In the ever-evolving landscape of digital art, the name XCOPY resounds with a certain mystique that echoes through the cryptic hallways of NFT (Non-Fungible Token) lore. A London-based crypto artist, XCOPY has been a luminary figure within the NFT realm since 2018, making waves as just the second artist to ever mint on the revered platform SuperRare​¹​. With a craft honed over a decade, since 2010 to be precise, XCOPY’s digital artistry began long before the NFT buzz started reverberating across the globe​²​.

The artist’s recent intrigue has manifested in a unique minting dubbed RΞMNANTS, a collection comprising 250 identical pieces. This venture ostensibly caters to the SuperRare Genesis Pass holders, marking a deviation from previous Genesis Pass drops that often boasted a variety of unique pieces.

As the digital realms buzz with anticipation, a tweet from a curious observer, tropoFarmer, encapsulates the enigma surrounding the RΞMNANTS minting: “wonder what XCOPY is doing with these 250 pieces that were just minted.”

wonder what XCOPY is doing with these 250 pieces that were just minted pic.twitter.com/PNbMFlCoM5

— tropoFarmer (@tropoFarmer) November 1, 2023

XCOPY’s provenance in the digital art domain isn’t just a tale of artistic evolution, but a narrative intertwined with the burgeoning NFT ecosystem. The artist’s ability to amass over $24 million from a single drop showcases not just the fervent demand for XCOPY’s work, but the colossal strides the NFT market has take​n ³.

In a realm where the tangible merges with the intangible, XCOPY’s art resonates with a unique blend of digital aesthetics and profound societal reflections. The artist’s Max Pain NFT, an epitome of XCOPY’s glitchy, throbby aesthetic, was launched in a 10-minute open edition sale on Nifty Gateway, ultimately selling 7,394 pieces and further solidifying XCOPY’s standing within the crypto-art community ​⁴.

While the intricacies surrounding the RΞMNANTS minting remain shrouded in mystery, the move reflects a broader narrative within the NFT space, hinting at an intriguing blend of exclusivity, community engagement, and a continual exploration of digital art’s boundaries.

As we delve deeper into the cryptic enigma that is XCOPY, each minting unravels a layer of the digital art paradigm, propelling the NFT community into uncharted realms of artistic exploration.

TL;DR: XCOPY, a pioneer in the NFT space, recently minted a unique collection called RΞMNANTS, comprising 250 identical pieces, presumably for SuperRare Genesis Pass holders. This move deviates from the usual variety seen in Genesis Pass drops, stirring intrigue and anticipation within the NFT community regarding what’s next from the enigmatic artist.

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In the dynamic world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), recent decisions by prominent platforms Blur and OpenSea to remove royalties have sparked a contentious debate. While these changes have brought cheers from traders, they’ve also raised concerns about the long-term health of the NFT ecosystem. The crux of the argument is this: the removal of royalties, while seemingly an opportunity for traders, has inadvertently set the NFT ecosystem back by removing an essential source of liquidity for projects.

The Trader’s Windfall

From the trader’s perspective, the decision to eliminate royalties was a windfall. The removal of the customary 5% fee, among others, meant that they could flip JPEGs for a profit more easily, thereby increasing the appeal of the NFT market. However, this short-term gain for traders may lead to long-term losses for the NFT market as a whole.

The Royalty Lifeline and Its Impact

Royalties have played a pivotal role in supporting and fostering the development of NFT projects. These fees provided a steady stream of income that helped to fund continued innovation and maintain liquidity within these projects. With their removal, many projects that had their business models built around these royalties now face an uncertain future.

 Case Study: The Elementals Drop

A prime example of these challenges is the recent Elementals drop by Azuki. Many collectors expressed shock at the high mint price of 2 ETH in the dutch auction, a cost that was exacerbated by the absence of royalties. This event underscored the paradoxical behavior of collectors, who had celebrated the removal of fees but were unprepared for the subsequent increase in mint prices.

Azuki may have just fumbled their bag.

