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Sam Spratt The Monument Game 6k

With support from 1OF1, Sam Spratt’s debut solo exhibition launched on April 17th at the Docks Cantieri Cucchini in Venice, Italy. Nifty Gateway Studio (NGS) developed proprietary technology to create an augmented version of The Monument Game that allowed in-person and remote viewers to interact with the exhibition via an Observer Station. The Observer Station allowed attendees to pan, zoom, leave their own Observation, and explore other shared Observations from participants around the world. NGS additionally created a projection mapping UI that allowed attendees to view a moving visual of coordinates on the artwork and their associated Observations on the walls of the exhibition. A read only version of the experience was concurrently launched, enabling people from around the globe to see the Observations left in Venice. You can view all Observations left in Venice [here](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/sam-spratt-the-monument-game-exhibition/).

The event exposed Sam’s work, and the power of on-chain technology to a whole new world of visitors in Venice. Over 400 people left observations from all different walks of life - distinguished curators, leading museums, traditional collectors, and some of Web3’s finest artists. The impact of this was seen on Sam’s existing collections, with collectors of his unique pieces seeing  as high as 16x their original settled auctions. Secondary volume during the exhibition escalated, reaching 420 ETH consisting of movement in Sam’s ecosystem of the Skulls of Luci, Player Edition and Monument Game character studies.

![Spratt2](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/5fI8cI3x42lSlyqUfakrXJ/8394097da64d582ea505903e834bfe96/Screenshot_2024-07-10_at_4.26.49_PM.png)

Visitors to the exhibition included Carolyn Christov, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Uli Sigg, Naomi Beckwith and Adam Levine. 

Read more about The Monument Game Exhibition in [ArtNews.com](https://www.artnews.com/art-news/artists/venice-biennale-sam-spratt-art-exhibition-monument-game-nfts-1234703518/), [ArtFrame](https://art-frame.org/index.php/2024/05/10/stories-of-ruptures-and-rebirths-sam-spratts-the-monument-game-in-venice/), [Cool Hunting](https://coolhunting.com/culture/global-dialogues-at-the-60th-venice-biennale/) and [Outland](https://outland.art/mitchell-f-chan-venice-diary/).


Elevating Art: Nifty Gateway Studio Helps Bring Global Dialogue to Sam Spratt’s The Monument Game Exhibition in Venice, Italy

The Bitcoin Movement 

We’re proud to share a peek into the mind of Lucho Poletti and the inspiration behind his upcoming release titled “The Bitcoin Movement” featuring an intimate examination of the themes, symbols, and detailed process that led to the creation of this visually rich and mesmerizing collection.

Please set a drop reminder and pour over each of the three (3) works included in [The Bitcoin Movement collection here](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/the-bitcoin-movement)! 

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<br>

__INSPIRATION BEHIND “THE BITCOIN MOVEMENT”__

I was struck with inspiration to embark on a new project that pulls from my entire body of animated art and create a collection that combines all that art to reflect both: my personal experience in the bitcoin and crypto space and the core ideas I’ve strived to communicate through my art this whole time.

The title, __The Bitcoin Movement__, reflects Bitcoin’s journey as a social movement that challenges traditional financial systems, embodies technological and societal shifts, and moves progressively into the future. Each artwork in the series—Uprising, Revolution, and Forward—represents a unique perspective on the Bitcoin Movement.

My two main goals with The Bitcoin Movement collection are:
1. To depict the progression of the Bitcoin movement over the years in a way that reflects my experience and role as an artist
2. To combine elements from all of my archived animations to create a visual spectacle that tells the larger story of my art and tests the limits of visual overload.

The overarching theme of my art is to spread the message that “bitcoin is better money”. In other words, there are serious problems with the fiat monetary system, and I see Bitcoin as the best solution to those problems. That’s what my art is all about.

__THE IDEA JUST CLICKED__

My idea to make art with a hyper-saturated tableau was first inspired by seeing the works of artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel, which ultimately led to the creation of the Cypher Deos collection.

More recently I came across the work of Marco Brambilla, a video artist who creates video collages using hundreds of clips from Hollywood films.

When I saw those pieces, the idea just clicked for me. There are so many things happening simultaneously on the global stage in regards to macroeconomic events, financial markets, and central bank monetary policy, while Bitcoin continues to develop and mature into a serious contender of a global financial system.

I have all this animated art designed to tell stories about bitcoin and the money system, and I can break all those animations down into individual loops and bring them together in massive video collages that connect all the themes in my art.

__PROCESS OVERVIEW__

*Concept Drafting* - 
First, I created compositions in illustrator to draft out the concepts for each piece, where I composed all the individual elements and screen shots from each animated artwork in each composition, placing, scaling and juxtaposing them all together to tie all the visual themes together in ways that tell the larger story of the bitcoin movement through my art.

