CryptoPunks has unveiled an exciting new collection titled “Super Punk World,” curated by Nina Chanel Abney, the project’s inaugural Punk in Residence. This collaboration features 500 digital avatars that merge the signature elements of CryptoPunks with Abney’s unique Super Cool World aesthetic. Using a 3D format, this collection offers a novel take on Abney’s art, allowing collectors to engage with her digital creations like never before.
The collection will be showcased at Abney’s “Lie Doggo” exhibition, which opens at The School at Jack Shainman Gallery in Kinderhook, NY, on May 18 and runs through October 5. Additional details about the collection and the forthcoming auction will be announced soon.
Abney’s interactive digital art installation addresses societal norms around identity through the lens of the original CryptoPunks collection. Her work critiques economic disparities within digital avatars, highlighting how representations of white males often command higher prices than those of females or darker-skinned individuals. By creating hybrid figures that blur racial and gender lines, Abney reexamines the perceived ‘value’ of these digital personas. Visitors are invited to create their own virtual avatars, prompting critical reflection on identity construction in both digital and physical realms.
Abney’s installation delves into themes of surveillance, anonymity, and the performative nature of identity, particularly pertinent in today’s digital age. She explores the tension between visibility and concealment, questioning how societal pressures shape creativity and freedom of expression. This conversation extends to the broader implications of digital interactions mirroring real-world inequalities, challenging participants to consider the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse on identity and value.
Yuga Labs introduced its Punk in Residence program in February, partnering with creators to bring new on-chain works that celebrate and expand the CryptoPunks legacy. As the first artist in this series, Abney has been given a “dev Punk,” specifically Punk #72, described as “easygoing and cool, yet a bit mysterious.” This collaboration began serendipitously when Yuga Labs’ team encountered Abney’s work at an ICA Miami exhibition, recognizing her alignment with the disruptive ethos of web3 and CryptoPunks.
Yuga Labs plans to make this residency a biannual event, featuring two artists each year from various artistic backgrounds. The program aims to provide a platform for artists worldwide, regardless of their web3 experience, offering mentorship and technical support to help bring their visions to the blockchain. Profits from the art sales will be shared equally between the artists and Yuga Labs, ensuring that creators directly benefit from their contributions.