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Welcome to the Blouny Mag 2023 Wrap-Up
Join us in a retrospective journey through the digital and NFT landscape of 2023. In this special edition, we capture the milestones, trends, and cultural shifts that shaped the past year. From artists of the year to groundbreaking platforms and projects, immerse yourself in the stories that defined the creative canvas. It’s not just a look back; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art and technology. Welcome to the Blouny Magazine 2023 Wrap-Up!
Cryptocurrency Market Overview 2023: A Year-End Review
Recent Market Trends and Dynamics
Exploring the shifts in the cryptocurrency market as we approach the close of 2023.
Market Pullback Signals Year-End Uncertainty
As the year winds down, the cryptocurrency market sees a modest pullback. Most top 10 cryptocurrencies are in the red, challenging the overall bullish trend seen in December. This downturn sparks discussions on potential corrections and their implications.
ETF Speculation: Catalyst or Correction?
Rumors of a potential approval for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US have fueled recent market optimism. Analysts debate whether the pullback indicates the market pricing in the ETF news or if it’s a necessary correction after a period of robust gains.
Winners Amidst the Pullback
Out of the top 10 cryptocurrencies, Ethereum (ETH), XRP (XRP), Tron (TRX), and Binance Coin (BNB) defy the downward trend, posting gains. BNB leads with a remarkable 17.33% increase, while ETH, XRP, and TRX show early-stage gains.
Altcoins in Focus: Gainers and Losers
While the spotlight often falls on the top 10, several altcoins stand out as winners. Bitcoin SV (BSV), SEI, and ORDI show remarkable price increases. BSV, a Bitcoin Cash hard fork, takes the lead with a 93% gain, propelling it into the top 50 cryptocurrencies.
Caution Amidst Volatility
As some coins surge, others face losses. Avalanche (AVAX), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), and Dogecoin (DOGE) lead the declines. Investors are urged to exercise caution, considering the dynamic nature of the market.
The Big Picture: Cryptocurrency Dynamics
The cryptocurrency market’s fluctuations, with coins experiencing both gains and losses, reflect the ever-shifting dynamics within this volatile space. Speculation about ETF news adds complexity, making year-end decisions more intricate for investors. It’s a reminder that past performance doesn’t guarantee future success in the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies.
Art-Based NFT Project of the Year 2023: The Monument Game and Word of Luci
Sam Spratt: A Maestro in the Digital Art Landscape
In the heart of bustling Manhattan, artist Sam Spratt commands his creative domain. With over a decade of dedicated efforts, Spratt’s mastery seamlessly merges digital and traditional painting. His influence spans gaming, cinema, television, music, literature, comics, periodicals, and theater, leaving an indelible mark on iconic franchises like Red Dead Redemption 2 and shaping the creative vision of industry giants such as Netflix and The Game Awards.
Versatility Unleashed: A Creative Tapestry
Spratt’s portfolio extends from visually compelling magazine covers to evocative medical illustrations. His collaborations with global corporations, esteemed publications, and entertainment industry titans showcase a versatile creator navigating the digital age with classical oil-painting roots.
Luci Series: A Groundbreaking NFT Journey
Spratt’s remarkable series, LUCI, debuted as groundbreaking NFTs on SuperRare in October 2021. Recently gracing the prestigious auction stage at Christie’s, LUCI showcases Spratt’s commitment to imbuing virtual spaces with a palpable sense of tactility.
The Monument Game: Redefining Digital Art
“The Monument Game” stands as a monumental event, redefining the realm of digital art. With astonishing bids, rapid sellouts, and creative fervor, this initiative celebrates artistic inclusivity. Notably, a 1/1 piece, the heart of the game, sold for 420 ETH, accompanied by bids from renowned names like Deekay, Artifaction, and CyborgNomad.
Artistic Inclusivity in Action
“The Monument Game” fostered a dynamic collector community with 237 unique holders out of 256 editions, affirming genuine engagement amidst thwarted bot requests. This initiative transcends monetary value, allocating 1/5 of the supply to artists and fostering a vibrant collective rooted in respect and creative expression.