*Animated Composition* - 
Once the visual concepts are all drafted, the workflow moves over to adobe after effects to begin creating the animated compositions. Instead of using static elements and screen shots to put together mock-up compositions, here I used individual alpha MOVs (video elements with transparent backgrounds) to place the artwork directly into the animation project without the need to crop or rotoscope each of those individual elements. 

*Loops, Cameras, and Custom Clips* - 
Each element was placed into compositions, looping keyframes were set, and individual compositions were connected by section into a master composition for each piece. I worked with my video producer over the course of multiple weeks to re-render dozens of clips as well as creating custom renders with small corrections, different angles and camera perspectives and place all these elements into the animation projects before I was happy with the final composition for each.

*VFX and Backgrounds* - 
Once landscapes, animated scenes, and characters were all placed, backgrounds and other visual effects were created using a combination of VFX tools in after effects and archival footage to fit the theme of each artwork. In the case of both Uprising and Revolution, the backgrounds were created with a strictly thematic aesthetic, to create suitable backdrops for each section. In contrast, the backgrounds for Forward were created to reflect Bitcoin's market cycles, referring to specific sections of the historical price chart also showcased in the piece.

*Sound Design* - 
I designed the sound tracks for each piece using licensed music by Tenacious Orchestra and layered in some subtle sound effects to accentuate some animated scenes. The original tracks: Triumph of Light (Uprising), Red Alert (Revolution), and Speeding up (Forward) were cut, remixed, and looped to fit according to the timing and loop in/out points of the animations.

*Optimizing Videos* - 
The final step in the process was to optimize final videos and increase the frame rate from 30 to 60 frames per second for each piece to create a smoother viewing experience, using Topaz Video AI. Due to the speed of the camera scroll and fast movements in select animated elements, some elements were difficult to focus on, and could only be seen clearly when paused. Increasing the frame rate to 60 fps did wonders to make the animations smoother and details more clear throughout each animated piece.  

__3 PIECES TO REFLECT MY EXPERIENCE IN BITCOIN__

![UPRISING](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/ID9bUjMhiyd0s9R5q2IVo/e8a10e9b41bfff436cd7d31d078b4e08/unnamed__2_.png)

__UPRISING__

Uprising depicts a symbolic progression from a Fiat-based world to a world based on Bitcoin. In ‘Uprising’, we start out in a fiat hell, rise into a conflict between the fiat money system and bitcoin, witness bitcoin’s triumph over fiat, and finally reach the heights of a bitcoin-based future.

![REVOLUTION](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/4rZf7eAlKUewUB0RhIGJdd/48bcd0618800b5578105dc55f0f14d04/unnamed__5_.png)

__REVOLUTION__

Revolution takes a different visual approach from the more journey-oriented ‘Uprising’ and ‘Forward’ pieces, bringing hundreds of visual elements together in one giant composition to capture the entirety of the Bitcoin revolution. Similar to a printed piece of art or a painting, the full story is displayed all together and uses a symmetrical composition to create balance.

![FORWARD](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/EaI91TesjrNYXGkrWBpWl/e95504ac66d823d4b01e7c3eafb6314b/unnamed__4_.png)

__FORWARD__

Forward uses the historical Bitcoin price chart from 2017 to 2024 moving forward through time with animated scenes, characters, and backgrounds arranged according to Bitcoin’s market cycles. Bull markets are filled with cyberpunk style elements, angelic figures, and bullish green backgrounds, while the bear markets are filled with elements symbolizing the fiat banking system and red for negative market sentiment.

__CAPTURING THE ZEITGEIST OF THE BITCOIN MOVEMENT__

The Bitcoin Movement is more than just a visual spectacle - it’s a collection of narrative pieces that capture the zeitgeist of the Bitcoin movement—one that transcends borders and empowers individuals through the promise of a decentralized and transparent financial future.


THE BITCOIN MOVEMENT by Lucho Poletti 

Meet Ben Hopper

We sat down with Ben for a quick chat to learn more about his formative years, nomadic lifestyle, go-to equipment, and inspirations.

__NG:__ GM Ben, thanks for taking the time to chat ahead of your Nifty Gateway Curated debut next week on July 19th!

__BH:__ GM! It’s a pleasure, I am so excited about this drop, it’s a true milestone for me!

![Meet Ben Hopper](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/1hIv383QR8gmiHbh8xDXVE/feed49ca7a4b4e1b9652876356570217/Screenshot_2023-10-24_at_3.42.05_PM.png)

__NG:__ You grew up in Israel and moved to London in your 20s. Tell us a bit about where you grew up and your early years. How did that contribute to you becoming a portraitist and conceptual photographer?