My uncensored thoughts on the Elementals mint.

(1/19) pic.twitter.com/IFZcVDdyAf

— Kermit (@crypto__kermit) June 26, 2023

The Ripples in the Artistic Realm

The effects of this change extend beyond project developers and traders, reaching into the realm of the artists themselves. While not as directly affected as project creators, artists still face the repercussions of a culture shift within the NFT community. The removal of royalties challenges the ethos of the NFT world, which has always prided itself on directly supporting creators.

The Road Ahead: Potential Outcomes and Solutions

Looking ahead, we can anticipate several potential outcomes. For one, projects may start to reserve a percentage of NFTs in their treasury. As the price of these tokens increases, the projects can then sell their reserved NFTs for profit, creating a new source of income to replace the lost royalties. However, this strategy is not without its own risks and challenges, and it remains to be seen how it will play out in the long run.

• Development of New Pricing Structures The removal of royalties could lead to the evolution of new pricing structures within the NFT market. For instance, artists and creators could start pricing their work higher to compensate for the lack of a recurring income stream. However, this could also result in a higher barrier to entry for new collectors and possibly reduce the overall trading activity.
• Implementation of Tiered Royalty Structures A possible solution could be the introduction of tiered royalty structures, where the royalty percentage varies based on the selling price of the NFT. This could ensure that creators continue to receive royalties, while not placing an excessive burden on traders dealing with lower value NFTs.
• Emergence of New Revenue Models In the absence of royalties, we might see the development of new revenue models for NFT creators. For instance, creators might start offering additional services or products related to their NFTs, such as physical goods, exclusive access to events or content, or even participation in the creative process itself.
• Platform-Specific Royalties Another solution could be for NFT platforms to introduce their own royalty systems, where a percentage of every sale on the platform is distributed among creators. This would need to be balanced carefully to ensure it doesn’t discourage trading activity, but it could offer a way to sustain creators in the absence of direct royalty payments.
• Increased Importance of Initial Sales Without royalties, the initial sale of an NFT becomes even more critical for creators. This could lead to more emphasis on launch events and marketing to maximize the revenue from the initial sale.
• Voluntary Tipping Mechanisms Platforms could introduce voluntary tipping mechanisms, where buyers have the option to give additional funds to the creator of an NFT. This could help foster a culture of direct support for artists and creators, while allowing traders to keep their margins intact.
• Increased Reliance on Third-Party Patronage Artists and creators might become more reliant on third-party patronage or sponsorships, potentially altering the dynamics of the NFT space and leading to a greater commercialization of the sector.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial for the community, platform providers, and regulators to work together to address these issues. The health and vibrancy of the NFT ecosystem depend on finding a balance that caters to the interests of all stakeholders, from traders and collectors to artists and project creators. In conclusion, the decision by Blur and OpenSea to remove royalties, while initially hailed as a boon by traders, has had a more complex and far-reaching impact on the NFT ecosystem. It serves as a stark reminder that in the rapidly evolving world of NFTs, short-term gains can sometimes come with long-term costs. As we move forward, the challenge will be to learn from these experiences and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable NFT market.

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In a groundbreaking move that merges the digital and physical art realms, curated NFT marketplace SuperRare is set to host a two-month exhibition at the prestigious 0x.17 gallery in New York City. This unique pop-up event seeks to emphasize the significance of bringing non-fungible token (NFT) artwork into immersive, tangible spaces. With an exciting program featuring over 20 talented SuperRare artists, the gallery aims to foster dialogue, interaction, and a renewed sense of human connection within the NFT art community. The exhibition begins on June 1 and kicks off with a captivating solo show by AI artist Claire Silver, titled “Artifacts.”

