Understanding and Appreciating Generative Art in the Age of NFTs

Understanding and Appreciating Generative Art in the Age of NFTs
Highlights

Generative art and NFTs have been a hot topic in the art world in recent years, with the value of generative art being subjective and varying depending on the artist and the specific piece. Understanding and appreciating generative art involves considering the process, looking for patterns and variations, thinking about the relationship between the artist and the algorithm, considering the concept, and being open-minded.

Generative art fits well with the NFT. Here’s why

The market for NFTs in the art world has grown rapidly in recent years, and it is expected to continue to expand in the future. After launching my book NFT: From Zero to Hero, I have given many talks and held several AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions. One topic that came up frequently during these sessions was the topic of generative art and NFTs. Specifically, many people have asked about the definition of generative art, the value behind these NFTs, their longevity, and how we can appreciate this form of art. In this statement, I will do my best to provide answers to these questions.

Generative art is a form of art that is created using algorithms and computer programs. It is an art form that is created using mathematical rules and procedures rather than being made by the artist’s hand. The computer generates the artwork, and the artist’s role is to create the rules and parameters that the computer uses to generate the final piece.

Understanding generative art

Appreciating generative art can be similar to enjoying other forms of art, but there are also some unique aspects to consider. Some people might find it visually appealing or thought-provoking, while others might find it challenging or confusing. The value of generative art, like any other form of art, is subjective and can depend on many factors, such as the artist’s intent, the complexity of the algorithm used, the uniqueness of the piece, and the social or historical context in which it was created. Here are a few tips for approaching and understanding generative art:

Consider the process: Generative art is created using algorithms and computer programs, so it can be interesting to think about the process that was used to create the artwork. What parameters and rules were set by the artist? How does the algorithm determine the final output?

Look for patterns and variations: Because generative art is created using a set of rules, there may be repeating patterns or variations within the piece. Observing these patterns and variations can provide insight into how the artwork was created.

Think about the relationship between the artist and the algorithm: Unlike traditional art, where the artist has complete control over the final output, the artist in generative art is also a programmer, so the relationship between the artist and the algorithm that creates the artwork is unique, consider how the artist influences the algorithm and how the algorithm influences the final result.

Consider the concept: As with any art, the idea behind generative art is also essential. What themes or ideas are being explored? What is the artist trying to communicate through the use of algorithms and computer programs?

Be open-minded: Generative art can be very different from traditional art forms, so it can be helpful to approach it with an open mind and be willing to consider new perspectives.

By considering these factors, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of generative art and its unique characteristics.

The value behind generative art

The value behind generative art can vary depending on the artist and the specific piece, but generative art is generally valued for its unique combination of technology and creativity. Some of the critical aspects that contribute to the value of generative art include:

The use of technology: Generative art relies on using algorithms, code, and other forms of technology to create artwork. This can create a sense of novelty and innovation and a level of complexity that is impossible with traditional art forms.

The artist’s intent: Like any other art form, the artist’s goal is vital in understanding the value of generative art. What is the artist trying to communicate through the use of technology and algorithms?

The element of chance: Generative art often involves algorithms that create unexpected and random outcomes. This can create a sense of surprise and intrigue and make each generative art unique.

The aspect of collaboration: Generative art can be seen as a collaboration between the artist, who sets the rules and parameters, and the algorithm, which generates the final output. This creates a sense of interdependence and relationship between the artist and the technology.

The concept of digital scarcity: The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in digital art allows for creating unique digital assets, which can be bought and sold like physical artworks. This creates a sense of digital scarcity and uniqueness, which adds value to the artwork.

The ability to generate new and dynamic works: Generative art algorithms can be set to run indefinitely, generating new variations of the same artwork, making it a dynamic and ever-changing medium.

The value of generative art is subjective and can depend on various factors. However, by considering the use of technology, the artist’s intent, the element of chance, the concept of digital scarcity, the aspect of collaboration and the ability to generate new works, one can gain a deeper understanding of the value behind generative art.

Which generative artist am I following?

