Collector’s Vault: Punk6529 Shares 10 Notable Pieces in His Collection
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Punk6529 has cemented his status as one of the NFT world’s leading collectors, investors, and figures. “The 6529 mission is to accelerate the development of an open metaverse,” reads his website cryptically. When asked, punk6529 replied, “Whether you call it a network society, a network state, or an open metaverse, the mission is to transition a critical mass of people to building a global network on decentralized systems.”
Punk6529 is building the direct and indirect supporting infrastructure to support this future. The direct initiatives are: the 6529 NFTs – The Memes, Next Gen, Gradient and, soon, Stream and the 6529 network – an identity, reputation, communication and decision-making protocol. All the direct infrastructure is in the public domain – either as open-sourced licensed code or public domain art. The indirect infrastructure is the 6529 Museum and its permanent NFT collection, and 6529 Capital, an asset management firm focused on the NFT and NFT infrastructure space.
In this edition of Collector’s Vault, our series on the leading collectors shaping the digital art space, nft now is pleased to present insights from punk6529 on ten iconic NFTs from his unique collection of over 2,000 works. A clear curational theme runs through punk6529’s collection – important, classically beautiful works but with an undercurrent of irony and a strong homage to the memetic online and crypto culture that is the native environment for NFTs.
XCOPY – “summer.jpg” (2021)
Technique: Digital Art
Acquisition Date: 8/3/21
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract address: 0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0
Token ID: 26722
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)Provenance: SuperRare Auction
XCOPY is an iconic crypto-artist, well-known for his glitchy, animated, often dark, and always hard-hitting commentary on a digitally intermediated society. “summer.jpg” (or Summer for short) is a unicorn among XCOPY’s work: light, not dark, non-animated, and famously a jpg, as opposed to a gif. Summer demonstrated the range of XCOPY’s memetic mastery, capturing the buoyancy and optimism of 2021’s NFT Summer in a knowing, self-deprecating style.
Like all XCOPY works, “summer.jpg” is CCO (Creative Commons 0) – in other words, in the public domain – and is heavily remixed into art and avatars – a perfect ambassador for the space.
“summer.jpg” was acquired on August 3, 2021, through a SuperRare auction.
Sofia Crespo – “Shared Moments of Observation” (2023)
Technique: Self-trained AI models
Acquisition Date: 3/14/23
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0
Token ID: 43094
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Sotheby’s Auction
Dense with a composition of dozens of birds, Sofia Crespo’s 2023 Lumen Prize-nominated artwork “shared moments of observation” pays homage to 19th and 20th-century natural species catalogs and playfully references an Audubon catalog. One can witness the interesting conflict the AI faced between writing and painting as letters blend to become images of imaginary birds themselves.
With Darwinian enthusiasm, Crespo explores the natural world through her own artificial intelligence lens, casting light on the biases we may pass on to the technologies we create and shedding doubt on the intelligence of our design. Crespo’s work asks the question, “How would AI reimagine our natural histories?” Through their studio Entangled Others, Sofia and her partner Feileacan continue to study the eerie and naturalistic.
“shared moments of observation” was acquired on March 14, 2023, through a Sotheby’s auction.
Tyler Hobbs – “Fidenza #313 (a.k.a. The Tulip)” (2021)
Technique: On-chain generative art
Acquisition Date: 8/23/21
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xa7d8d9ef8D8Ce8992Df33D8b8CF4Aebabd5bD270
Token ID: 78000313
Type: 1 of 1 of 999 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Art Blocks Curated
Tyler Hobbs’ “The Tulip” is one of a handful of globally iconic outputs in on-chain long-form generative art, combining both visual appeal and memetic significance.
“The Tulip” is one of 999 algorithmically generated outputs in the Fidenza collection. Even within the collection’s masterful use of color and form theory, “The Tulip” stands out as a beautiful piece of art.
The main message of “The Tulip,” however, is memetic and political. Cryptoassets have been called a “Tulip mania” since the early days of crypto; The Tulip proudly embraces the label and turns it against crypto’s attackers, showcasing an extraordinary piece of art that could only exist on a public blockchain.
As punk6529 tweeted at the time: “’They are buying tulips’ has been a very powerful meme against us. Today, I am proud to say “Yes, I did, in fact, buy a tulip.” Perhaps the most important and powerful tulip in world history.”
Fidenza #313 was acquired in August 2021.