__BH:__ I grew up in Israel nearby the shore. Born in Haifa, and when I was 5 we moved to a little suburb called Atlit, 10min walk from the beach. My childhood consisted of running around with lots of other kids in our then-under-construction neighbourhood. Chasing snakes, lizards and other animals. Surfing, skating …and when I turned 15 I started playing guitar.

Music was a massive influence on me growing up, especially from about the age of 10. When I turned 15–16 I became friends with a wonderful group of teenagers who were all young active artists themselves; musicians, painters, writers. Truly a talented bunch. They took themselves very seriously and at the same time, didn’t take anything seriously at all. It was fantastic to be cynical and sarcastic about life with them almost all the time.

When I was in my late teens and early 20s, late 90s and early 2000s — the energy I got from people like Jimi Hendrix, Zappa, Radiohead and Tom Waits left a mark on me. The music I was playing on the guitar was always trying to emulate it, and when I picked up a camera at the age of 25, I really wanted to create the same energy with my photos. So every photo felt to me like it needed to be that punchy, with the same oomph.

![Ben Hopper 2 ](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/1NdwzSifaBl9EpBN7HMu5v/72fdd1893d1611d9b6cbcc6d9c75853c/Screenshot_2023-10-24_at_3.42.55_PM.png)

__NG:__ You’re a self-described nomad. Where are you currently and where are you headed next?

__BH:__ I try my best. I’m in Lisbon at the moment after spending a month+ in Berlin and Germany. I’m heading to Boom Festival in Portugal soon — a Psytrance festival, and even though I do NOT like Psytrance at all, I think it’s one of the best festivals in the world! It’s truly an incredible experience to be there.

And then, after I’m not actually sure yet.

Being a nomad feeds the soul with perspective and makes you humble. It keeps me balanced and inspired but it can also be a very lonely experience when you’re out there checking out an incredible place for the first time, by yourself…missing your friends.

I can’t do it all the time, I have to go back to see my friends and family in London and Israel every now and then.

__NG:__ What was the first camera you owned? And what do you shoot with now?

__BH:__ My first camera was Nikon D80 back in 2007. I now have the (in desperate need of an upgrade) Canon 5D MK III and when I can, I use Phase One medium format cameras. My next camera will probably be the Canon R5 mirrorless (or its upgrade if it comes out this year) + 24–70mm f2.8 lens as a basic kit.

For me, it’s a great base of gear to give me most of what I need. The 24–70mm lens is perfect for photographers who work with movers like dancers because I can zoom in and out if my subject is moving away or closer to me. An extra treat would be to have 50mm f1.2, and some wide angle with me, but the weight is always something I’m trying to avoid.

![Ben Hopper 3](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/2eaLJxRhUlIhgmAsVZKllu/2e99ea317ae29b922826d79ea35a507f/Screenshot_2023-10-24_at_3.44.30_PM.png)

__NG:__ Your work centers around the human figure. What about humans and our bodies inspires you to continue creating this style of work?

__BH:__ Most of it is just naturally finding a certain beauty that inspires or attracts me to document, and then share with the world. All of my photos of the human body have an element of that. This combo is my motivation; find the beauty, and share it. I love certain body muscle tones that come from physical activity rather than working out — for example, circus straps artists have very specific-looking muscle tones which I’ve always found super beautiful.

So often, it’s quite simple for me — just finding someone I find cool / beautiful — even if it’s a body part or a certain move only they can do — then figure out a way to capture that with a photograph.

Generally, I think what circus artists and dancers can do with their bodies is extraordinary and worth photographing. With nudes it’s the same, I try to photograph bodies I find beautiful.

![Ben Hopper 4](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/6CBgSZhcXGYAfi5e1CL3cT/4ef7cfa3aab8d8c04a96180335761da6/Screenshot_2023-10-24_at_3.45.30_PM.png)

__NG:__ Can you tell us a bit more about this specific collection, The Human Form?

__BH:__ Within my photographic work, there’s a thread connecting everything I created from the moment I picked up a camera 15+ years ago. The fascination with the human body as a form, a shape, and a texture. And the search for the point at which a Place becomes an entity in its own right.

The Human Form is consisting of three pairs of photographs created between 2011–2018 that embody the above; 2 photos from my project ‘The Illustrated,’ 1 photo from ‘Human Nature,’ and 1 from ‘Human Spaces’ — with the addition of 2 early circus photographs.

The models appearing in the photographs in that drop are all athletes, dancers, and circus artists. These photos embody in various forms exactly what I’ve tried to show throughout my career — how the beauty of how a human body can be pushed physically to extend away from the ordinary. To be taken out of context and used as a canvas.