The Luci Narrative: Rediscovering Ancient Truths
The story of Luci unfolds across ancient continental plains, modern New York City streets, and the narrative of our minds. Luci, a creature in search of self, embarks on a journey to rediscover ancient truths and strip down raw to our oldest and simplest iterations. Through Sam’s visionary storytelling, Luci’s saga explores the depths of what it means to be human.
The Future of Luci: Beyond the Canvas
With nine paintings across five chapters released, Sam Spratt’s journey with Luci continues. Building on the success of “The Monument Game,” Sam is working on LUCI: Chapter 6, his most ambitious release yet. Beyond the canvas, Sam and a team of animators are bringing Luci’s paintings to life for future cross-media applications in film and animation.
In 2023, “The Monument Game” and Sam Spratt’s Word of Luci stand as the Art-Based NFT Project of the Year, pushing the boundaries of digital art and storytelling. As we traverse the intersection of creativity and technology, Sam Spratt’s work and “The Monument Game” illuminate a path where art knows no bounds.
PudgyPenguins: The NFT Project of the Year 2023
Thriving in Crypto Winter
Amid a chilling Crypto Winter, one NFT project not only survived but emerged stronger—the adorable Pudgy Penguins. Decrypt crowns it the NFT project of the year, and here’s why.
Built for the Chill
As the NFT market froze in 2022, Pudgy Penguins defied the trend. Unlike other projects that struggled, Pudgy Penguins weathered its controversies and emerged stronger, culminating in a spotlight at Walmart stores nationwide.
Weathering the Storm
Pudgy Penguins faced adversity in early 2022 but found resilience in adversity. CEO Luca Netz, purchasing the IP for $2.5 million, navigated the bear market to focus on core business development, ultimately proving to be a blessing in disguise.
From Bear Market to Viral Sensation
Treating Pudgy Penguins like an “influencer,” Netz propelled the cartoonish avatars into the mainstream. With over a million Instagram followers and billions of Giphy views, Pudgy Penguins gained popularity, becoming a symbol of value in the bear market.
Beyond Vibes: Mainstream Success
Pudgy Penguins not only gained value in the bear market but expanded into mainstream success. Collaborations with Walmart and Five Below introduced plush dolls and toys, achieving brand sustainability and emotional connections.
Crypto-Native Growth
The plush toys cleverly integrate crypto-native elements. Each toy contains a QR code granting buyers free NFT avatar traits on the zkSync network, fostering an easy entry into the crypto world for the mainstream audience.
Connecting Physical and Digital
Pudgy World, an upcoming metaverse game set to launch in Q1 2024, will bridge the physical toy experience with the NFT community. Buyers can playfully connect online, creating a compelling and immersive experience.
The Future of Pudgy Penguins
As Pudgy Penguins eyes becoming a franchise, Netz envisions scaling it into the most significant IP brand possible. With potential film and TV adaptations on the horizon, Pudgy Penguins has demonstrated resilience and innovation, making it the standout NFT project of 2023.
The Goose Takes Flight: Dmitri Cherniak’s NFT Soars to $6.2M at Sotheby’s
A Record-Breaking Sale
Dmitri Cherniak’s ‘The Goose’ Makes Waves
In a staggering turn of events, Dmitri Cherniak’s renowned generative art piece, ‘The Goose,’ achieved a groundbreaking sale at Sotheby’s auction house for an astounding $6.2 million.
Breaking Estimates and Records
Surpassing Expectations
Originally estimated to sell for $2-3 million, ‘The Goose’ defied all expectations, establishing itself as the second-highest sale of all time for a work of generative art. This monumental sale highlights the growing influence and value of generative art in the NFT space.
The Journey of ‘The Goose’
From Acquisition to Historic Sale
Originally purchased by 3AC co-founders Su Zhu and Kyle Davies in August 2021 for approximately 1,800 ETH (equivalent to $5.8 million at the time), ‘The Goose’ embarked on a historic journey. After an intense bidding war, it found a new home with notable NFT investor 6529, solidifying its place in NFT history.
