2021 was, undisputedly, the year of NFTs. Notwithstanding the rampant controversies climate irresponsibility, scams, and thefts But no the market for non-fungible tokens hit US$41 billion (RM180 billion) in December, with a gamut of industries from fashion to entertainment selling and utilizing the technology for a smorgasbord of digital products (virtual accessories) and purposes (club membership).
But nowhere are NFTs as pervasive as in the art world. Ever since Beeple’s “Everydays: The First 5,000 Days” sold for a whopping US$69 million (RM304 million) at Christie’s in March last year, crypto art has exploded online and permeated our consciousness like never before. In 2021, digital artists including Pak, Tyler Hobbs, and Xcopy shot to fame with headline-grabbing NFT sales that rival the global fine art market.
Museums, galleries, and art fairs also got in on the trend: The British Museum partnered with French startup LaCollection to create NFT versions of some of its artworks; Art Basel Miami held an exhibition that allowed visitors to mint their own NFTs; while international mega-gallery Pace launched a dedicated NFT platform called Pace Verso in July 2021 to show and sell the works of blockchain artists.
Singapore saw its first large-scale, physical NFT exhibition, Right Click Save, in November 2021. Diving into the history of cryptoart, the show was presented by Coinhako, a digital assets wallet service provider, and Appetite, a multi-concept space and research centre. Works from artists including Beeple, Andy Warhol, and others in the digital and cryptoart world were displayed on screens, monitors, projections, and as framed prints.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FEELING NEAT
The Balvenie 30 combines traditional techniques with rich, layered flavours, offering a refined quaff for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
CROWNED AS KING
King Living brings home the gold with a double victory at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
ART DECO DREAMS
Khoon Hooi and PRESTIGE hosted an exclusive afternoon tea unveiling the eponymous designer's Art Deco-inspired collection, where guests embraced couture in anticipation of the PRESTIGE KL Ball.
MYTH OF THE MAN
In dedication to his late mother, Myth: Evolution’ takes us through the personal and professional journey of Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran through the vision of the dragon.
GREEN IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
From green initiatives to mythical beast-imbued writing instruments, our eclectic list of toys is sure to usher in the end-of-year cheer.
FOOD AWAKENING
From shopping sprees to setting off for Sabah and savouring some weekend hotel dining, it looks like food lovers are in for a busy month ahead.
AUTUMN JAUNTS
From deep waters off the coast of Singapore to the racetracks of Dubai, our travel recommendations for November ensures diversity in choice, and excitement in the experience.
REDEFININING URBAN LIVING
Sustainability, safety, and style come together in the innovative Swedish marque's latest all-electric compact SUV, designed for the modern city dweller.
PORT OF CALL
During the last week of September every year, the action in the Mediterranean’s glamorous enclave of Monte Carlo shifts to the famous Port Hercules for the annual Monaco Yacht Show, allowing visitors a glimpse of some of the finest yacht launches.
THE FIRST WAVES
From backstage interviews to KL cuisine under the Johor sun, the Ombak Festival's debut made its mark.
