Welcome to Blouny Mag – 53 SZN 4!
Let’s dive into our comprehensive weekly recap of the latest in NFTs and crypto. From market trends to groundbreaking innovations, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights and insights from the past week.
LFG !!
Weekly Crypto Market and NFT Update
Crypto Market Overview
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) Price Analysis
From July 15th to July 22nd, 2024, the cryptocurrency market experienced notable shifts:
– Bitcoin (BTC): $67,000 (+4%)
– Ethereum (ETH): $3,400 (+3%)
– Solana (SOL): $180 (+8%)
Bitcoin saw a 4% increase, reaching $67,000 by the end of the week. Ethereum followed with a 3% rise, closing at approximately $3,400. Solana stood out with an impressive 8% surge, bringing its price to $180. These movements reflect growing investor confidence and market dynamics in the current crypto landscape.
Solana’s TVL Crosses $5 Billion
Solana’s Total Value Locked (TVL) surpassed $5 billion this week, reflecting its growing influence in the DeFi space. Additionally, $250 million USDT was minted, underscoring the strong demand for stablecoins on the Solana network.
Major Headlines
ApeCoin Announces Bangkok Hotel Project
ApeCoin has announced plans to develop a themed hotel in Bangkok. This project aims to integrate digital and physical experiences, enhancing community engagement and expanding ApeCoin’s real-world applications.
ApeCoin DAO initiated proposal AIP-448, which plans to open an Ape theme hotel in a prime location in downtown Bangkok, Thailand, and generate actual income for ApeCoin DAO. ApeCoin DAO will obtain 50% of the room revenue within one year, and the current voting approval rate is…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 21, 2024
Full technical breakdown as to why Crowdstrike's update caused a worldwide BSOD – crashing computers at Airports, Banks, Casinos, 911, Hospitals and more. 🧵
— Ananay (@ananayarora) July 19, 2024
(1/n) pic.twitter.com/vgYXyHaQbT
Microsoft Faces Major Update Crisis
Microsoft is dealing with a significant issue following a recent update that has caused around 8.5 million computer crashes. The update led to widespread Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, affecting system stability and causing data corruption. Microsoft is working on a fix and has advised users to hold off on further updates until the issue is resolved. The situation has drawn considerable criticism, highlighting concerns about the update’s testing and deployment processes.
Biden’s Exit from 2024 Presidential
President Joe Biden’s unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 U.S. presidential race on July 21st led to significant market volatility. Bitcoin surged more than 18% in response to the news, reflecting heightened market speculation and shifting investor sentiment amidst political uncertainty.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
NFT Market Highlights
High-Value NFT Sales
Smoke Break pic.twitter.com/DSiWMaux6R
— Joe Pease (@joepease) May 4, 2024
– ‘Smoke Break‘ by Joe Pease: Sold for 55 ETH (approximately $192,500 USD) to Blondie23LMD via AOTMgallery.
– ‘Fidenza #230‘ by Tyler Hobbs: Sold for 33.6 ETH to TwoFiddies, marking the fourth Fidenza to change hands in the past week.
📢 @TokenAngels acquires Let me check with the wife (2022), our marriage certificate & durational performance.
— Operator (@operator_______) July 18, 2024
After 2 years, a collector bold enough takes on our Marital Obligations mechanism. This work queers marital & artist-collector relationships.@SuperRare @ExpandedArt pic.twitter.com/dRhHre3XuS
– ‘Let Me Check with the Wife’ (2022) by Operator: Sold for 12.675 ETH to TokenAngels via SuperRare.
– ‘Paper Prompt; A Very Large Commercial Plane Flying in Blue Skies 2015′ by Elman Mansimov: A complete set of 8 sold for 70.4 ETH in total (8.8 ETH each) to Seedphrase.
KnownOrigin Announces Wind Down
KnownOrigin, a prominent NFT marketplace since 2018, has announced its wind down. The platform has played a significant role in the NFT space. Notably, ‘Disintegration‘ /50 by XCOPY was acquired for 10.9 ETH, marking a noteworthy sale as KnownOrigin winds down its operations.