__NG:__ What does this collection mean to you?

__BH:__ Actually, this collection being my debut solo curated drop is truly going a full circle in the NFT space for me since the NG-curated drops of my buddies Ted Chin and swolfchan were what inspired me to start minting my own work back in 2021! Swolfchan is a real-life friend from the UK and he helped me a lot when I entered the space. This whole experience feels very sweet and heartwarming to me. I’m really happy I was able to patiently enter into the NG in a very humble way (3 drops with tight supply and affordable prices). It feels right, the whole thing just feels right — and that’s a wonderful feeling!

__NG:__ Who, or what, inspires you?

__BH:__ So much inspires me, not just art. Nature, animals, food, sound, music, sexuality, censorship, politics, the human condition, gender. Some inspire me to act, some to react. Some inspire me to not do anything at all — and by doing that …nothing — I also find ideas.

I listen to a lot of music still. I try to hang with as many artist friends as possible. People who make things and are generally positive about life. I try to travel as much as I can — that always keeps me humble.

![Ben Hopper 5](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/3e6iByHu4tFpEcY5Wt7VeI/1af5f3521cb62ad7c02d212f69d2821e/Screenshot_2023-10-24_at_3.47.29_PM.png)

__NG:__ Looking ahead, are there any future directions or themes you are considering exploring in your upcoming projects?

__BH:__ I really hope to explore more psychological topics revolving around Shame and Acceptance. I also wanted to explore more social taboos and share some art inspired by my background as an Israeli (hint: it’s a series of collaborations with artists from “enemy countries of Israel”).

As I enter the 2nd chapter of my life (I’m 41 now), I try to plan my next moves in ways that when I lay on my deathbed looking back, I could give myself a tap on my shoulder and be proud of myself. I want to use art as a tool to try and make this world a little better, as much as I can.

__NG:__ Let’s close with something fun… What’s the last piece of art you collected?

__BH:__ It was a 1/1 piece from AURAS by Jeremy Cowart. Jeremy has been doing such interesting work in the NFT space over the last few years and as a fellow photographer and artist — I often find what he does very inspiring. He may tell you that AURAS failed because it didn’t sell out — but in my opinion, it was a crazy first-of-its-kind symphony of compositions…and the whole operation. Well worth checking out!

Explore Ben Hopper’s debut Nifty Gateway Curated collection, The Human Form, here: https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/thehumanform.

NG Curated: Producer Picks — June 2023

__NG Curated: Producer Picks — June 2023__

In the pulsating rhythm of the NFT universe, where a minute feels like a month, artworks of profound beauty and intrigue can easily slip into the ether of forgotten masterpieces. Yet, amidst this rush, the curators at Nifty Gateway are your trusted custodians, meticulously combing through each piece released on our platform every month. Their discerning eyes selected remarkable drops that truly encapsulate the essence of our artistic endeavor.

As June 2023 has come to an end, we unveil these hand picked selections that serve as a testament to our platform’s artistic dynamism and enrich your journey through the fascinating labyrinth of digital art.

__Selected by [niftytime](https://twitter.com/niftytime)__

![Bitcoin Certificates by Lucho Poletti](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/75xAtPWvwgJBFhTby8do51/15a19bb8a036191731024d4e6f51b196/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.39.36_AM.png)

__Bitcoin Certificates by Lucho Poletti__

A world without Bitcoin is a world where I don’t own my money.
Where I can’t be financially independent.
Where banks, governments, and corporations control my future.
A world without Bitcoin is a world with less freedom.
And that is no world I’d want to live in.

Lucho Poletti is an eminent digital bitcoin and propaganda artist who consistently sets new artistic standards with his creations. While aesthetically captivating, his work also challenges observers to confront and consider Bitcoin’s potential. Celebrating his 10th showcase on Nifty Gateway, Lucho Poletti continues his mission of propagating the virtues of ‘Better Money’ through the medium of art.

Showcasing an exclusive array of six created pieces, Lucho’s collection, aptly titled ‘Bitcoin Certificates’, delves into Bitcoin’s foundational ethos of trustlessness, scarcity, and censorship resistance. Drawing stylistic influences from vintage US bank notes and government savings bonds, the artworks blend text-based frameworks and angelic illustrations to honor Bitcoin’s integral values. Each piece serves as a tribute to Bitcoin’s unmatched status as a resilient monetary network and revolutionary currency.

View the collection: [https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/btc-certificates-poletti](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/btc-certificates-poletti)

![FOUR SEASONS: SUMMER by Matteo Mauro Studio](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/350PgywG6L2atsC4824ZtB/5a92e49aa946c3784fd201197dc780fc/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.39.48_AM.png)

__FOUR SEASONS: SUMMER by Matteo Mauro Studio__

I came across someone’s bio which said: to perfection, I prefer reality.
I thought it was quite a nice concept and took note of it.
But as I was writing about it, I realized my art practice has always aimed at the opposite.
And actually, I rather prefer perfection than reality.

