Credit: Foto World
Exclusive: John Knopf Wants to Democratize Photography Through FOTO World
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FOTO, a pioneering entity in the Web3 Photography sphere by photographer John Knopf, has unveiled FOTO World, an innovative platform developed in partnership with TIMEPieces, Directory.art, and Foundation.app. Scheduled to launch on Jan. 1, 2024, FOTO World is set to offer photographers a unique space for curating each other’s work, creating collections driven by peer selection.
Knopf aims to make photography more accessible by providing recognition and validation to photographers, regardless of popularity and experience.
“The advent of mobile phones allowed everyone to be a photographer, and online networks gave everyone a platform. Now, blockchain technology ensures creators receive due recognition for their work,” said Knopf.
FOTO World enables creators to submit their works for consideration, with selections determined through anonymous voting by a distinguished Curation Board, featuring figures like Mike Yamashita, Ben Skaar, Julie Pacino, Lindsey Byrnes, Tara Workman, and Ruff Draft.
We interviewed Knopf for an inside look into the vision behind FOTO and the submission details you need to know.
nft now: What was the reason for creating FOTO?
John Knopf: Our vision for FOTO World is deeply rooted in the ethos of blockchain technology, particularly its emphasis on provenance in art. We believe that a curation board composed of photographers curating other photographers is not just innovative but essential for the advancement and integrity of the digital art space. FOTO World aims to create a broader, more inclusive platform for photographers to showcase their work and gain recognition in the digital art era.
“FOTO World aims to create a broader, more inclusive platform for photographers to showcase their work and gain recognition in the digital art era.”
John Knopf
What were your criteria for choosing the curation board?
The curation board for FOTO World was selected based on a combination of their artistic expertise, diversity in photographic styles, deep understanding of the digital art space, and years of active involvement in this field. Collectively, they bring a profound amount of knowledge and experience, invaluable to the digital art space. Each member has demonstrated a passion for storytelling through photography, complemented by their significant experience within the digital art community. This combination ensures a richly diverse and well-informed curation, as each curator is committed to uncovering and elevating artistic talents from all walks of life.
How did you come up with the name FOTO World?
The name “FOTO World” builds upon the legacy of the original FOTO Vault established in 2021. This vault was a pioneering endeavor in the digital art space, featuring works from renowned photographers like Cath Simard, Ben Strauss, Drift, Ravi Vora, Alejandro Cartagena, JN Silva, Dave Krugman, and myself. Having successfully hosted the first physical NFT photo gallery at Art Basel among other significant events, FOTO has already cemented its place in the digital art space. The evolution into FOTO World represents a natural progression – expanding from a singular vault to a comprehensive world of curated photography.
Do you have to be an established photographer to submit?
Being an established photographer is not a prerequisite for submission. FOTO World is committed to democratizing the world of photography. We welcome submissions from all levels of photographers – from amateurs to seasoned professionals. Our focus is on the quality of storytelling and the emotional impact of the work, rather than the artist’s existing reputation.
How many submissions will you choose to be displayed/showcased?? Will it be minted through Foundation or do people entering have to mint themselves first?
For our initial launch on January 1 2024, we are excited to curate a special collection of 50 photographers. The submission window opens on December 1, 2023, at 12 PM PST and runs through to the first 75 submissions. To manage the volume and maintain our focus on quality curation, we are limiting monthly submissions to 75. This approach is crucial to ensure our small, dedicated curation team can thoughtfully review each piece. After our first month, we plan to onboard 10-20 photographers monthly. Submissions will be open for two days each month, and we encourage artists to check our website and social media for specific dates and updates.
“We’ve implemented a democratic and anonymous voting system for our curators. Our model is designed to champion fairness and to spotlight diverse photographic stories that might otherwise not receive the attention they deserve.”
John Knopf
How will this project redefine photo curation? What is it doing that other people haven’t done before?
Foto World is curated by photographers for photographers and we do not charge any curation or submission fees. Think of us as a gallery, except we are online. FOTO World is utilizing blockchain tech to revolutionize the approach to photo curation by creating a dedicated space within Foundation, our partner’s marketplace. With the support of our partner, Directory.art, we’ve implemented a democratic and anonymous voting system for our curators. This ensures that every selection is unbiased and based solely on the artistic value of the submissions. Our model is designed to champion fairness and to spotlight diverse photographic stories that might otherwise not receive the attention they deserve.
Will these works be displayed physically or digitally? Or both?
Initially, the works will be showcased digitally on the FOTO World platform. Historically, FOTO has showcased art in multiple galleries during blockchain events. We are continuously exploring opportunities for physical exhibitions to complement our digital presence. Our vision is to bridge the gap between the traditional and digital art worlds, offering photographers a comprehensive platform for their work to be appreciated in both physical and digital realms.
Submissions for FOTO World open on December 15, 2023, at noon PST at www.foto world.com.