In the vibrant landscape of digital art and NFTs, Nigerian photographer and digital artist Nddy stands out as a beacon of innovation and creativity. With a career spanning over two years in the NFT space, Nddy has skillfully navigated the complex world of art, technology, and community to create timeless pieces that resonate deeply with viewers around the globe.

Early Beginnings: From Hobby to Passion

Nddy’s artistic journey began in 2017, rooted in a passion for capturing life’s essence through the lens of a camera. Despite initial familial reservations and being camera shy, Nddy embraced photography, using a phone to explore and document the world. This early challenge didn’t deter Nddy; instead, it fueled a determination to turn a hobby into a career, laying the groundwork for a future in digital art.

Transition to Digital Art and NFTs

The shift from traditional photography to pioneering digital art was catalyzed by Nddy’s introduction to NFTs in late 2021. Initially drawn by the financial prospects, Nddy quickly recognized the broader potential of NFTs to provide global visibility and transform personal art into a recognizable brand.

Can you walk us through your journey from traditional photography to becoming a pioneering digital artist within the NFT space? What motivated this transition?

My journey began with a passion for traditional photography, capturing life’s essence through my lens. Transitioning to digital art and the NFT space in late 2021 was a pivotal moment. Initially, the financial prospects of NFTs caught my attention, but I quickly realized the potential for global visibility and brand development for my art. This shift was driven by a desire to innovate while staying true to my roots, blending tradition with modern digital expression.

Who or what are your biggest artistic influences, and how do they shape your approach to creating digital art and photography?

My artistic vision is heavily influenced by my Nigerian culture, history, and the environment around me. These influences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to digital art, allowing me to infuse traditional elements with a contemporary twist. The diverse artists and genres I’ve encountered in the NFT space have further inspired me to explore and integrate various cultural and historical themes into my work.

Having been in the NFT space for about two years, how have you seen the landscape change for artists and collectors alike? What do you believe the future holds for crypto art?

The NFT landscape has evolved significantly, offering both opportunities and challenges. The bear and bull markets have shaped the space, emphasizing the importance of community and genuine engagement over short-term trends. I believe the future of crypto art is bright, with potential for further growth and innovation, mirroring the early days of social media.

You’ve mentioned the importance of creating connections with other artists and collectors. How has this network impacted your growth and visibility in the NFT community?

Building strong connections within the NFT community has been crucial for my growth and visibility. These relationships have not only provided support and encouragement but also opportunities to showcase my work on international platforms, breaking barriers and reaching a wider audience.

With your work featured on platforms like OpenSea, Foundation, and exhibitions like MONOLITH Gallery VII and NFT NYC, what factors guide your choice of platforms or exhibitions to showcase your art?

When choosing platforms and exhibitions, I look for those that align with my goals of brand building and reaching a diverse audience. I prioritize platforms that are art-focused and offer artist-friendly features, as well as exhibitions that have the potential to connect me with collectors and artists who appreciate the depth and narrative of my work.

GE

“Black Matters” is now on @juujuumama @ItanWorld on @foundation

Black is not dark, black is bright, black is energy, black is bold, black is gold, black is every color all together, black shines brightest. Black is everything beautiful.https://t.co/Cbwi7wMH9N pic.twitter.com/QLBFQwpONm

— Nddy (@Nddy_1759) October 29, 2023

Could you share the inspiration or story behind one of your pieces that holds particular significance to you?

One of my favorite pieces, ‘Adaugo,’ is inspired by my childhood memories and the traditions of Igbo land. It reflects on the role of first daughters and celebrates cultural heritage through the intricate details of attire and symbolism, embodying my journey and connection to my roots.

As a Nigerian artist, how do you balance the global appeal of NFTs with incorporating elements of your local culture and experiences into your artwork?

Balancing the global and local aspects involves embracing my Nigerian heritage while ensuring my art remains relevant on a global scale. I strive to create pieces that tell unique stories, bridging cultural gaps and resonating with a wide audience without losing the essence of where I come from.

What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in the NFT space, and how have you overcome them?

Navigating the space to find a supportive community and connect with the right collectors were significant challenges. Overcoming these obstacles involved patience, perseverance, and a commitment to my artistic vision, leading to meaningful connections and a sense of belonging within the African NFT community.

My advice is to thoroughly research the NFT space, reach out to established artists for insights, and embrace patience. Celebrate every achievement, learn from each experience, and enjoy the journey, understanding that challenges are part of the growth process. -Nddy

What’s next for Nddy? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?

I’m focused on continuing my artistic exploration and brand development. I’m excited about my upcoming project release and the NFT_NYC 2024 exhibition, where I’ll showcase one of my favorite projects. These opportunities represent the next steps in my journey, promising growth, innovation, and greater visibility in the global NFT space.

Looking Forward

With eyes set on greatness, Nddy continues to explore new projects and eagerly anticipates showcasing work at NFT_NYC 2024. The journey ahead promises further exploration, growth, and the unfolding of an artistic legacy that bridges the local and global, traditional and innovative.

TL;DR: Nddy, a Nigerian photographer turned digital artist, shares insights into a journey marked by growth, challenges, and the transformative power of NFTs. From early beginnings to global exhibitions, Nddy’s story is a testament to the importance of cultural roots, community, and embracing the digital evolution.

