Digital Art Fair Asia 2021
In the Urban Digital series for Digital Art Fair Asia, each physical artwork is linked to its NFT.
This very special, first-of-its-kind art fair brought together the physical and digital artworks of experienced artists as they step into this new online art space and minting NFTs. It was a new type of fair that bridges the link between the digital and physical practice of artists.
The physical and digital artworks are naturally compatible, with the physical artwork informing the creative process of the digital. It brings attention to how we view and value art, and for what purpose we choose to consume it. We are called to consider why we value art, and which form is more compelling for personal collection experience.
NFT & spray paint, markers, and stencil with lacquer finish - 2021 - 106cmx76cm
Szabotage created these unique digital and physical pieces to connect his studio practice to his digital metaverse creations.
Bitcoin Bandit was produced when it reached a height of $40,000 USD for a single Bitcoin. Investment in the space felt like a slot machine that had just hit the jackpot. The animated NFT reflects the huge payouts and excitement.
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NFT & spray paint, markers, and stencil with lacquer finish, diamond dust - 2021 - 106cmx76cm
The Future is Bright was created in the iconic Szabotage painting style using stencil language in the background and the portrait of a beautiful woman wearing shades that represent the future.
The physical version uses diamond dust for the shades, and the digital version plays with the way Szabotage creates his artwork with stencils and layering techniques.
This piece is the first NFT in the to be created in the True Reflections Collection style.
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The Bitcoin Series
Ride The Bitcoin
NFT & Spray paint markers and stencil with lacquer finish - 2021 - 106cmx76cm
There are going to be highs and lows in the market, and the experience can feel like a playful dance. In the digital version, the bitcoin is twerking, going up and down, having fun and feeling a bit wild.
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Hold on to Your Bit
NFT & Spray paint markers and stencil with lacquer finish - 2021 - 106cmx76cm
Touching on the crypto investment perspective of "holding" the bitcoin despite value fluctuations. A common belief by many early "holders" (owners).
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Back Up You BIt
NFT & Spray paint markers and stencil with lacquer finish - 2021 - 106cmx76cm
Created at a height of bitcoin value, and pulls on the idea of betting on a horse at the track. When someone really believes in a horse, they put a lot of money behind it.
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NFT & Original artwork on paper, spray paint, stencil, and ink on glass and frame - 2021 - 72cmx54cm
Minted touches on the language that is developing to describe the creation of this digital art form, and the various meanings of the word ‘minted,’ synonymous with creation and value. This physical piece was always created with the intention of being an animation. Some artists have been creating artworks, destroying them, and then minting them into an NFT. Szabotage wanted this piece to do the opposite and show part of the journey; he always wants to play and have fun with the concept of the physical piece. It is an extension of his You've Been Framed signage artwork that continues to become a minted piece of work, and suggests relief that physical artworks can be ‘minted’ to extend their existence into a new realm.
In the animation, you see the first physical artwork Don't Panic, which was then painted over and the layers are revealed along with the story.
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NFT & neon light - 2021
The concept of illuminating Szabotage’s infamous koi tag was born out of a sense of empowerment. The artist took a discouraging experience and evolved it into a celebration of perception, and proudly embraced the koi as his street signature. Szabotage has taken the koi as his emblem, a symbol he has come to identify with himself. “The koi jumping out of water is jumping out of its comfort zone, from water to air. It is enjoyment, it is invigorating. There’s a sense of jubilation in its movement.”
The koi has important symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese culture. The fish has a powerful and energetic life force, demonstrated by its ability to swim against currents and even travel upstream, having strong connotations Szabotage can relate to. Characteristics associated with the koi, such as courage and perseverance are reflected in his art, with its boldness, strong symbolism, and powerful colour palette.
In the physical Mini Can Can collection, Szabotage references his traditional street art practice through the medium of flattened metal spray cans, which first provided aerosol paint and were then deconstructed to create the CANvas!
The imagery here plays on language and the sound of words, a consistent theme throughout Szabotage's work.
The series references all levels of Szabotage’s creative practice – the street, the studio, and the digital space, while alluding to the explosive rise of the digital art world and the NFT as a form of value.
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