Angela Nikolau: The Skywalking Sensation
Introduction
Angela Nikolau is a Russian rooftopper, influencer, and NFT artist renowned for her audacious photographs taken from some of the world’s tallest structures. Her unique combination of extreme sports, art, and social media presence has made her a prominent figure in urban exploration and digital art.
Early Life and Background
Angela Nikolau was born into a circus family, which perhaps set the stage for her fearless pursuits. Her father, Dmitriy Nikolau, was a circus performer, clown, and animal trainer, while her mother, Olga Nikolau, also performed in the circus. Growing up in such an environment likely instilled in her the courage and agility necessary for her future endeavors in rooftopping.
Rooftopping Adventures
Angela Nikolau gained fame through her high-risk, high-reward hobby of rooftopping. This activity involves climbing skyscrapers and other tall structures, often illegally, to capture stunning photographs and videos. Her adventures have taken her to some of the most iconic buildings worldwide, including the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, which stands as the second tallest building in the world.
Merdeka 118 Climb
One of Angela’s most notable feats was climbing the Merdeka 118. Despite the building’s advanced security measures, including face ID scanners and cameras, Angela and her partner, Ivan Beerkus, managed to infiltrate the site. Their climb was fraught with challenges, from evading constant security to hiding amidst construction materials for over 20 hours. Their perseverance paid off when they finally reached the spire, marking a significant achievement in their rooftopping careers.
⚡️The time has come and I'd love to share the giga story how I climbed the incredible Merdeka 118⚡️
— Angela Nikolau 🍌 (@AngelaNikolau_) January 4, 2023
Couldn't help adding @steveaoki music here as it was playing in my head when I was standing on top of the world.
Feel the dizziness of being there with me
Back to the story👇 pic.twitter.com/PYtwbzLX9T
Skywalkers: A Love Story
Documentary Overview
Angela’s life and work reached new heights with the release of “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” a documentary on Netflix. Directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina, the film chronicles the journey of Angela and Ivan as they navigate their relationship while undertaking some of the most dangerous climbs. The documentary, which premiered at Sundance, provides an intimate look at the couple’s life, blending elements of romance and high-stakes adventure.
The film offers a raw and gripping portrayal of the rooftopping community, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced by Angela and Ivan. Their story is not just about the adrenaline rush of climbing tall structures but also about the love and trust that binds them together. The documentary showcases their most perilous climb to date—the Merdeka 118—culminating in an acrobatic stunt that defies gravity and exemplifies their commitment to each other and their craft.
Critical Reception
“Skywalkers: A Love Story” has received positive reviews for its breathtaking cinematography and the compelling narrative of Angela and Ivan’s relationship. Critics have praised the film for its ability to capture the essence of rooftopping while delving deep into the personal lives of its protagonists. The documentary stands as a testament to the power of love and the human spirit’s quest for pushing boundaries.
Angela Nikolau’s NFT Ventures
Open Edition Mint on OpenSea
Angela Nikolau has successfully transitioned her rooftopping exploits into the digital art world. She launched an open edition NFT titled “Skywalkers: A Love Story” on OpenSea, offering her fans and art collectors a chance to own a piece of her extreme adventures. Angela created this art specifically to commemorate her journey, and the open edition mint provides an accessible entry point for supporters to contribute to her work.
In her announcement, Angela expressed her excitement about this project, highlighting how these NFTs represent a significant milestone in her career. The open edition is available for a limited time, making it a unique opportunity for collectors and fans alike to support her artistic endeavors.
🌟You can now officially get an open edition NFT from me🌟
— Angela Nikolau 🍌 (@AngelaNikolau_) July 22, 2024
„Skywalkers: A Love Story“ is available on @opensea
I created this art specifically for this moment. You can get one easily🫶 This would be the best support for me.
♥️ Mint yours today !
Link👇 pic.twitter.com/nufrwPZTt6
Love Collection on Foundation
Angela’s creative journey continued with the launch of her “Love” collection on Foundation. This 1/1 collection features six pieces, five of which are included in the “Skywalkers” documentary. These artworks are not just digital representations of her climbs but also encapsulate the emotional highs and lows of her relationship with Ivan. Each piece in the collection tells a story of their love and the extreme challenges they faced together.
