Why NFTs? A Brief Primer for the ESS panel on NFTs and Contemporary Art-Making
This is a companion piece to the event NFTs and Contemporary Art-Making. Tune in Thursday, January 27th on YouTube to view and ask questions.
There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding NFTs, and questions have popped up as to why ESS would promote this emerging technology. While many of us would love to forget all about these digital blockchain tokens, they seem to be sticking around for at least the near future. With that in mind, we thought it important to establish some common knowledge for ourselves and the artists we work with. Which is easier said than done, as there is still debate and confusion over what NFTs (or non-fungible tokens) actually are.
Our wonderful panelists have provided some framing questions for us to ponder through this discussion:
What are the promises and perils of this new digital ecosystem?
How do we reconcile the environmental impacts and sustainable potential of crypto-cultures? Shrouded by inscrutable practices, how are outgrowths, like NFTs, situated within the wider context of art history?
What inclusions (or exclusions) do these crypto-cultures afford in the relations of art and money, predation and agency?
In addition to these questions, gathered here are a few stories and articles laying out potential benefits and concerns from this new frontier. Take a peek and bring your questions and comments to this evening’s event.
How Music NFTs Could Disrupt the Music Industry, Crypto News.
https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/how-music-nfts-could-disrupt-music-industry.htm
NFTs: Feminist Haven or Capitalist Hell, Polyester Zine.
https://www.polyesterzine.com/thedollhouse/feminist-haven-or-capitalist-hell
NFTs are Taking Off in the Music Industry. What’s an NFT, Dallas Observer.
The Climate Controversy Swirling Around NFTs. The Verge.
https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/15/22328203/nft-cryptoart-ethereum-blockchain-climate-change
NFT Art Theft: Why You Need to Protect Your Art Right Now. Drawism.
https://drawism.com/nft-art-theft-protect-your-work-right-now/