Queens University of Charlotte issued the following announcement on Feb. 8.
"What is an NFT?"
This question has infiltrated conversation more and more as NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have grown in popularity as a non-reproducible type of digital asset. Mike Wirth, associate professor of Art, Design, and Music at Queens University of Charlotte, uses a recent artistic endeavor to shed light on this dinner table topic of conversation.
It all began with an Instagram message that Wirth received from a project manager at VaynerNFT. The agency was seeking prominent artists in the area to collaborate on a team that would produce an NFT for Bojangles. The NFT would pay homage to Bojangles' iconic Chicken Supremes. After joining the team, Wirth recognized many connections from his network of makers in the Charlotte area who were just as eager to get to work on this experimental project as he was.
"The vision for the final product was the 'Chickenverse.' Bojangles was taking a tongue-in-cheek, ribbing approach to NFTs," Wirth recalled. "I think this is because they knew that many people are still trying to discern the value that NFTs have altogether."
As the team of artists came together, they went through an effective design process to create this one-of-a-kind NFT. Throughout many calls, the artistic team presented multiple sketches to Bojangles and landed the creation of seven 1:1 NFTs that were auctioned in December of 2021.
"Collaboration was an integral part of this experience." said Wirth. "We all drew a piece of the Supreme meal. I got to create the biscuit, while other artists focused on the chicken or fries. Creating NFTs is a team sport and we all took to it really well."
Wirth believes this is only the beginning for the future of NFTs. He has already begun sharing his experience with his graphic design students at Queens and is excited for the potential that exists for digital artists to fuel this movement going forward.
"The internet has always offered a home to digital art in terms of getting it in front of peoples' eyes and into their homes. NFT's are going to be the pictures, just like the ones on many of our walls, where you can point to them knowing they are the only pieces of their kind and that the ones you've purchased are unique to you. I think that idea of ownership and tactility will continue to come to fruition in the years to come."
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up