Angela described the collection as a culmination of years of filming and creating, with each artwork holding a special place in her heart. The “Love” collection is a celebration of her journey and the bond she shares with Ivan, immortalized in digital art that will stay in history forever.
Social Media and Public Presence
Angela maintains an active presence on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest adventures and artistic creations. Her profile on X highlights her status as the world’s most extreme roofer girl, offering followers a glimpse into her adrenaline-fueled lifestyle.
Conclusion
Angela Nikolau continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, both physically and artistically. Her fearless climbs and innovative use of digital art have earned her a unique place in the worlds of urban exploration and NFT art. As she continues to take on new challenges and share her journey with the world, Angela remains an inspiring figure for those who dare to dream big and reach high
TON Blockchain and Mocaverse Partnership: Targeting a 1.6 Billion User Market
Introduction
TON Blockchain and Mocaverse, in collaboration with the MOCA Foundation, have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at tapping into a massive user base of 1.6 billion. This initiative, backed by Animoca Brands, is set to revolutionize the Web3 landscape by integrating MOCA Coin and Toncoin as the core elements of this expansive ecosystem.
Partnership Overview
Strategic Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of this partnership is to foster growth and crypto adoption across the Mocaverse and TON Blockchain ecosystems. With MOCA Coin (MOCA) and Toncoin at the forefront, the collaboration is poised to create a robust, identity and reputation-based consumer network.
Leadership Perspectives
Yat Siu, executive chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands, emphasized the shared mission of Web3 adoption and digital property rights. He highlighted the potential of this collaboration to significantly amplify user adoption for both Mocaverse and TON Blockchain.
We are excited to announce our strategic partnership with @ton_blockchain to grow the interoperable consumer network. Together, we are driving true consumer crypto adoption!
— Mocaverse💼🪐 (@Moca_Network) July 22, 2024
900M + 700M = 1.6 Billion+ Addressable Users 🤳🏻
With Moca Network’s 700m+ addressable users, this… pic.twitter.com/gIGugmlxwF
Ecosystem Integration
User Base and Market Potential
The partnership targets a combined addressable market of over 1.6 billion users, leveraging Telegram’s 900 million user base and Moca Network’s 700 million users. This integration promises to deliver substantial network effects across both platforms.
Key Components and Features
Moca ID and Realm Network SDK
The integration of Moca ID into the TON Blockchain ecosystem, along with the Realm Network SDK, will facilitate seamless interaction and interoperability. This move aims to enhance user engagement and adoption, particularly through Telegram’s extensive user base.
Incentives and Developer Support
Foundation-Level Token Swap
A significant aspect of the partnership is the foundation-level token swap between MOCA and TON, aimed at incentivizing developers and users. A combined war chest of $20 million will be used for various initiatives, including joint airdrops and developer programs.
Hackathons and Accelerator Programs
To foster innovation and growth, the partners will organize co-branded hackathons and an accelerator program. These initiatives will support developers in launching and integrating their projects using TON technology.
Moca Foundation and The Open Network Foundation @ton_blockchain have entered into a strategic agreement to execute a 1:1 token swap of MOCA Coin ($MOCA) priced at US$0.113 (i.e. 88,888,888 $MOCA tokens).$MOCA and $TON, valued at a combined total of USD$20 million, will be used… pic.twitter.com/eLJt3DU9EL
— MOCA Coin (@MOCAFoundation) July 22, 2024
Future Prospects and Expansion
Interoperability and Integration
The collaboration will focus on enhancing interoperability through the integration of Mocaverse’s interoperable SDK product and Telegram’s Mini App Platform. This will support user onboarding across social casual gaming, sports, and IP experiences.
Community and Ecosystem Development
TON Society ID and Moca Network will work together to build a comprehensive identity and reputation system. This will enable users to express their identity and values on-chain, further driving engagement and community growth.
Conclusion
The partnership between TON Blockchain and Mocaverse represents a significant milestone in the Web3 space. By leveraging their combined ecosystems and extensive user bases, the collaboration is set to drive mass adoption and innovation in the blockchain industry. With a focus on interoperability, developer support, and community engagement, this strategic alliance promises to unlock new opportunities and redefine the future of digital property rights.
