ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

Blood, Soil and Water is a solo exhibition by Max Baptiste that delves into the deep connection between identity, land and life through the lens of minimalism. This collection showcases Max’s work of enamel paint on glass, a medium through which he captures the essence of New Mexico’s land and rich cultural tapestry. Each piece is a reflection of Max’s personal journey, interwoven with the history and natural beauty of the land that surrounds him where the simplicity of form meets the complexity of meaning.

The exhibition is a visual exploration of the elements that define our existence: the blood that we bleed into the soil that feeds us and the water that sustains all life. Through minimalist compositions, Max distills these themes into simple, layered works that evoke the textures and colors of northern New Mexico.

Viewers of Blood, Soil and Water will experience the artist’s unique perspective on how these fundamental forces shape not only his physical world but also his sense of self and community. Max’s work invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to the world, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between life, land and water.

In this crazy life, it’s still ok to connect with the blood, soil and water.

ABOUT THE ARTIST TALK

The Dilemma: Intellectual Property in the Age of the Internet

Join artist, curator and internet technologist Max Baptiste for an insightful and timely discussion on the complexities of intellectual property and the evolving role of “the creator” in the digital age.

In this talk, Max will define the modern creator and explore how the internet has dramatically altered the landscape for artists, writers, photographers, musicians and creators of all kinds, particularly through the often-overlooked fine print of terms and conditions.

As an internet technologist with a deep commitment to his community, Max will share his personal experiences navigating the challenges of intellectual property in an era where content is easily shared, replicated and monetized—often by the platforms we use. He will delve into the implications of online platforms’ terms and conditions, highlighting how these agreements affect our rights, ownership and control over our own input.

The discussion will also address broader questions about the value of creative labor, the ethical responsibilities of platforms and the ways in which creators can advocate for themselves and their peers in this rapidly changing environment. Max’s perspective will offer both practical advice and a thought-provoking critique of the current state of intellectual property, making this talk essential for anyone concerned with the future of creativity in the digital world.

This talk is especially relevant for artists and creators and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, law and IP. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to protect their own input and navigate the complexities of intellectual property in today’s connected world.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Born in Taos, New Mexico in 1982, Max Baptiste was raised in the small northern New Mexican village of San Cristobal. Deeply inspired by the natural landscapes and vibrant culture of his home state, Max creates art that reflects the world around him, primarily through minimalism on glass.

Although Max loves working on art, he has been an internet technologist by trade for over 20 years. Max is currently working on streaming technology and has worked on various video games, developed virtual economies and created new ways to lock down intellectual property online. He is meticulous about scrutinizing and creating the terms and conditions therein.

In addition to his work as an artist and an internet technologist, Max has established a distinguished career as an art curator. From 2015-2020, Max created and managed an arts nonprofit that worked with thousands of community members including showcasing the artwork from 700+ New Mexican artists. From 2018-2020, Max served as the lead art curator for the Albuquerque International Sunport, where his innovative lowrider exhibition earned the airport recognition as one of the top nine airports in the world for art. Max continues to curate and work with other artists helping them succeed with their careers.

Through his experience in building both online and offline creator platforms, Max adopts and builds on bridging what works to and from both worlds.

Demonstrating his commitment to supporting creators on and offline, Max focuses on making significant contributions to both local and international art and tech scenes.