Matteo Mauro Studio presents the first installment of the artistic project named ‘Micromegalic Inscriptions’, of which the ‘Four Seasons’ series is the premier chapter. This venture is a study of the passage of time and nature’s perpetual dance, from the blossoming allure of Spring to the sun-drenched days of Summer. Each season has graced us with 45 mesmerizing pieces, capturing the spirit and colors of Spring and Summer.

Continually exploring the harmonious marriage of engraving technologies and digital platforms, Matteo Mauro’s artwork transcends the traditional, transforming through a process of abundant abstraction. His pieces are a whirlwind of infinite linear contortions, manifesting as a vibrant homage to the changing seasons — a testament to the artist’s unique computational language and evolving research.

Exclusive to Nifty Gateway, the Generative Art series of these computational engravings will unfold across four curated drops throughout 2023, each corresponding to a distinct season, creating a year-long, dynamic journey through art and time.

I seek perfection intended as a way to achieve the illusion of what’s unreal, and my art has a lot to do with things that do not or cannot exist.

Four of these pieces were released using our new Curated Collector Drop mechanic, which functions like a presale. These drops are available to everyone, but purchasers are chosen using an anonymized ‘Collector Score’ — a metric that considers a collector’s past acquisitions and holding duration. This initiative aims to promote fairness and support artists’ long-term career stability while rewarding dedicated collectors. Read more about our Curated Collector Drop mechanic here.

View the collection: [https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/fourseasons-summer](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/fourseasons-summer)

__Selected by [chrislymac](https://twitter.com/chrislymac)__

![Communion by King Xerox](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/2ur3QedF1xLD3ri6rfUZxO/b6dbfc9d0cfc6ae14ba22a753c507ffb/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.40.00_AM.png)

__COMMUNION by King Xerox__

Beyond Doubt, Embrace the Unseen. In the Realm of Faith, Miracles Await.

Making his Nifty Gateway Curated debut, King Xerox showcased his unique style marked by a vibrant color palette. Celebrated for his diverse talents in comic book illustration, painting, and more recently, crypto art, this multi-faceted artist initially followed the precise path of architecture, but discovered his true passion in the dynamic canvas of creative arts.

Upon entering the crypto art space in 2021, he rapidly gained acclaim, particularly in the unique domain of glitch art. Through his works, King Xerox explores the intriguing phenomena of the web3 world, leveraging the power of glitch art to convey his interpretations and maintain a journal of his artistic evolution.

View the collection: [https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/communion](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/communion)

![Lagunak Vol 1 by Muga](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/3J6tIhU88QBuAfkDfOBUHv/4d9b139a6376df470f8531109b45f3b0/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.40.10_AM.png)

__Lagunak Vol 1 by Muga__

The artistic partnership between Zigor Samaniego and Ekaitza gave birth to Muga, an innovative project that transitioned from the digital domain of NFTs to tangible vinyl toys, offering collectors a unique crossover from the virtual to the physical. Now, Muga has expanded into ‘Lagunak’ (meaning ‘friends’ in Basque), the duo’s inaugural collaborative project that breathes life into the Muga character through the eyes of various artists in different releases.

In the first volume, Bryan Brinkman, Des Lucrece, and Van Orton have joined the fray. This endeavor initiated the first of a series of collaborations with over 16 artists in total, who bravely accepted the challenge, some venturing beyond their established styles and mediums, driven by an urge to experiment.

The project debuted as a ‘blind edition’ drop, introducing an element of surprise and anticipation. The artists had determined a minting limit, but kept it under wraps. Once reached, the specific artwork became unavailable for minting, only surfacing in secondary markets. During the drop, it was impossible to discern which token corresponded to which collaboration, adding to the sense of mystery. A placeholder image of the Muga coin greeted each successful NFT purchaser, only revealing the final artwork on June 9th, a captivating creation by either Van Orton, Des Lucrece, or Bryan Brinkman.

More by Muga to follow!

View the collection: [https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/lagunak](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/lagunak)

This recap is written by [Nina Knaack](https://twitter.com/knaack_nina)


Gonzovation Part II 

Estimates of the total number of biotic crises (AKA mass extinction events) that have occurred over the last 500 million years range from five to more than twenty. While the scientific community generally agrees on what’s colloquially referred to as the “Big Five,” what’s more commonly debated is whether or not we’re currently experiencing the sixth mass extinction in our own time, the Anthropocene Age, the Age of Humans. Proponents argue that this ongoing extinction event is a consequence of human activity — a unique characteristic relative to prior extinction events, the most recent of which having occurred somewhere around sixty-five million years ago.

Much more recently than all that, British filmmaker and writer Ceri Levy asked renowned illustrator Ralph Steadman to produce one piece of art representing an extinct bird for an exhibition he was putting together titled, “Ghosts of Gone Birds.” That one work birthed a trilogy of books, an incredible friendship, and a rallying call for Gonzovation efforts (more on that in the interview below…) with the wit and humor you’d expect from this duo. As environmental devastation and the dwindling of species continues unabated worldwide, the two have continued their efforts — now introducing Gonzovation Part II on Nifty Gateway.

