Transcription // interview with Figura
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your experience creating or curating art in the web3 space? What drew you to Web3 and NFTs specifically, and what are your goals for the future? Also, is there an image or symbol that represents your involvement in the space that we could use for the interview?
My name is Kristian Levin aka. noCreative, a professional retouch artist and photographer who has transitioned into the world of 3D art. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, I have accumulated over 15 years of experience in my field.
A few years ago, I ventured into the realm of 3D art and instantly fell in love with it. Drawing from my extensive background in retouching and photography, I seamlessly translated my skills into the 3D workflow, unlocking a whole new world of possibilities.
In this new world, I can effortlessly create anything I envision and even have control over the sun itself. I now fluently operate within and across my three areas of expertise—retouching, photography, and 3D art—to constantly create, explore, and enhance my craft.
To me, the process of creation remains consistent, whether in traditional or web3 spaces. I don't follow trends or engage in fear of missing out (FOMO); instead, I create what feels right to me. When it comes to curation, I adhere to the same principles: I look for artists who are dedicated to their craft, follow the theme and guidelines of the curation, and whose work resonates with me. Quality and technique are always paramount considerations.
I entered the world of crypto back in 2016 and was captivated by everything it had to offer. Even back then, I contemplated the idea of incorporating blockchain technology into the provenance of photography and art, although I had no concept of NFTs at the time.
When I first discovered NFTs in the summer of 2020, I knew without a doubt that I had to be a part of this space. And here we are today, as I continue to pursue my main goal of sustaining a livelihood solely through my art.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenge facing artists in the web3 space today? Do you have any solutions or tips for fellow artists navigating this challenge?
The challenges faced in the web3 art space closely mirror those in the traditional art realm. They revolve around aspects such as discovery, branding, continuity, and avoiding stagnation. Standing out and having the right audience find your work is an incredibly daunting task.
This is where the significance of branding and continuity becomes evident. Artists often have mixed feelings about branding because it is closely associated with the commercial aspect of art. However, throughout history, a strong brand has served as a catalyst for many renowned and successful artists.
Furthermore, achieving success and recognition is rarely an overnight occurrence. Although it may appear so at times, a deeper examination reveals the years of relentless hard work that precede it.
Long-term vision, a systematic approach towards reaching goals, continuous improvement, and unwavering dedication are essential. Small, incremental advancements, even as minimal as 1% improvements will eventually get you to 100%.
As a curator, what do you look for in selecting works to showcase in the web3 space? What art forms do you believe are currently the most popular among collectors and enthusiasts?
I look for artists who are dedicated to their craft, follow the theme and guidelines of the curation, and whose work resonates with me. Quality and technique are always paramount considerations.
Undoubtedly, there is a significant emphasis on AI art in the current landscape, and it is indeed a new and thrilling development. However, as with any hype cycle, there will come a time when the excitement subsides, and the attention shifts elsewhere.
In the art space, it is crucial to recognise that continuity reigns supreme. Taking a long-term perspective is key, rather than being fixated on immediate trends or fleeting interests. Artists who solely chase trends risk ending up without a cohesive and consistent body of work.
By embracing a broader vision and focusing on developing a unique artistic voice, artists can build a lasting legacy. It is essential to resist the allure of short-term gains and instead strive for artistic integrity and longevity. In doing so, artists can transcend trends and leave a lasting impact on the art world.
Looking ahead to the future, what are your thoughts on the potential for fine art on the blockchain? What do you see as the biggest hurdle to overcome in order to realize this potential?
Data poses a significant challenge in the digital fine art space, primarily due to its relative youth and novelty. When traditional art investors evaluate traditional artworks, they have access to a wealth of data points to inform their decisions. We still lack this in the digital space. This also underscores the importance of taking a long-term perspective again.
In my belief, the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) will become ubiquitous across the entire art space, functioning seamlessly in the background. The blockchain-backed provenance that NFTs offer is undoubtedly the most transformative development for art since the invention of canvas. Collectors, museums, auction houses, and galleries will never again have to question the authenticity of an artwork; they can simply refer to the ledger for verification.
This advancement in technology ensures transparency and trust, revolutionising the art world by eliminating doubts surrounding the origin and ownership of artworks. The integration of blockchain and NFTs not only safeguards the value of art but also establishes a new era of confidence and reliability for art enthusiasts and professionals alike.