Cultural Significance and Unique Execution
6529’s Perspective
6529, the proud owner of ‘The Goose,’ emphasized its cultural significance within the NFT community. Describing on-chain long form generative art as an “act of faith,” 6529 highlighted ‘The Goose’ as a unique representation of this concept. Its journey through key moments in NFT history is far from over, marking a significant chapter in generative NFTs.
A Remarkable Auction
Generative Art’s Triumph
Sotheby’s auction featured a total of 37 works from generative artists, including Dmitri Cherniak, Tyler Hobbs, Jeff Davis, and more. The sale exceeded expectations, with nearly all NFTs fetching prices higher than their initial estimates. This reinforces the growing demand and appreciation for generative art within the NFT market.
Ringers #879 aka The Goose by @dmitricherniak sold for $5.4m at @Sothebys Grails auction live in NYC! pic.twitter.com/QtlATQ0GNx
— Garrett Skrovina (@GSkrovina) June 15, 2023
Blouny’s NFT Ecosystem of the Year 2023:The Memes by 6529
Paving the Way: Who Is Punk 6529?
Punk 6529 emerges as a pivotal figure in the NFT and Web3 landscape, boasting not only a substantial Twitter following but also a passion for cultivating a more inclusive and open Web3 environment. Beyond a Twitter influencer, he stands as a staunch advocate for a better, more accessible Web3.
Meme Cards and the Power of Openness
In a paradigm where litigation often dominates, Punk 6529’s approach is refreshingly open. His meme cards, following a CC0 model, invite the community to remix and share, fostering a collaborative ethos. The birth of 6529.io and the subsequent rise of Seize.io complete this memes ecosystem, providing a dedicated platform for enthusiasts.
The Memes: An Ode to Digital Expression
Relatable Artistry
Meme cards within the 6529 ecosystem resonate because they tap into familiar cultural touchpoints. From Sgt Pepe’s homage to Top Gun Maverick to Tjo’s “survive at all costs” meme, these cards find their power in relatability, capturing the essence of internet culture.
A Cultural Shift: The Memes Collection
More than just digital art, the Memes Collection curated by Punk 6529 transcends boundaries. With over 100,000 artworks from 100+ artists, it’s a celebration of meme culture, encapsulating themes like “Seize the Memes of Production” and championing the freedom of digital expression.
Innovations Redefining Web3
Punk 6529 and his team are not just creators; they are architects of innovative platforms that redefine Web3.
Delegation and Protection
Their functional delegation platform ensures the safety of Web3.0 users’ assets and funds, setting a new standard for security and user empowerment.
Total Days Held (TDH)
Introducing TDH as a metric proves Punk 6529’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding loyal holders, creating a nuanced perspective on the on-chain community.
Seize.io: The Hub of Meme Innovation
Seize.io, a native platform for meme cards, meme lab cards, and rememes, stands as a testament to the team’s dedication. With user profiles and the novel metric CIC, they’re pushing the boundaries of user-friendly UI/UX in Web3.
Global Digital Rights Chapter
Going beyond memes, the team has initiated the GlobalDigitalRightsChapter platform, educating users about their digital rights—a crucial step in empowering the Web3 community.
Generative Art Projects Motor Engine
Their motor engine for generative art projects signifies a commitment to driving the evolution of digital art and NFTs.
Conclusion: Blouny’s NFT Ecosystem of the Year
In 2023, Blouny proudly recognizes Punk 6529 and his ecosystem as the NFT Ecosystem of the Year. Their contributions extend beyond the creation of memes, encompassing innovation, education, and a commitment to the open, decentralized ethos of Web3.
Dmitri Cherniak: The NFT Face of the Year 2023
Unveiling the Artist’s Global Impact
In a year filled with groundbreaking NFT projects, one artist stood out—Dmitri Cherniak. His unique blend of algorithmic art and global collaborations caught our attention, making him the face of the NFT world in 2023.