Many talented artists are working in the field of generative art, but here are a few who have gained recognition for their work:

  1. Joshua Davis: Joshua Davis is a pioneer in generative art, and his work often combines programming, design, and animation. He is known for creating complex and detailed digital images using algorithms and code.
  2. Golan Levin: Golan Levin is an artist and designer whose work spans a variety of mediums, including generative art, digital fabrication, and interactive installations. He is known for creating interactive pieces that respond to user input and for using code to create visuals.
  3. Zach Lieberman: Zach Lieberman is an artist and programmer whose work often involves the use of technology to create interactive and generative art. He is known for his use of open-source programming tools and his ability to create complex and dynamic visuals using code.
  4. Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer is an artist who creates interactive installations that use technology to allow viewers to interact with the artwork. His work often involves the use of generative algorithms to create dynamic and responsive visuals.
  5. David McLeod: David McLeod is an artist and developer based in New York. He is known for his generative artworks that explore the intersection of art and technology. His work often combines generative algorithms, machine learning, and data visualisation.
  6. Beeple: Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple, is a digital artist and graphic designer who creates both generative and non-generative digital art. He is known for creating unique, one-of-a-kind digital images and animations, and his digital artwork is highly sought after by collectors.
  7. Tyler Hobbs: Tyler Hobbs is an artist and software engineer who creates digital art using algorithms and code. He is known for his abstract and dynamic visual creations that often feature patterns and shapes generated through complex mathematical processes.

There are many more talented artists working in the field, and the field is growing. New artists are emerging, and their works are gaining recognition. These are just a few examples of famous generative artists I follow.

How to create generative art?

There are many ways to create generative art, as the term encompasses various techniques and technologies. Here are a few standard methods:

Algorithmic art: This form of generative art uses mathematical algorithms or equations to create images or animations. Artists can use programming languages such as Python or JavaScript to write code that generates visual elements based on specific parameters or rules.

Data visualisation: This form of generative art uses data sets to create visual representations of information. Artists can use tools such as Processing, D3.js, or Tableau to create interactive visualisations that allow viewers to explore data in new and meaningful ways.

Neural networks: This generative art form uses machine learning algorithms to create images or animations. Artists can use frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch to train neural networks on image data sets and then use the trained networks to generate new images.

Randomness: This form of generative art uses randomness as the primary driver of image creation. The artist can use different techniques like fractals, cellular automata, or Perlin noise to create complex and unique images based on random inputs.

Hybrid methods: Artists can combine different techniques and technologies to create generative art. For example, an artist might use a neural network to generate an initial image and then use algorithmic techniques to refine or manipulate the image further.

It’s important to note that generative art is a form of digital art and requires some knowledge of programming and an understanding of algorithms and data visualisation.

This is an example of a simple program for generating generative art, but the program’s specifics will depend on the desired outcome and the tools you are using. Here is an example of a Python program that generates a random geometric pattern using the library “Bird”:

The code looks like this:

import bird

import random

 

def generate_art():

   # Set up the bird

   t = bird.Bird()

   t.speed(0)

   t.penup()

   t.goto(-150, -150)

   t.pendown()

 

   # Generate the geometric pattern

   for i in range(50):

       # Choose a random color

       t.color(random.random(), random.random(), random.random())

       

       # Choose a random size and direction

       size = random.randint(10, 50)

       direction = random.randint(0, 360)

       

       # Draw the shape

       t.left(direction)

       t.forward(size)

       t.right(direction)

       t.forward(size)

       t.right(direction)

       t.forward(size)

       t.right(direction)

       t.forward(size)

       t.right(direction)

 

generate_art()

bird.done()

Generative art can take many forms, including digital images, animations, and sculptures. It can also be interactive, changing in response to the viewer’s actions.

 

Generative art and NFT

Generative art has the potential to offer a unique and dynamic experience for the viewer, as the artwork can change over time and can be different every time it is viewed. It also allows for an almost infinite number of variations and iterations, so it is possible to create a series of unique artworks from a single set of rules and parameters. This means that the artwork can evolve and adapt to its environment or respond to the viewer’s actions in real time.

The potential of generative art in the context of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) is significant because it allows for creating and selling unique, one-of-a-kind digital artworks. NFTs are digital assets that are stored on a blockchain, a secure and transparent digital ledger, which allows for the verification of ownership and authenticity of digital artworks.