Dmitri Cherniak – “Ringers #879 (a.k.a. The Goose)” (2021)
Technique: On-chain generative art
Acquisition Date: 06/15/23
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xa7d8d9ef8D8Ce8992Df33D8b8CF4Aebabd5bD270
Token ID: 13000879
Type: 1 of 1 of 1000 (ERC-721)
Dmitri Cherniak’s “Ringers #879 (The Goose)” is probably the single most recognizable output in on-chain generative art. “Ringers” is an algorithm designed to wrap string around a peg, yet the outputs, with their gorgeous Bauhaus palettes, have led to interpretations of identities and symbols. Most notably, “Ringer #879,” against astronomical odds, produced an extremely elegant Goose.
In late summer 2021, 3AC and punk6529 both vied for “The Goose,” with 3AC finally acquiring it for 1,800 ETH (roughly $7 million). However, “The Goose,” returned to market after the 3AC bankruptcy as the crown jewel of Sotheby’s Grails auction. In June 2023, the 6529 team secured “The Goose,” creating a satisfying narrative arc.
“The Goose” simultaneously is a highly technical statistical story about the open-ended nature of long-form generative art, and a totem of collective memory, enthusiasm and entertainment.
Chi Modu – Tupac Shakur Smoking Portrait (Minted 2021)
Technique: Photograph
Acquisition Date: 04/02/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xd07dc4262BCDbf85190C01c996b4C06a461d2430
Token ID: 147307
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Minted by the artist on Rarible
Chi Modu’s “Tupac Shakur Smoking Portrait” captures a deeply authentic photographic moment. Known for his unvarnished portrayal of hip-hop royalty, Modu’s photos transcend their medium to become an intimate emotional archive. A 2017 Hypebeast article noted, “They [Modu’s images] helped set the visual template for dozens of hip-hop stars,” with the portrait of Tupac Shakur being a prime example.
“Tupac Shakur Smoking Portrait” was minted in March 2021 and was acquired on April 2, 2022. Tragically, Chi Modu passed away just three months after minting this portrait.
Emily Xie – “Memories of Qilin #191” (2022)
Technique: On-chain generative art
Acquisition Date: 11/5/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xa7d8d9ef8D8Ce8992Df33D8b8CF4Aebabd5bD270
Token ID: 282000191
Type: 1 of 1 of 1024 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Art Blocks Curated
Emily Xie’s “Memories of Qilin” was one of the most anticipated collections by any Art Blocks artist. After the collection minted, #191 stood out as one of the most intricate and memorable outputs. Both striking and autobiographical, #191 leaves the viewer questioning whether they are looking at an ancient East Asian relic or a cutting-edge digital creation.
Dressed in the royal vibrancy of Xie’s Vermillion Bird palette, #191 explores identity and cultural heritage through a modern twist on long-form generative art. Xie describes her collection as channeling the movement and fluidity of classical Chinese brushwork, while drawing from the colors, patterns, and forms of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.
“Memories of Qilin #191” was acquired on November 5, 2022.
Three Chains: The Nakamoto Triptych
“Mike” – Rare Pepe: Nakamoto Card (2016)
Technique: Digital art
Acquisition Date: 1/1/23
Blockchain: Counterparty
Contract Address: 0x82C7a8f707110f5FBb16184A5933E9F78a34c6ab
Token ID: 4890741
Type: 1/300 (XCP Token)
Provenance: Minted on Counterparty in 2016, collected via OpenSea
6529er – NakamotoFreedom (2022)
Technique: Digital art
Acquisition Date: 6/29/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0x33FD426905F149f8376e227d0C9D3340AaD17aF1
Token ID: 4
Type: 1/300 (ERC-1155)
Provenance: Airdropped via The Memes by 6529 contract
Shroomtoshi – Ordinals Bitcoin Shroom #27 (2023)
Technique: Digital art
Acquisition Date: 26/2/24
Blockchain: Bitcoin
Inscription Number: 676
Type: 1 of 1 (Ordinal)
Provenance: Collected from the artist
The face of a man who categorically says he is not Satoshi Nakamoto is iconic, gracing Rare Pepes, 6529 Memecards, and the Naka Bitcoin Shroom. In absence of an actual Satoshi Nakamoto, the meme Satoshi Nakamoto represents the crypto ethos of decentralization and permissionlessness. punk6529 sees the crypto ethos as a human right – the freedom to transact – a topic elaborated on, in perhaps his most celebrated Twitter thread.
The Nakamoto Triptych stretches across three chains: Counterparty, a Bitcoin-anchored chain, Ethereum, and Bitcoin with an Ordinals inscription.
