Within the ever-evolving intersection of art and technology, we find ourselves on the cusp of art history in the making. As the debates continue to swirl, attempting to define the parameters of artworks in the realm of the crypto space, one thing is certain: blockchain is emerging as a pivotal medium, giving birth to dynamic Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) that challenge conventional notions of art.
This compilation serves as a comprehensive resource for exploring the multifaceted realm of blockchain art. While not an exhaustive list, it offers a curated selection of diverse use cases where blockchain technologies intersect with the world of art.
As we journey through this resource, it's important to note that, much like the art itself, our understanding and appreciation of these innovations are a work in progress, with definitions and examples continually evolving. Join us as we explore the captivating world of blockchain art, where creativity, technology, and the boundaries of what constitutes art are being redefined.
The production of this resources has been inspired by our online discussion in March 2023 at WAC Weekly. Read our summary here.
Crypto art refers to artworks that are themed around or inspired by cryptocurrency, its market dynamics, culture, and underlying mechanisms. Unlike on-chain art, crypto art doesn't necessarily exist on the blockchain. It can be any form of visual, digital, or physical art that explores or comments on the various aspects of the cryptocurrency world, such as the technology behind cryptocurrencies (like blockchain), the socio-economic impact of digital currencies, or the culture and community that surrounds them. The key element of crypto art is its thematic focus on the cryptocurrency realm rather than its medium or method of distribution. Crypto Art can also be considered as blockchain data-driven art but with a focus on the crypto market.
Data-Driven Blockchain Art," also known as "Dynamic NFTs," refers to a type of digital artwork that is stored and authenticated on a blockchain. However, what sets Dynamic NFTs apart is their ability to change or evolve over time based on external data inputs or triggers. These changes can be influenced by various factors such as cryptocurrency prices, social media activity, weather conditions, or other real-time data sources.
Dynamic NFTs are unique in that they are not static digital assets; their appearance, content, or attributes can dynamically change based on the data they are programmed to respond to. This interactivity and responsiveness to external data make them a novel and evolving form of digital art, different from conventional, static NFTs.
On-chain art, also known as blockchain art or art living on the blockchain, refers to artworks that are entirely stored and executed on a blockchain network. Unlike traditional digital art or standard NFTs, where the blockchain only records ownership and provenance, on-chain art embeds the actual artwork—be it the image, code, or other forms—directly into the blockchain.
This means that every aspect of the artwork, from its visual components to interactive elements, is recorded in the blockchain's ledger. The blockchain not only serves as a certificate of authenticity and ownership but also as the medium that hosts and displays the art. On-chain art leverages the decentralized, immutable nature of blockchain technology, ensuring the permanence and tamper-proof security of the artwork. It represents a fusion of artistic expression with the technical capabilities of blockchain technology.
Interactive on-chain art refers to a type of digital artwork that not only exists on the blockchain but also requires active participation or interaction from viewers or users to be fully realized or activated. This form of art is embedded directly in the blockchain, ensuring its authenticity and permanence. The unique aspect of interactive on-chain art is that it involves an element of user engagement—such as making choices, executing transactions, or other forms of interaction—to reveal, alter, or evolve the artwork. This interactivity adds a dynamic and participatory dimension to the art piece, making the viewer an integral part of the art experience.