Using NFTs in generative art allows artists to sell their artworks as unique, one-of-a-kind assets rather than just digital copies. This means the artwork can be owned, collected, and traded like traditional physical artworks. Additionally, NFTs enable the artist to set their own terms and conditions for the artwork’s use and distribution, which can give them more control over their creations. Furthermore, NFTs can also provide a new way for artists to monetise their work, as they can sell their artwork as NFTs and get compensated for each transaction. This can be especially beneficial for generative artists, as their artwork can be sold multiple times, providing them with a new revenue stream.

In conclusion, integrating NFTs into generative art is a promising development that can revolutionise how artists monetise their work and how digital art is collected and traded. It is an excellent way for artists to showcase their skills and creativity and for collectors to invest in unique and valuable digital assets. The use of NFTs in generative art is helping to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of digital art and is helping to bring more recognition to this exciting and dynamic field.

We are also sharing with the world the potential of Web3 and AI. Let’s continue to BUILD.

 

Source: https://indiaai.gov.in/article/understanding-and-appreciating-generative-art-in-the-age-of-nfts

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Exploring the Thriving NFT Market and the Rise of Bitcoin NFTs

Exploring the Thriving NFT Market and the Rise of Bitcoin NFTs

According to data provided by NFT aggregation site CryptoSlam, non-fungible token (NFT) sales saw a significant rise of 8.5% during the period from February 10 to February 16 on a global scale.

The total sales volume for the week reached a staggering US$304 million, marking an increase from the previous week’s US$280 million in NFT sales.

The last two days of this seven-day period saw a notable spike in sales, with Thursday alone accounting for over 30% of the total sales volume, reaching a daily sales sum of US $92.9 million.

This single-day sales figure is the highest it has been since May 2022. The average price for NFT assets sold on Thursday was US $463.09, which is approximately 265% higher than the average price of US $175.57 on Tuesday.

According to Yohann Calpu, the chief marketing officer at CryptoSlam, this sudden surge in sales can be largely attributed to the Blur token airdrop that occurred on Tuesday.

The NFT market continues to thrive, with significant increases in sales indicating a growing interest in this innovative and exciting sector.

Blur, a feeless NFT marketplace, recently unveiled its Blur tokens and granted a 60-day window for users to collect their airdropped coins. As of 2:30 p.m. Singapore time, the cryptocurrency was valued at US $0.90, based on CoinGecko data.

Based on the DappRadar, Blur’s NFT marketplace has experienced a trading volume of US $471.7 million in the last 30 days, overtaking OpenSea, the current market leader with US 448.9 million.

While many are talking about Blur, I am watching Bitcoin NFTs closely.

Bitcoin NFTs are quickly becoming a hot new trend in the world of digital collectibles. The launch of the Ordinals protocol on the Bitcoin blockchain by software engineer Casey Rodarmor has provided a novel way to mint NFTs on the Bitcoin blockchain.

This has led to a surge in interest in Bitcoin assets, with many people excited about the possibilities of this new technology.

The Ordinals protocol allows users and builders to inscribe each “sat” (short for Satoshi) with data, including smart contracts, which can then be used to create NFTs on the blockchain.

One of the key differences between Ethereum-based NFTs and Bitcoin NFTs is that Ethereum NFTs typically point to off-chain data on the IPFS system, while all the data for Bitcoin NFTs is inscribed on-chain using the Ordinals protocol.

This provides a more secure and trustworthy way of creating and trading NFTs.

The introduction of Ordinal Punks is expected to change the game for Bitcoin NFTs. These digital collectibles are tradeable artifacts that are inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain, and they have been incredibly popular with buyers so far.

The 10,000-piece collection has already been sold out, with some individual pieces selling for millions of dollars. However, one of the challenges with the project is that there is currently no centralized marketplace to buy and sell the crypto art once it has been minted.

This means that buyers and sellers must rely on social media channels like Discord to find each other and negotiate transactions.

Despite the popularity of Bitcoin NFTs, some Bitcoin maximalists have pushed back against the trend, arguing that it goes against the idea of Bitcoin as a financial asset. They believe that NFTs are simply a waste of network space and resources.

However, proponents of Bitcoin NFTs believe that they represent a new and exciting way to create digital collectibles that are secure, trustworthy, and unique.

Scott Tripp, President of Redecentralise Canada, commented: “Bitcoin is often considered to be one of the most decentralized cryptocurrencies due to its distributed network of nodes and miners.