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The recently concluded second edition of Paris+ par Art Basel has set a new milestone for the ever-evolving art market in Paris, solidifying the French capital’s role as an indispensable hub in the global art ecosystem. Hosted from October 20 to 22, 2023, at the Grand Palais Éphémère, the event featured a compelling blend of 154 preeminent galleries, including 61 based in France. With its public programming spanning across six iconic locations in Paris and a visitor count of 38,000, it was a grand celebration of art and culture.

A Tapestry of Artistic Expression

The fair offered a rich and diverse showcase, featuring not only 20th-century masters like Alexander Calder and Robert Rauschenberg but also contemporary stars such as Tracey Emin and Mark Bradford. Emerging artists like Jenna Bliss and Xie Lei also found a platform, illustrating the fair’s commitment to nurturing new talent. Furthermore, galleries reported robust sales across various market segments, cementing the fair’s position as a commercial success.

A Gathering of Global Influencers

The attendee list read like a who’s who of the art world, encompassing collectors, art patrons, and representatives from over 170 globally renowned museums and foundations. Among those in attendance were personalities like French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak and First Lady Brigitte Macron, signaling the event’s immense importance on both a national and international scale.

A Convergence of Perspectives

One of the fair’s most commendable aspects was its international flavor. Galleries and participants hailed from diverse geographies, from Europe and the Americas to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Fifteen galleries made their debut appearance at Paris+ par Art Basel, amplifying the event’s reach and influence.

Exhibitors Speak

Serena Cattaneo Adorno, Senior Director at Gagosian, highlighted the “real enthusiasm in Paris” and the busy atmosphere of the fair. Guillaume Sultana, Founder of Sultana (Paris, Arles), praised the “excellent level of the fair,” underscoring the strong representation from Europe and Asia.

A Catalyst for Cultural Development

Clément Delépine, Director of Paris+ par Art Basel, summed up the event’s success: “We were able to present art of the highest quality, and the fair’s impact on the city’s cultural life is palpable.” He added that the event’s next iteration would take place in its permanent venue—the iconic Grand Palais—from October 18 to 20, 2024.

The Future Beckons

With the successes of its latest edition, Paris+ par Art Basel has proven itself as not just a marketplace for art but also as a vibrant platform for discourse, exchange, and inspiration. It promises to return even stronger in its next edition, aiming to further entrench itself in the global art narrative.

Galeries Émergentes and Public Program

The event also featured Galeries Émergentes, a section dedicated to emerging galleries. Supported by groupe Galeries Lafayette, the initiative saw a jury selecting artist Mohamad Abdouni for a new artwork. Additionally, the public program included exhibitions, outdoor installations, and talks, highlighting the fair’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement.

TL;DR

The second edition of Paris+ par Art Basel successfully cemented Paris’s standing as a critical hub in the global art market, drawing a rich tapestry of artists, collectors, and institutions. With robust sales and a diverse array of exhibitors, the event was both a commercial and critical success, promising an even grander return in 2024.

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Anna Lucia, an engineer and self-taught artist hailing from The Netherlands and residing in Cairo, is carving out a unique niche at the intersection of art, technology, and digital ownership. Through her innovative approach, she scripts algorithms to generate mesmerizing artworks. Her creative process is a rich blend of mathematics, computer science, and feminine crafts such as textile work, which she channels into creating interactive, VR-enabled, and screen-mediated art pieces.

artist | engineer | pipe dreamer

Lucia’s prolific journey in generative artistry has not only enabled her to showcase her work in a new light but also contributed to elevating the genre to mainstream audiences. Her artworks have graced the prestigious platforms of Art Basel Miami (2021), Vellum LA (2022), Art Basel (2022), and the Decentral Art Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2022), among other notable exhibitions. These showcases have not only presented Lucia’s individual genius but also underscored the transformative potential of generative art in the contemporary art scene.

pic.twitter.com/H6rWVBA6Bw

— Anna Lucia (@annaluciacodes) October 12, 2023

With the dawn of the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) era, generative art has found a vibrant and growing marketplace. The convergence of generative art and NFTs has breathed new life into this art form, propelling it from the peripheries to the limelight, and offering a fresh, digital frontier for artists and collectors alike​¹​. The NFT space, brimming with innovative projects and astonishing collections, has become a significant vehicle for artists to access and monetize AI-powered art, with generative art emerging as one of its main categories​²​.

The mainstream ascent of generative art, catalyzed by the NFT wave, is largely driven by computational advancements and novel AI techniques. These technological strides have not only reduced the barrier to entry for artists and enthusiasts but have also enriched the interactive and immersive experience of art consumption​²​.

Anna Lucia, through her digital artistry, exemplifies the burgeoning synergy between generative art and NFTs. Her work resonates with the ethos of digital ownership and the boundless creative possibilities that the NFT space ushers in. As generative art continues to intertwine with the blockchain and NFT ecosystem, it’s crafting a new narrative of artistic expression and digital ownership, heralding a vibrant and inclusive future for artists, collectors, and audiences globally.

TL;DR: Anna Lucia’s journey as a generative artist showcases the robust synergy between generative art and NFTs. Her innovative artistry, showcased at prestigious exhibitions, along with the technological advancements in AI and blockchain, are pioneering a new wave of mainstream acceptance for NFTs, forging a promising future for digital art and ownership.

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