The MoMA Postcard Project: A Global Reflection
Cherniak’s collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) showcased the power of tokenized art in creating a global community. The MoMA Postcard Project not only paid homage to iconic projects but also emphasized the global reach of crypto art, connecting individuals worldwide through a shared love for art.
‘The Goose’ Soars to New Heights
Cherniak’s NFT sale, particularly ‘The Goose,’ marked a historic moment in the art world. Selling at Sotheby’s for an impressive $6.2 million, it became the second-highest sale of all time for a work of generative art, reaffirming Cherniak’s influence and impact on the NFT market.
Avant Arte Collaboration: Bridging Art and Accessibility
Teaming up with Avant Arte and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Cherniak brought his algorithmic art to a broader audience. The collaboration resulted in a unique artwork available for a limited time, combining a physical silkscreen print with an accompanying NFT edition, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital art.
Recognizing Cultural Significance
Cherniak’s art goes beyond monetary value; it holds cultural significance within the NFT community. His approach to generative art as an act of faith and the storytelling behind each piece, like ‘The Goose,’ adds a layer of depth to the NFT movement.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in NFT Art
Dmitri Cherniak’s achievements in 2023 have solidified his position as the NFT Face of the Year. From record-breaking sales to global collaborations, his impact on the NFT community and the art world at large is undeniable, making him a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of digital art.
Deca.art: Blouny’s Choice for NFT Platform of the Year 2023
Welcome to Deca: Your Premier Destination for NFT and Digital Art
In a year marked by innovation and groundbreaking developments in the NFT space, Deca.art emerges as the unrivaled NFT platform of the year according to Blouny’s media perspective. Let’s delve into the transformative features that set Deca.art apart and make it the premier destination for NFT and digital art enthusiasts.
Revolutionizing Social Connectivity in the Art World
Deca.art has introduced a game-changing addition to the NFT and digital art landscape, unveiling a social feed that promises to redefine how enthusiasts connect with their favorite artists and art pieces. This innovative feature positions Deca as the social layer the art community has long awaited.
Mint on Demand + Posters: Redefining Art Minting
In a significant update, Deca.art introduces Mint on Demand + Posters, reimagining the art minting process. This self-custody contract for artists represents a groundbreaking move, empowering creators to mint, sell, and celebrate art in an entirely new way.
Artist Profiles: Navigating Art Collections with Ease
Deca’s recent platform upgrade introduces Artist Profiles, providing collectors with a seamless exploration experience. Now, it’s easier than ever for art enthusiasts to navigate an artist’s entire collection, with mirrored live data from major marketplaces. This integration with Manifold heralds the next era of decentralization in web3.0 platforms.
Decal Movement: Pioneering Permissionless Systems
Deca.art doesn’t just stop at technological advancements; it champions a movement. The Decal movement, featuring 31 unique Decals created by artists from across the web3.0 sphere, stands as a symbol of the platform’s commitment to CC0 and permissionless systems.
Decagon/DXP System: Elevating Platform Membership
The introduction of the Decagon/DXP (Deca Experience Point) system elevates platform membership to an entirely new level. This upgradable generative art, with the current max unlocked level at 150, adds a gamified dimension to the Deca experience.
Most Valuable Gallery (MVG) Competition: Fostering Artistic Engagement
Deca.art fosters a vibrant artistic community through the MVG competition. Artists, art appreciators, and collectors engage in a creative dialogue, with MVG serving as a motivation for users to curate high-quality galleries and become Deca curators, expanding their network circle and showcasing their artistic preferences.
In 2023, Deca.art stands at the forefront of the NFT revolution, not just as a platform but as a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that empowers artists and art enthusiasts alike. Blouny proudly recognizes Deca.art as the NFT Platform of the Year for its relentless pursuit of innovation, decentralization, and fostering artistic expression.
Hot remarkable events of 2023
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