Ahead of this collection, I had the opportunity to speak with Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levy about the history of their collaboration, their upcoming release in partnership with WildAid, and all things Gonzovation.

To participate in Gonzovation Part II, beginning October 2nd at 6:30pm ET, please visit the [collection page on Nifty Gateway](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/gonzovation-part-ii).

![Ralph Steadman x Ceri Levy](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/2usE4wnjiVTntAERYd2cHV/b920c8b291eaf99a7ae24f30c54db5e6/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.29.02_AM.png)

__How did this collaboration between you both start?__

__Ceri Levy:__ I approached Ralph to draw one extinct species of bird for an exhibition I was organizing to show the danger of extinction so many birds in the world face today. A friend gave me Ralph’s email and said write to him and when you have just about given up hope then something wonderful will drop in your inbox. Sure enough, after two months I got a reply, which stated, “I don’t know what you want from me, but I’m intrigued! We must talk!” My phone rang and it was Ralph, who proceeded to read me a story of his for the next fifteen minutes. I lay back on my couch in wonderous disbelief as one of my favorite artists had just entered my life, not realizing just what a journey we would go on together!

![Blue Whale - Water](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/6dzpbs4P4xqBgPPzkxEWV5/e0df92a9537251474552155637d72c70/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.29.13_AM.png)

__Ralph, Can you tell us about the artistic techniques employed in these works?__

__Ralph Steadman:__ For Boids and Nextinction I just did what Ceri told me to. He is a harsh taskmaster!

__Interjection from CL:__ One has to crack the whip otherwise Ralph would be too busy lollygagging. That’s a word everyone should know. It means to spend time aimlessly. Back to you, Ralph.

__RS:__ For Critical Critters I used the Dirty Water Technique. I poured water from the pot I wash my brushes in — the dirtier and smellier the better — onto a piece of paper lying on the floor of my studio. You have to pour from shoulder height to get that splatter. Then you let it dry for 3 days. All the silt and muck from the bottom of the dirty water jar then settles into amazing textures and patterns that could not be done by hand. Then, over Skype, I would hold the dried blot up to Ceri and we would try and see the animal in the dirt.

__Another interjection from Ceri:__ Actually, the discovery of the dirty water technique was purely by chance. Ralph was busy tidying his drawing area ready for the next drawing. He moved his sheet of paper onto the floor and he accidentally knocked over his dirty water jar within which he cleans his brushes. The water spilt all over the paper on the floor.He saw the mess he had made, swore and instead looked at the spreading water and ink colors and became fascinated. He called me, told me what had happened and said he was going to see what it looked like when it had dried. When it had, we looked at it and imagined what we could see. We termed this the Ralphschach Technique of looking as we began to see animals within. Then I said this would be his Dirty Water Period like Picasso had a Blue Period or a Rose Period. As Ralph always says, “There is no such thing as a mistake, just an opportunity to do something else.” And boy what a beautiful mistake!

![Hippopotamus - Earth](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/5uDlH4iEKtkQKiagBHVAu3/3f750967a4e2ee5ecda7d7609bcd3c34/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.29.23_AM.png)

__Ceri, what’s been most exciting or insightful to you in your research and writing for this project?__

__CL:__ My interest was first piqued by the plight of birds and then the realization that these creatures take you to the most extraordinary places such as Kazakhstan where I was documenting a project to save the Sociable Lapwing from extinction on the Steppe. On a day off we drove up to the border with Kyrgyzstan to search for a rare bird called an Ibisbill. We managed to find it when we saw two soldiers approaching us with guns and they demanded to see our passports. Our guide had told us to have our documentation with us at all times but I had left mine in the car which was a good couple of miles away. This was going to cause a problem apparently and before our guide told them, I called them over to the telescope which was fixed on the Ibisbill and suggested by hand gestures that they have a look. One soldier went to look and the other reprimanded him, I presume for engaging with me, and they began to argue. They started walking back down the road arguing and as they moved further away we packed up our gear and got the hell out of there! After all we had seen the bird and irate soldiers, guns and lack of passport don’t really mix.

But on the whole the passion that exists for wildlife has been a wonderful thing to tap into and become part of. We could all do with reminding ourselves of our place in nature.

__How did this partnership with WildAid come to be?__

__CL:__ The founder of WildAid, Peter Knights, has been a longtime friend of mine and I wanted to support the incredible work that they do. There are many great organizations helping the planet but because of my connections, WildAid and the great work they carry out has a special place in my heart. So the relationship continues.

