of Still Life, an exhibition curated by Costantino D’Orazio, until April 7, 2024. What we found at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana last Friday was not the original, but rather a DAW, which stands for a limited 1:1 digital edition, certified and authorized reproduction of Caravaggio’s masterpiece. These are true digital works produced in series, numbered, and authenticated by museums, foundations, or holders of the intellectual property of the work. Something very different from NFTs. DAWs are protected by a centralized encryption system developed by the Cinello team and patented under the name MyGal®. The mode of enjoyment of the artworks created by Cinello is innovative: in addition to the complex system that allows the digitization of the work, the DAW also includes a high-definition monitor, framed by a real frame handmade in Italy, identical to that of the original work.
«The most important and precious works from Italian and international museum collections are now available to be exhibited in any context. Masterpieces like Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit, which are not traditionally moved due to their immense value, can be appreciated in their digital version thanks to DAW® technology. Cinello allows institutions and individuals to request the loan of one or more DAWs®, promoting Italian culture abroad with a philanthropic intent, or supporting the museum that must part with it for a loan» – comments John Blem, Founder & President of Cinello.
Cinello’s mission
Founded in 2015, Cinello is engaged in the promotion and enhancement of artistic heritage on a national and international scale. They are the ones who patented the DAW, and their idea was to make digital files unique. It all started from the intuition of John Blem and Franco Losi, two computer engineers who had worked for years in Silicon Valley, united by a great passion for technological innovation and the cultural heritage of Italy. Cinello has organized numerous exhibitions, including ones in New York and London.