Collection: https://t.co/WKEAEoYmOs

Virtual Gallery: https://t.co/0xutqe4RCu

— Claire Silver (@ClaireSilver12) May 16, 2023

Rediscovering the Physicality of Art

SuperRare’s initiative to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds marks a milestone in the evolving landscape of NFT art. Founder John Crain believes that integrating NFT art into shared physical spaces helps humanize the artistic experience, recognizing that true art is rooted in human connection and storytelling. While digital art and NFTs have revolutionized the art world, the essence of artistry and the power of interpersonal engagement cannot be replicated in a purely digital environment.

A Transformational Exhibition

Building upon their successful pop-up gallery in New York’s SoHo neighborhood in 2022, SuperRare’s latest exhibition represents an evolution towards more immersive and interactive art experiences. The upcoming showcase at the 0x.17 gallery seeks to create an environment that encourages conversation, fosters interaction, and cultivates a comfortable space for art enthusiasts to engage with the works on display. This departure from the traditional, minimalist gallery concept aims to inject warmth and vibrancy into the viewing experience, making it more conducive to profound discussions.

This is going to be a jampacked offering featuring the following

• The SuperRare NFT marketplace is launching its Gallery in New York City, offering an immersive environment for digital artists, collectors, and enthusiasts.
• The gallery will run for three months and feature curated exhibitions by the SuperRare team and guest curators.
• The goal of the SuperRare Gallery is to shed light on digital art as a growing medium and create an accessible and welcoming space for art appreciation.
• The gallery aims to foster in-person connections and conversations around digital art, introducing a new audience to the medium.
• SuperRare sees the gallery as a realization of a long-time dream, providing a physical space to showcase and honor digital art masterpieces.
• The debut exhibition, titled “Visions from Remembered Futures,” focuses on sci-fi and cyberpunk landscapes, celebrating the digital art renaissance.
• The exhibition features works by 15 SuperRare artists, highlighting the freedom of artistic expression in the digital realm.
• Future exhibitions include a special showcase for Pride Month and a curated exhibition featuring Black digital artists.
• The SuperRare Gallery represents a bridge between the virtual and physical worlds, reflecting the past year of NFTs while embracing the future of art within Web3.

Exploring the Future of AI Art

At the forefront of SuperRare’s exhibition is AI artist Claire Silver, whose solo exhibition, “Artifacts,” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of our future relationship with artificial intelligence. Through seven distinct mediums, including video, generative art, still imagery, poetry, music, 3D art, and an avatar with an AI voice, Silver’s artworks delve into various philosophical questions surrounding AI’s role in our lives. The exhibition showcases the emergence of AI art as an independent movement within the crypto art space, with its own pioneering artists and a profound impact on our digital existence.

The artists on display during the debut exhibition include

• Alex Ness
• Blake Kathryn
• Botto
• Dangiuz
• David Bianchi
• Federico Clapis
• Fernando Magalhaes
• Idil Dursun
• Alpha Centauri Kid
• Krista Kim
• Mari. K
• Maskarade
• Reuben Wu
• Vintage Mozart
• Xsullo
• Zomax

Embracing Physicality in the Digital World:

Claire Silver’s artistic journey has often blended physical and digital mediums, creating a sensory and emotional experience for art enthusiasts. Combining acrylic abstract paintings with AI portraits, Silver has bridged the gap between the tangible and the virtual. Her innovative approach, exemplified by pieces such as “a feeling i can’t put my finger on,” resonates with those who find it challenging to embrace digital art without a physical counterpart. Notably, Silver’s works have been featured in museum exhibitions, gallery showings, and live multimedia experiences, contributing to the growing recognition and acceptance of crypto art in more traditional art spaces.

A Catalyst for Shifting Perspectives: As NFT art continues to infiltrate traditional art spheres, Silver and her fellow NFT artists aspire to reshape dismissive attitudes toward crypto art. By showcasing their creations in prominent galleries and museums, they strive to shift perceptions and demonstrate the artistic value of digital artworks. The fusion of physical and digital art within SuperRare’s latest exhibition serves as a catalyst for changing the narrative surrounding crypto art, solidifying its position as a legitimate and innovative medium for artistic expression.

