Case Study: Columbia University artist Lance Weiler pioneers onchain storytelling with Solana

Where There's Smoke Pioneers Onchain Storytelling

Lance Weiler, an associate professor at Columbia University, sought to push the boundaries of digital storytelling and interactive art by merging physical experiences with blockchain technology. His challenge was to create a seamless, immersive installation that could record and preserve participants' emotional journeys as onchain data without the friction of high costs or technical complexity often associated with blockchain.

To address this, the Solana Foundation provided the high-throughput, low-cost blockchain infrastructure necessary for the project, "Where There's Smoke." This allowed for the real-time minting of generative NFTs based on participant movement and the creation of a "memory ledger." The solution resulted in a pioneering onchain storytelling experience that enhanced human connection and successfully preserved the emotional data of attendees, with future iterations planned to expand its capabilities.

Columbia University

Lance Weiler

Artist, Scholar and Associate Professor of Professional Practice