Big Bang: NFTs & The Art World

Following the sale of digital artist Beeple’s NFT artwork for $69 million at Christie’s last month, our stellar panel came together to discuss a seemingly seismic shift in the art industry.

As Beeple becomes the 3rd most expensive living artist, the impact is reverberating throughout the art world. Major artists such as John Gerrard, Urs Fischer and Damien Hirst are now releasing NFTs, while artists from the digital sphere like Pak and Mad Dog Jones take centre stage.

Our panellists discuss everything from the environmental impact to the future of art sales, considering whether NFTs can be considered a new medium, akin to painting or sculpture. They answer audience questions, share favourite works and Noah Davis shares exciting news about Christie’s upcoming Evening Sale.

With thanks to:

• Noah Davis – Associate Vice President, Post-War and Contemporary, Christie’s, and a specialist in NFT.

• John Gerrard – A pioneer of simulation within contemporary art, Gerrard’s annual softwares are in the collections of MoMA, Tate, SFMoMA, LACMA, Pinault Collection, Ullens Foundation, M+, Pinakothek der Moderne, and TBA21, among others. Gerrard recently released his first NFT on the Foundation platform.

• Georgina Adam – Art journalist for the Financial Times and The Art Newspaper, and author, whose new book ‘The Rise and Rise of the Private Art Museum’ will be out September 2021. Moderated by Pernilla Holmes, Director of Wedel Art and co-curator of The Arts Club collection and exhibition programme.