SuperRare’s groundbreaking pop-up exhibition at the 0x.17 gallery in New York City signifies a significant step in reconciling the realms of physical and digital art. By creating an environment that nurtures conversation

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Bitcoin Frogs Makes a Splash in the NFT Market, Surpassing $2.2 Million in 24-Hour Trading Volume

In the ever-evolving world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), a newcomer has swiftly emerged and captured the attention of both seasoned collectors and novices alike. Bitcoin Frogs, a recently launched collection of 10,000 unique frog-themed NFTs, made its debut on the Bitcoin Ordinals platform in late February. Since then, it has generated a remarkable trading volume of over $2.2 million within a mere 24 hours, signaling its rapid rise to prominence in the NFT market.

“One fine day I woke up and wanted to put 10,000 frogs on the Bitcoin blockchain at all costs.” — Frogtoshi Nakamoto

The Growing Trend

Bitcoin Frogs‘ meteoric ascent sheds light on the increasing demand for NFTs minted on the Bitcoin blockchain. Although Ethereum still dominates the NFT landscape, Bitcoin’s influence is on the rise. In the past seven days alone, Bitcoin Frogs has surpassed Solana by over $30 million in trading volume, demonstrating its potential to disrupt the status quo.

Impressive Statistics

The numbers behind Bitcoin Frogs are truly staggering. Over the past week, the collection has achieved a trading volume of 139 BTC ($3,782,300), with each NFT having a current floor price of 0.115 BTC ($3,129). These figures underscore the immense value placed on these “cryptographic amphibians” and their growing popularity in the digital art market.

Surpassing Established NFTs

Bitcoin Frogs has quickly garnered attention by outperforming established NFT collections, including the renowned Bored Apes. While currently occupying the second spot, having been overtaken by Space Pepes, Bitcoin Frogs’ potential for continued success is undeniable. The collection’s 10,000 frog-inspired digital collectibles have already amassed a total sales volume of $7,530,033.19 (278.2482 BTC) in May alone.

The Market Dynamics

Although the average sale price for a Bitcoin Frogs NFT hovers around $3,000 (0.12 BTC), recent transactions reveal a significant market potential. Just within the last 24 hours, the highest sale reached an astonishing $38,500. Despite these seemingly high prices, the ongoing trading volume suggests that Bitcoin Frogs retain their allure. With 2,815 individual owners since their debut, market participants, ranging from newcomers to experienced traders, are willing to pay transaction fees ranging from $50 to a staggering $1,200 to be part of this exciting trend.

Powered by deezy.io: Bitcoin Frogs owes its success to the powerful infrastructure provided by deezy.io. As advocates for the potential of Bitcoin, the platform serves businesses, node runners, creators, and collectors alike. With lightning-powered apps and products, deezy.io facilitates seamless integration between on-chain and lightning networks, offering increased payment reliability through their well-connected nodes.

Bitcoin Frog #6821 sold for 0.1 BTC ($2686.32) on Magic Eden https://t.co/szXUYJm6NB pic.twitter.com/jgzIfkEVBP

— Bitcoin Frogs Sales Bot (@BTCFrogsBot) May 22, 2023

In addition to the Bitcoin Frogs collection, Software for the Bitcoin Future supports artists in launching their own NFTs on the Bitcoin network. Through inscription services, creators can design, inscribe, launch, and sell their own unique collections. The platform’s dedication to empowering artists and collectors contributes to the vibrant ecosystem surrounding Bitcoin NFTs.

Bitcoin Frogs’ rapid ascent in the NFT market highlights the growing influence of Bitcoin-based NFTs. With its impressive trading volume, surpassing $2.2 million in just 24 hours, this collection has proven its ability to captivate the market. As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, Bitcoin Frogs and other innovative projects demonstrate the expanding opportunities for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts in the world of blockchain-based art.

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Bitcoin Ordinals have recently taken the crypto industry by storm, with registrations surging to an all-time high of 3.4 million last week. This explosion of interest in the protocol is exciting news for the NFT market and suggests that the crypto industry is becoming more interested in NFTs and their applications beyond Ethereum.