__What lead you to make your art accessible through NFTs?__

__RS:__ My daughter, Sadie, wanted to give it a try. Somebody in the USA had told her about them. There is a lot of work in the archive and she thought it might be a way to introduce my work to a whole new audience. Some of my work is older than some of the people buying it as NFT’s!

I don’t really understand it myself but we have talked to people all over the world about them and collaborated with other artists in the UK, USA, Australia and Europe. It’s really Sadie’s project and I am along for the ride.

![California Condor - Air](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/59AQWn0begfmqhX04j2pRN/6e63442588858d4f6965fd0bac2701ca/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.29.40_AM.png)

__Can you discuss the concept for this release specifically?__

__CL:__ The four elements of Gonzovation are simply where we find creatures on this planet. In the air, in the water and on the earth plus in the imagination, which is where so many incredible creatures emerged from.

__What does it mean to be a Gonzovationist?__

__CL:__ Gonzovation is about compassion and kindness to the world around us. To each other and to every creature that lives alongside us... We can all play a part in helping the world around us.

Seek out the gonzovationist within you!

__What can people do to help stop the illegal trade of wildlife and support WildAid’s mission?__

__CL:__ That’s really a question for WildAid themselves. But logging on to their website is a good start and take it from there.

[https://wildaid.org/](https://wildaid.org/)

![Rodrigues Blue-Black Throstle by Ralph Steadman](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/52qFd67eZjPmicIxRkEeg/7e50d45cb525b3e094952b6e865ac92a/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_9.29.52_AM.png)


Nifty Gateway Curated Presents Ralph Steadman x Ceri Levy: Gonzovation Part II

NG Curated: Producer Picks — May 2023

__NG Curated: Producer Picks — May 2023__

In the pulsating rhythm of the NFT universe, where a minute feels like a month, artworks of profound beauty and intrigue can easily slip into the ether of forgotten masterpieces. Yet, amidst this rush, the curators at Nifty Gateway are your trusted custodians, meticulously combing through each piece released on our platform every month. Their discerning eyes selected remarkable drops that truly encapsulate the essence of our artistic endeavor.

As May 2023 has come to an end, we are thrilled to unveil these hand picked selections that serve as a testament to our platform’s artistic dynamism and enrich your journey through the fascinating labyrinth of digital art.

__Selected by [niftytime](https://twitter.com/niftytime)__

![The Oath & The Crown by Trevor Jones](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/7DJNhYX6suabLXKhoY5exI/785b5f2ffec0b6290609e48e92e1e421/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_10.50.52_AM.png)

__The Oath & The Crown by Trevor Jones__

Commemorating the majestic coronation of King Charles III, celebrated artist Trevor Jones, in partnership with Apollo Entertainment and the Evening Standard, released an open-edition NFT called The Oath, creating an indelible digital imprint of this momentous occasion.

This exclusive NFT encapsulates the essence of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, presenting St Edward’s Crown, the heart of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The artwork masterfully merges the royal motif with elemental forces, signifying King Charles’s enduring dedication to environmental conservation. The chosen title mirrors the Coronation Oath, the solemn pledge made by the King to uphold the laws and customs of the Commonwealth Realms.

Available freely, the artwork saw 20,202 digital patrons taking their oath, setting a record for open-edition mints on our platform. As an act of commitment to their Oath, owners were later offered the chance to acquire The Crown — an enhanced, limited-edition version of the NFT. This amplified piece, of which 444 were minted, brims with innovative animation and sound, taking the original artwork to a new dimension. After reserving 25 for the creators, 419 lucky oath keepers were randomly chosen to receive this The Crown.

This collaboration was more than just creating an artwork; it was about encapsulating a historical moment and fostering a broader appreciation for NFTs, using the reach of one of the UK’s leading publications. So here’s to a long reign of the King, and the eternal revolution of NFTs.

Collect [The Oath ](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/collection/0x65dc1990dea997d057580c4a25fae29d08335386/1)

Collect [The Crown](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/collection/0xf7a4b7d02b20bf15462f21b91ade64b10ed7ddbf/1)

![CryptoCubes Creators / The 7th](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/6pctNHlabTpARd2PZPN81k/1e2153b370561802f49eaaecccf2a224/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_10.51.03_AM.png)

CryptoCubes Creators / The7th

The Cube.
A simple shape — human-made, and strong.
With six sides, twelve edges, and… infinite potential.

Bridging the dimensions of the tangible and the digital, CryptoCubes is a 3D, generative NFT collection that draws inspiration from architecture, geometry, and the cosmic expanse. It’s not merely a collection of art pieces, but a creative gateway, equipped with an open API that invites enthusiasts to dive into a trove of files and explore the artistic potential of the collection. It broadens the horizons for the use of these digital monuments across various platforms, paving the way for unexplored artistic landscapes.

