Natively Digital presents a unique and carefully curated collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), developed in collaboration with the pioneering artist Robert Alice. This special event brings together an extraordinary selection of digital artworks, highlighting both the origins and the future of the NFT space.
The auction showcases some of the earliest NFTs ever created, many of which were built on blockchain platforms that predate Ethereum. Alongside these historically significant pieces, the collection also features cutting-edge contemporary works that demonstrate the latest technical innovations in digital art.
Artists from across four continents are represented, ranging from emerging talents to established masters in the crypto art world. This global perspective offers a comprehensive view of the diverse creative approaches and cultural influences shaping the NFT ecosystem.
The Vision Behind Natively Digital
The concept for Natively Digital emerged from a desire to document and celebrate the artistic and technological evolution of NFTs. By presenting both historical and contemporary works side by side, the exhibition provides context for understanding how digital art has developed over time.
Robert Alice, a London-based artist and recognized pioneer in the crypto art space, brings his expertise and vision to the curation of this collection. He is best known for his groundbreaking work "Portraits of a Mind" (2019-present), a global art project that decentralized Bitcoin's codebase across 40 physical fragments. This project has been distributed to 15 cities across four continents, with additional institutional collections to be announced.
Exhibition and Display Technology
The physical presentation of these digital artworks utilizes advanced display technology to ensure optimal viewing. Special exhibition spaces in New York, London, and Hong Kong feature state-of-the-art screens and projection systems that accurately represent the artists' intentions.
These technological partnerships ensure that each NFT is presented with the highest possible fidelity, preserving color accuracy, detail, and visual impact. The display solutions were specifically selected to complement the diverse range of artworks in the collection, from subtle generative pieces to vibrant animated works.
👉 Explore advanced display solutions for digital art
Supporting Organizations and Partnerships
Several organizations have contributed to making Natively Digital possible, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the project. These partnerships reflect the collaborative nature of the NFT ecosystem and its commitment to supporting artistic innovation.
The Sevens Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting emerging artists through its non-profit framework. The organization facilitates connections between curators, institutions, and creators while operating on a pro-bono basis. By taking zero percent profits from sales, they ensure that maximum support reaches the artists themselves.
Mint Foundation focuses specifically on helping international creators from underrepresented communities mint their first digital art NFTs. Since its creation in February 2021, the organization has provided both financial support through gas fee grants and educational resources to help artists navigate the crypto space. Their efforts have particularly benefited BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ creators.
Regen Network contributes an environmental perspective to the project, aligning economic activity with ecological responsibility. Their platform supports regenerative land management practices and facilitates the exchange of ecosystem services, connecting land stewards with global buyers interested in supporting carbon removal initiatives.
The Significance of Historical NFTs
The inclusion of pre-Ethereum NFTs in the collection provides important historical context for understanding the development of digital collectibles. These early works represent the foundational experiments that paved the way for today's thriving NFT market.
Many of these pioneering pieces were created on platforms like Namecoin, Counterparty, and other blockchain protocols that explored digital ownership before Ethereum's ERC-721 standard became dominant. They represent important milestones in the conceptual and technical development of non-fungible tokens.
By preserving and showcasing these historical artifacts, Natively Digital helps ensure that the early history of crypto art is not lost or forgotten. This historical perspective is essential for properly contextualizing current developments in the space.
Contemporary Innovation in Digital Art
The newer works in the collection demonstrate how far NFT technology has evolved in a relatively short time. Contemporary pieces utilize advanced smart contract capabilities, interactive elements, and complex generative algorithms that push the boundaries of what's possible with digital art.
These technical innovations enable new forms of artistic expression and viewer engagement. From programmable artworks that evolve over time to pieces that incorporate real-world data, the contemporary section of the collection showcases the cutting edge of digital creativity.
The diversity of approaches represented—from conceptual works to visually spectacular pieces—demonstrates the maturation of NFT art as a medium with its own distinct aesthetics and concerns.
Global Perspectives in Crypto Art
The international scope of the collection reflects the truly global nature of the NFT movement. Artists from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa contribute diverse cultural perspectives and artistic traditions to the evolving language of digital art.
This geographical diversity challenges the notion that crypto art is dominated by any single region or cultural perspective. Instead, it reveals a rich tapestry of approaches that draw from local traditions while engaging with global digital culture.
The inclusion of both established and emerging artists from around the world provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of digital art creation across different contexts and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Natively Digital different from other NFT auctions?
Natively Digital stands out for its carefully curated approach that combines historical significance with contemporary innovation. The inclusion of pre-Ethereum NFTs alongside cutting-edge works provides unique context for understanding the evolution of digital art. The global perspective and emphasis on artistic quality rather than purely commercial considerations further distinguish this collection.
How are the NFTs displayed in physical galleries?
The physical exhibitions utilize advanced display technology specifically selected to present digital art with maximum fidelity. Specialized screens ensure accurate color reproduction, while projection systems enable large-scale presentation of detailed works. The viewing experience is designed to do justice to both the technical and artistic qualities of each piece.
What types of NFTs are included in the collection?
The collection includes diverse NFT types ranging from static images and animations to generative and interactive works. Historical pieces include some of the earliest experiments with digital ownership on pre-Ethereum blockchains. Contemporary works showcase advanced smart contract functionality and innovative technical approaches.
How does the auction process work?
The auction takes place online over a specific period, during which collectors can place bids on available pieces. The process is designed to be accessible to participants worldwide while ensuring transparency and security through blockchain verification of ownership and provenance.
What support is available for new collectors?
The partnering organizations provide educational resources for those new to NFT collecting. These resources cover technical aspects of ownership and display as well as artistic context for understanding the works. The exhibition itself serves as an introduction to the diversity and potential of digital art collecting.
How does this event support artists?
A portion of proceeds supports the participating organizations that provide grants, mentorship, and resources to emerging artists. The exhibition itself offers visibility and recognition for both established and new creators. The collaborative model ensures that support reaches artists directly through various foundation programs.
The Future of Digital Art Collections
Events like Natively Digital represent an important step in the maturation of the NFT ecosystem. By applying traditional curation standards to digital art while embracing its unique characteristics, such exhibitions help establish critical frameworks for evaluating and contextualizing NFTs as artistic works.
The collaboration between established institutions and innovative technology partners points toward a future where digital and physical art worlds increasingly integrate. This integration promises to make digital art more accessible to traditional collectors while introducing new audiences to the possibilities of NFT ownership.
As the space continues to evolve, curated collections that emphasize artistic quality and historical significance will play an increasingly important role in distinguishing meaningful cultural contributions from purely speculative activity.
👉 Discover more about digital art investment strategies
The Natively Digital auction represents not just a commercial event but a cultural milestone in the recognition of NFTs as a significant artistic medium. By bringing together historical context, global perspectives, and technical innovation, it offers both collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage with the past, present, and future of digital art.