Bonhams announced the world’s first curated collaboration between a digital art platform and an auction house, “CryptOGs: The Pioneers of NFT Art,” with SuperRare, offering an exclusive sale of NFTs. The sale is online now through June 30 on Bonhams’ website, in which payment in Ethereum is accepted. The works will be screened during Contemporary Art Week to conclude the sale on the last day.
“This will be the first-ever auction exploring the originators of the crypto art movement – those who were minting NFTs before they were in the global spotlight. These artists have had a lasting impact on the landscape of digital art and will go down in art history as pioneers in the field,” said Nima Sagharchi, Bonhams Head of Digital Art.
Video still, Coldie, “Proof Of Work – Genesis,” 2018, courtesy of the artist.
One of the leading lots in the sale, titled Proof Of Work – Genesis, is a revival of one of the artist Coldie’s very first tokens. Inspired by parallels between the 19th Century Gold Rush in the artist’s native California and the current zeal for crypto mining, the piece has an estimate of $70,000-100,000. “This auction is a celebration of the pioneers who helped pave the path for artists who would come after, and for each of us who let our freak flag fly,” said Coldie.
Another star lot, The Death of Cash (Sorry Anon) by London-based XCOPY, is a playful take on the predicted decline of fiat currency, a prevalent theme in the artist’s practice. XCOPY is the record holder for the SuperRare sales, having sold his work Death Dip for 1000 ETH (now circa $2.5 million).
Alotta Money, “Pauline at the Mall,” courtesy of the artist.
Pauline at the Mall by Alotta Money is also featured. The digital artist is known for visual desecration of old masters and classical artworks. The work has an estimate of $40,000-60,000.
Other participating artists include Matt Kane, Osinachi, Sarah Zucker, Mattia Cuttini, Miss Al Simpson, and Janne Limited.