Ordinals Protocol allows users to embed data into the Bitcoin blockchain by inscribing references to digital art into small Bitcoin-based transactions. Despite the skyrocketing fees, the surge in daily enrollments began on April 21st and peaked on May 1st, with over 372,000 enrollments in just 24 hours. This surge in registrations contributed to an all-time high in daily BTC transactions on May 1st, reaching 682,281.

Although most registrations for the protocol are text-based, followed by applications and JPEG images, the surge in enrollments is significant for the industry. Bitcoin Ordinals NFT is compliant with the BRC-20 standard – Bitcoin Request for Comment number 20 – which was introduced last March, enabling new tokens to be minted on the BTC network.

I can't believe my eyes

BRC-20 demand leading to a 700% increase in fees AFTER what we've seen with Ordinal Inscriptions

12,800% increase in fees from BEFORE Ordinal Inscriptions launched

300,000 unconfirmed transactions in the mempool pic.twitter.com/oyLceu6ODe

— trevor.btc @ NYC (@TO) May 2, 2023

What’s also interesting is that BTC maximalists used to be very opposed to ordinals, but appear to be coming around. The surge in registrations may be evidence that Bitcoin Ordinals NFT is becoming more accepted among BTC maximalists as they realize the potential for NFTs on the Bitcoin blockchain.

The explosion in numbers and daily enrollments is exciting news for the crypto industry and suggests that there is a growing demand for NFTs on the Bitcoin blockchain. With the surge in interest in Bitcoin Ordinals NFT, we can expect to see more innovation and growth in the NFT market.

Bitcoin Ordinals NFTs are not only contributing to the growth of the NFT market but also to the overall Bitcoin network by incentivizing miners, prioritizing valuable transactions, and enhancing network security. While the high fees may put a higher price tag on transactions on the network, proponents of Ordinals believe that the benefits outweigh the costs and that it opens up new use cases for Bitcoin, bringing in liquidity, new users, and developers, ultimately making Bitcoin more valuable through better user experience and more use cases.

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Exciting news for art lovers and NFT enthusiasts! The Western Art Dept, founded by artists Jeremey Booth and Niko Kampouris, has just announced its first-ever NFT auction. The auction will feature unique 1/1 works from multiple artists and will take place on the Foundation platform starting May 9th.

Robert Hagan is a highly respected artist with a long and impressive career. He was born in the UK in 1947 and has been painting professionally since the 1970s. Hagan is known for his vibrant and expressive style, which blends realism and impressionism. He has worked as a commercial illustrator, a gallery artist, and a teacher, and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

Hagan has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in 1986. His work has been featured in several books and magazines, and he has published several instructional books on painting techniques.

Hagan’s art often depicts outdoor scenes, such as landscapes and seascapes, and he has a particular love for painting horses. His works are known for their vivid colors, strong compositions, and lively brushwork. Hagan continues to paint and teach, and his work remains highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

The rodeo is coming to town.

Mark your calendars pic.twitter.com/AeKhAV28N5

— Western Art Dept (@westernartdept) May 3, 2023

The event will kick off with the legendary Robert Hagan, whose work has received worldwide recognition. Following the opening, the auction will expand to include the entire Western Art Dept collection, offering a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives.

For those interested in the technical details, comprehensive guide and drop details for Boots and Boots burns will be revealed soon. This is an exciting opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art and be a part of the growing NFT community.

Stay tuned for more updates from Western Art Dept and get ready to bid on some incredible pieces!

TL;DR summary of the Western Art Dept NFT auction announcement:

• Western Art Dept has announced its first-ever NFT auction featuring 1/1 works from multiple artists.
• The auction will take place on the Foundation platform starting May 9th.
• The event will kick off with legendary artist Robert Hagan, whose work has received worldwide acclaim.
• The auction will expand to include the entire Western Art Dept collection.
• Comprehensive guide and drop details for Boots and Boots burns will be revealed soon

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