The “Rare Pepe #1 (The Nakamoto Card),” with its memetic artistry, offers a playful, yet poignant, nod to Satoshi Nakamoto. It is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Rare Pepes. “6529 Meme Card #4 – NakamotoFreedom” by 6529er draws attention to the philosophical implications of Nakamoto’s vision, through its bold statement and satirically imposing silhouette, while merging the ideals of early Bitcoin libertarianism with the celebrated 6529 “Freedom to Transact” meme.
The “Naka Shroom” Bitcoin Shroom #27 was a very early Ordinals inscription (#676) again referencing Nakamoto. Together, these artworks create a dialogue that spans multiple blockchains and their communities, sharing an important message about freedom, and playfully using memes for good.
IX Shells – “Beyond Recognition” (2022)
Technique: Generative Art
Acquisition Date: 6/21/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0x13Ed90DaDeb4d9AFeC1005CB1E18b3286B2E40D7
Token ID: 1
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Sotheby’s Auction
Known for works like “Dreaming at Dusk” (the highest-selling work by any female NFT artist to date) and “Beyond Recognition,” IX Shells has established a unique artistic identity. Similar to Velázquez, her autobiographical code reveals the artist through her tools, with her cypherpunk abilities and Afro-Caribbean futurism.
“Beyond Recognition” is enigmatic. Its repetition of rectangular forms and gradual tone shifts create depth and dimensionality. The blend of Blade Runner aesthetics and Afro-Caribbean futurism makes her work both otherworldly and personal. Its graphite-like facade marries algorithmic structure with human touch, creating unexpected space and leaving the viewer in the gray area between the tangible and intangible.
“Beyond Recognition” was acquired via Sotheby’s in 2022.
Manolo Gamboa Naon – The Generative Reds
Manolo Gamboa Naon – “Arbolito 2” (2021)
Technique: Generative Art
Acquisition Date: 8/30/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0
Token ID: 28029
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: SuperRare
Manolo Gamboa Naon – “Mantel Rojo” (2020)
Technique: Generative Art
Acquisition Date: 04/06/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0xb932a70A57673d89f4acfFBE830E8ed7f75Fb9e0
Token ID: 12248
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: SuperRare
The Generative Reds of Manolo. Ask any generative artist about their favorite generative artists, and Manolo Gamboa Naon is likely to be mentioned. Known for his vibrant color and composition, Manolo’s works stand out in the generative art community. Despite his personal monk-like detachment from the space, his art is anything but.
Beyond his own work, Manolo has profoundly influenced the world of generative art. His practice draws on the visual language of abstraction, crafting pieces rich in complexity and execution.
“Arbolito 2” is a representation of a crimson forest, a generative artwork that fills any room with zen. Its fiery reds and organic texture pulsate with life, echoing nature’s fractal patterns. This digital forest, forever aflame yet frozen, captures autumn’s beauty in perpetuity. “Mantel Rojo,” on the other hand, offers a symphony of color and composition, stimulating the viewer with its vibrancy.
Manolo commands a rare ability to create algorithms with outputs that feel both carefully planned and serendipitously discovered.
“Arbolito 2” and “Mantel Rojo” were both acquired in 2022.
Refik Anadol – “Living Architecture: Casa Batlló” (2022)
Technique: Self-trained AI
Acquisition Date: 05/10/22
Blockchain: Ethereum
Contract Address: 0x7948F7fF1158B338a898e80ce8b1c3C964a80cec
Token ID: 297
Type: 1 of 1 (ERC-721)
Provenance: Christie’s May 2022 Evening Sale
Refik Anadol’s “Living Architecture: Casa Batlló” is a groundbreaking masterpiece that combines the organic beauty of Gaudí’s Casa Batlló with the limitless potential of digital technology. By integrating real-time sensor data into evolving fractal designs, Refik Anadol pays homage to Gaudí’s vision while propelling it into the future, creating a dynamic experience that transcends traditional architecture. The inclusion of custom scents and audio transformed this art into a multi-sensory journey on a 7-story canvas for 65,000 Catalans, echoing Gaudí’s philosophy of unity between nature and design.
“Living Architecture: Casa Batlló” is an excellent example of public art in the digital age, challenging us to rethink the boundaries between physical and digital. The journey for Casa Batlló did not complete with the public presentation; in fact, it is just the beginning of a long-term plan to integrate the physical and digital.
“Living Architecture: Casa Batlló” was acquired in May 2022 at the Christie’s Evening Sale.