Thus was born CryptoCubes Creators — a landmark art collaboration aimed at harmonizing the creative genius of 256 esteemed artists worldwide, reimagining the CryptoCubes narrative into a unique NFT-centric artwork anthology.

In the intriguing evolution of this creative saga, the seventh chapter sees the 16 illustrious creators [Trevor Jones](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/trevorjonesart), [Jivinci](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/jivinci), [mbsjq](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/mbsjq), [totemical](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/totemical), [Zigor Samaniego](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/zigor), [Blake Kathryn](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/blakekathryn), [Huleeb](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/huleeb), [STVDIO NOUVEAU](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/stvdionouveau), [Benjamin Bardou](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/benjaminbardou), [Daïm](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/daimalyad), [Adam Spizak](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/spizak), [BakaArts](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/baka), [Kristian Levin](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/nocreative), [yosnier](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/yosnier), [Yura Miron](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/yuramiron) and [Alexis André](https://www.niftygateway.com/marketplace/artist/mactuitui) breathe new life into number 7 of the original 256 CryptoCube. They pay homage to its origins while infusing their distinctive styles, propelling the project’s momentum.

The public auctions, spread over two days, saw a flurry of activity, drawing substantial volume and numerous triumphant bids, marking yet another successful stride in the vibrant journey of CryptoCubes Creators.

[CryptoCubes Creators / The7th](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/cryptocubescreatorsthe7th)

__Selected by [nifty_pat](https://twitter.com/nifty_pat)__

![Gonzovation by Ralph Steadman](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/29Q3ySrqVyvqng3ZFFBrcn/0924c2aec711c57eea069751dcbed4af/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_10.51.16_AM.png)

__Gonzovation by Ralph Steadman__

*gon·zo·va·tion*
1. alternative conservation through the act of gonzovating and exhibiting compassion for the natural world.
2. the protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources to include forests, earth and water.

The Gonzovation Collection is s a poignant tribute to the avian and animal species on the brink of extinction, each meticulously drawn and painted by artist Ralph Steadman and thoughtfully penned by partner Ceri Levy. Their craft amplifies the urgency of the threats looming over our planet’s most vulnerable creatures.

The Open Edition unveiled eight potential artworks, from a nostalgic depiction of the dodo to vibrant parakeets, majestic Japanese cranes, and a wise, old turtle, among others. After minting, placeholder images transformed randomly, revealing one of these remarkable artworks.

A portion of the sales directly supported to WildAid, an organization that works tirelessly to preserve our world’s wildlife. This ‘gonzovation’ initiative champions the cause of WildAid, spotlighting the illicit wildlife trade. This multi-billion dollar industry that benefits at the cost of our planet’s priceless biodiversity. Through their evocative art, Ralph and Ceri aim to draw the world’s attention to this escalating crisis, inspiring much-needed action toward protecting the species most urgently in need of our help.

View the [Gonzovation collection](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/gonzovation)

__Selected by [chrislymac](https://twitter.com/chrislymac)__

![Alien Flowers by Fran Rodriguez](//images.ctfassets.net/d3gz9152g7gw/7byuOXEr3lBaL4ojKBH2JP/e6683419a3ea5a1db25d8fa5618ce7f1/Screenshot_2023-10-25_at_10.51.28_AM.png)

__Alien Flowers by Fran Rodriguez__

Unveiling his third curated drop on Nifty, Fran Rodriguez transports us into a universe blossoming with Alien Flowers. Drawing from his early affinities for surrealism and psychedelia, this Spanish artist crafts his work beyond the boundaries of conventional perception. To Fran, our sensory experiences merely skim the surface of reality, leaving a vast iceberg of potential unexplored.

With this notion at the heart of his artistic philosophy, Fran sculpts new worlds through his collages, stitching together fragments of known reality to portray landscapes and realities previously unimagined. Sourcing materials from a rich variety of old photos, public domain archives, and image banks, Fran undertakes a labor of love akin to digital archaeology. The quest for the perfect image can span years, resulting in the meticulously constructed collages we see.

The Alien Flowers collection breathes life into floral species that have never existed. Through AI and Fran’s signature workflow of collage, editing, and digital painting in Photoshop, these floral fantasies have been brought to life. But they are more than just exotic creations; they magnify our admiration for the natural world we interact with daily.

“Go outside, smell the flowers.”

The collection comprises 3 Open Editions, a Ranked Auction, and a Bidders Edition. Any successful bids placed on BOOM entitle the bidder to an edition of CONTACT, adding a unique element of interaction to the artistic experience.

Collect [Alien Flowers here](https://www.niftygateway.com/collections/alien-flowers)

This recap is written by [Nina Knaack](https://twitter.com/knaack_nina)

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Nifty Gateway Curated Presents Ralph Steadman x Ceri Levy: Gonzovation Part II

NG Curated: Producer Picks — May 2023