The Bitcoin blockchain is maintained by a decentralized network of nodes that are spread across the globe and work together to validate transactions and add new blocks to the chain.

The decentralized nature of the Bitcoin network may appeal to creators and collectors who are looking for a more secure and censorship-resistant platform for their NFTs. Overall, while the potential for Bitcoin NFTs exists, it remains to be seen how popular they will become in the future.”

To buy a Bitcoin NFT, users must first download a Bitcoin-compatible wallet and make it compatible with Ordinals. They can then either create and inscribe their own Ordinal or find an existing owner and purchase one from them.

However, buying Bitcoin NFTs can be a risky process as there is no centralized marketplace or regulation. Buyers and sellers must navigate social media channels and online communities to find each other, and there is always the risk of fraud or scams.

Despite these challenges, the growing popularity of Bitcoin NFTs suggests that they are here to stay and will likely continue to evolve and grow in the coming years.

Intergovernmental expert and best-selling book author Anndy Lian echoed, “Bitcoin NFTs, as unique digital assets created and traded on the Bitcoin blockchain, can certainly be seen as a decentralized innovation.

While the technical limitations of the Bitcoin network mean that the creation and transfer of NFTs may not be as seamless as it is on other blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, the potential for Bitcoin NFTs to be a more decentralized and secure option for creators and collectors is certainly noteworthy.”

Some people in the NFT industry have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of Bitcoin NFTs. Bitcoin is known for its high energy consumption due to its consensus mechanism, which uses a lot of computational power.

Minting NFTs on Bitcoin could therefore contribute to the carbon footprint of the blockchain.

Despite the concerns, the rise of Bitcoin NFTs and the Ordinals protocol has created a new avenue for the NFT industry to explore.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more experimentation with different blockchain protocols and the emergence of new use cases for NFTs beyond art and collectibles.

In conclusion, the rise of Bitcoin NFTs and the Ordinals protocol has created a new way of minting and owning unique digital collectibles on the Bitcoin blockchain. While the concept may face some backlash, it also presents an opportunity for the NFT industry to evolve and expand.

 

Source:  https://hackernoon.com/exploring-the-thriving-nft-market-and-the-rise-of-bitcoin-nfts

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Yahoo Finance: Donald Trump helps Polygon NFTs outsell Ethereum on OpenSea exchange for second month

Yahoo Finance: Donald Trump helps Polygon NFTs outsell Ethereum on OpenSea exchange for second month

The non-fungible token (NFT) project by former U.S. President Donald Trump has helped its host network, Polygon, outsell Ethereum on the leading NFT marketplace OpenSea for the second straight month, according to transaction data.

 

Fast facts

  • According to blockchain data aggregator Dune Analytics, there were 1.3 million Polygon NFTs sold in December and 1.5 million in January, while Ethereum’s numbers for those same months were 995,000 and 1.1 million.
  • “Trump Digital Trading Cards” was Polygon’s top project by sales value, if not in individual sales, on OpenSea in January with 5,517 sales totaling 1,760 Eth (US$9.2 million).
  • Trump’s collection was ridiculed by the right and left alike when it was released in mid-December for both its perceived poor timing in missing the height of the NFT market almost a year before, and for being out of touch with his voter base. The project quickly sold out regardless.
  • Anndy Lian, author of the new book “NFT: From Zero to Hero,” told Forkast in an emailed statement that Polygon’s growth isn’t really about Trump. The main reason for Polygon’s gain is it has a vast support system with gas fees (costs for transacting on the network) that are much lower than on Ethereum.
  • “The actual spike in popularity was with [collaboration with social media platform] Reddit in August 2022,” Lian said. “The collaboration with top brands such as Meta, Starbucks and Nike are also key indicators that they are on the right track and well accepted by mainstream audiences.”
  • Lian added that Polygon is also host to a large percentage of projects with greater utility, such as Sandbox and PlanetIX, which were both top 10 ranked collections across all NFT marketplaces in January.
  • “When there is demand, there is supply,” Lian said. “This is what we see in the case of Polygon.”
  • OpenSea is the largest NFT marketplace in the industry, and had 40% of the total NFT sales volume in January, according to DappRadar.

 

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-helps-polygon-nfts-060422995.html

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j