Digital Art in 2023: Innovative Artists Pushing the Boundaries of NFTs
The world of digital art and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years. While there have been occasional market crashes and volatility surrounding the value of collectible NFTs, the NFT art scene is far from over. Looking ahead to 2023, the question remains: what will digital art aficionados value most?
NFTs not only serve as certificates of authenticity but also offer a unique artistic medium that allows for ambitious concepts and narratives. Many artists are pushing the boundaries of NFTs and experimenting with cutting-edge technology to create innovative and captivating digital artworks.
Sara Ludy, a California-born artist, explores nature in uncanny ways, highlighting its mysticism. Combining various media such as painting, AI, VR, video, and websites, Ludy’s work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions at institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her latest collaboration with Refraction, a DAO focused on cultural production, and the non-profit organization Rhizome is an exploration of AI.
Entangled Others, a duo consisting of the Argentinian artist Sofia Crespo and the Norwegian artist Feileacan McCormick, utilizes cutting-edge technology like neural networks, AI image generation, 3D modeling, and quantum computing. Their work delves into different forms of life and creates poetry with technology. Their collaboration gained attention during a fundraiser for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum in 2022, bridging the gap between the NFT world and traditional artistic spaces.
Stevie P, based in Brooklyn, brings a unique perspective to digital art with a background in economics. His artwork delves into common internet scams and imaginary investment schemes, taking the audience on a hilarious and thought-provoking journey. Stevie’s projects incorporate smart contracts, immersing viewers into a world where art and technology intersect. His latest project with Art Blocks, titled Dopamine Machines (2023), explores the language of internet advertising.
Keiken, meaning experience in Japanese, is a collective based in Berlin and London. Their work spans performance, video games, and digital art, with a focus on creating speculative worlds that invite viewers to imagine better futures. By working within gaming engines, Keiken blurs the lines between art and interactive experiences. Wisdoms for Neknel, their latest NFT work, allows people to explore a world where wisdom is a currency.
Jonas Lund, a Swedish-born artist based in Berlin, has been experimenting with blockchain technology for years. Known for his humor-infused approach, Lund explores different mediums such as sculpture, painting, AI, and smart contracts. His token, JLT, enables token holders to vote on decisions that impact his artistic practice. Lund’s upcoming project, Most Accidents Happen at Home (2023), will be the first Signature project on the Wild.xyz platform.
Felt Zine, a New York City and Brooklyn-based artist collective, has been portraying internet counter-culture since 2011. From music and parties to digital art and their marketplace, Felt Zine constantly innovates to challenge the perception of reality. Their collaboration with luxury powerhouse Givenchy, as noted by Creative Director Matthew Williams, aims to create streetwear akin to contemporary art in the web3 space.
NFTs have revolutionized the pricing and discoverability of digital art, creating a thriving market over the past five years. The artists and collectives mentioned above exemplify the diverse and exciting possibilities within the NFT space. NFTs are more than just silly jpegs; they offer the potential for groundbreaking artistic expression and global communities to form around artists and genres. As we enter 2023, the world of digital art continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the metaverse.
