The founder of DeviantArt is making a $22,000 display for digital art

Angelo Sotira, who founded the renowned digital art platform DeviantArt as a teenager, is on a mission to redefine the display of digital art, 25 years later. Introducing his latest venture, Layer, Sotira unveiled a premium screen engineered to exhibit digital art in unparalleled quality. "The functionality and aesthetic integration of the canvas into one’s environment must differ from traditional displays," Sotira explained to TechCrunch. Unlike consumer-centric products like Samsung’s The Frame TV, which resembles a painting when off, Layer targets a niche market with its hefty price tag of $22,000. "This price point indicates our target audience," he said. "We have invested significant resources without compromises to create the ultimate display for digital art." Sotira clarifies that digital art, in this context, transcends photography and video. Layer collaborates with numerous artists, including Casey Reas, who craft generative AI art through unique software rather than relying on traditional algorithms. These artworks demand substantial computing power, contributing to Layer’s high cost due to the necessary technological capabilities for showcasing such innovative pieces. "With over 35 years of history in code-based art, the display renders every pixel driven by its live-running code without compression," Sotira noted. Understanding the challenges of existing digital art displays, he aims to create a user-friendly experience where owners can simply plug it in and enjoy a seamless art curation without constant updates. "This canvas needs to thrive in your space for years," he emphasized. Despite its niche appeal, Layer has attracted attention from venture capitalists, securing $5.7 million in funding from firms like Expa Ventures and Human Ventures, along with notable angels like Evan Williams and Scott Belsky. Beyond hardware sales, Layer offers subscription access to a curated collection of digital artworks, ensuring artists receive royalties based on viewing time. "Our mission centers around prioritizing artists," Sotira concluded.