Generative Art on Bitcoin NFTs by Harto
Introduction
Generative art on Bitcoin is gaining significant traction, and one name at the forefront is Harto. A Spanish artist and designer, Harto transitioned from theater scenography to digital art in 2020. Over the past year, his presence in the web3 space has surged, particularly with the rise of Bitcoin Ordinals.
The Golden Ratio: Harto’s Breakout Collection
Harto’s journey into Bitcoin NFTs began with his inaugural Ordinals collection, “The Golden Ratio,” in collaboration with VIVID Gallery. Minted in December 2023 at a price point of 0.01 BTC, this collection quickly captured attention, with its floor price peaking at 0.399 BTC by March. The collection exemplified Harto’s ability to blend mathematical precision with artistic expression, setting a high standard for future projects.
The Golden Ratio Collection Highlights
- Launch Date: December 2023
- Mint Price: 0.01 BTC
- Peak Floor Price: 0.399 BTC in March 2024
FloraForms: A Tribute to Gustav Klimt
Building on the success of “The Golden Ratio,” Harto launched the “FloraForms” project in February 2024. This collection, created in collaboration with the Belvedere Museum of Vienna, features 10,000 generative works inspired by Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting, “The Kiss.” The project not only showcased Harto’s technical prowess but also his deep appreciation for art history, bridging classical and contemporary art forms.
FloraForms Collection Highlights
- Launch Date: February 2024
- Inspiration: Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”
- Total Works: 10,000 generative pieces
Finestra: Generative Art Meets Stained Glass
In April 2024, Harto released “Finestra,” a collaboration with Asprey Studio. This collection drew inspiration from his native Barcelona, featuring generative stained glass windows. “Finestra” combined Harto’s love for his hometown’s architectural beauty with the intricate design possibilities enabled by blockchain technology.
Finestra Collection Highlights
- Launch Date: April 2024
- Inspiration: Barcelona’s architectural heritage
- Art Form: Generative stained glass windows
Immutable Memories: A Multi-Chain Exploration
Harto’s latest venture, “Immutable Memories,” represents his first multi-chain collection. Released on EXPANDED, this collection features Bitcoin Ordinals, Ethereum NFTs, and pen plotter artworks. The project underscores Harto’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital art and exploring new technological frontiers.
Immutable Memories Collection Highlights
- Launch Date: July 2024
- Platforms: Bitcoin Ordinals, Ethereum NFTs, pen plotter artworks
- Theme: Multi-chain exploration of digital art
Harto’s Artistic Philosophy
Harto describes his art as a blend of technology, abstraction, and nature. His creative process begins with the foundational blocks of the blockchain, which he adapts to fit the conceptual framework of his projects. By exploring repetitive and organic algorithms from an abstract viewpoint, Harto creates works that provoke reflection on the relationship between everyday life and technology.
Key Elements of Harto’s Art
- Technology: Utilizes blockchain and generative algorithms
- Abstraction: Focuses on abstract representations
- Nature: Draws inspiration from natural forms and patterns
Challenges and Advice for Rising Artists
Harto acknowledges that web3 is complex and requires a high level of adaptability. He advises emerging artists to collaborate with peers, build supportive communities, and immerse themselves in the ecosystem to navigate its fast-paced nature successfully.
Harto’s Tips for Aspiring Artists
- Collaboration: Work with other artists to share resources and insights
- Community Building: Engage with communities and events to expand your network
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest tools and trends in web3
- Adaptability: Be prepared to pivot and adapt as the ecosystem evolves
Conclusion
Harto’s journey from theater scenography to becoming a prominent figure in the generative art scene on Bitcoin NFTs illustrates his versatility and innovative spirit. With each project, from “The Golden Ratio” to “Immutable Memories,” Harto continues to push the boundaries of what digital art can achieve on the blockchain. As the web3 space evolves, Harto’s work stands as a testament to the power of combining technology, art, and community.
Featured Artwork
Artist’s Description:
Minted Jan 27, 2024
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