Why I say NO to NTFs
I am sorry but I am for real things
Los Angeles - Alex Coghe, 2011
What I learned about NTFs
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are a new class of digital assets that are stored and managed within a chain of blocks (blockchain). Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs are digital assets, they are unique, irreplaceable and not interchangeable, which allows them to be assigned a physical or digital representation. As we know, a work of art created using technology — an illustration, a photo, or a video — could be duplicated an infinite number of times: the copy could not be distinguished from the original, but with the advent of NFTs, authenticity is certified.
After famous auction houses recorded record sales, many artists launched into this virtual market, with the mirage of being able to convert into millionaires. But anything is just a theory.
Banksy's Morons, which illustrates an exorbitant auction paying for a canvas that reads "I can't believe you idiots really buy this shit," was burned earlier this month by a group of art enthusiasts. art and technology so that the NFT became the only way to acquire the work. “We do this because if we have the NFT and the physical work, the value continues to fall on the physics. But if we eliminate the physical piece, we would make sure that [...] thanks to blockchain technology that nobody would alter the piece and that it is the only piece that would exist in the world, "said the person who appears in the clip and remains in anonymity. [source]
Recently I have seen also as a well-known Street Photographer launched himself in this virtual market. He did it, but he was not able to fill a workshop scheduled here in Mexico. So what is the purpose of this market?
A NTF reaches a higher value by eliminating the physical copy. Seriously? And here we go with my NO to this.
Why I say NO to NTFs
In a world where it is increasingly impossible to distinguish true from virtual, reality from fiction, I continue to pursue real things. My position on NTFS is clear. I don’t support the abomination of cryptocurrency, of the bullshit of fake science, of the soy men, of the World Economic Forum. I am for real things that can be documented. I believe on the truth in front of my eyes. I prefer human contacts and in fact I am an alien in this new reality where if I say that I can live without a smartphone people thinks I am a crazy man.
Despite many years ago I became an ebook publisher, I have always preferred physical books. And with this attitude I certainly do not change my mind now for an excessive enthusiasm for something that seems to me a mirage.
Currently we see a lot of photographers proposing their audictions for their works. OK, now we know what I already suspected: they are dreaming all the time to convert themselves in millionaires. To the point maybe they are ready to burn the phisical copy of the artwork to gain a value for the NTF. What then if it is possible for painting how can it be done for digital photography? Or maybe I still lack knowledge of this stuff? I don’t care.
My customers know they can still count on real products. A print with its authenticy certificate that you can hang on the wall of your home or office.
