Wall artwork as NFTs? Chennai now has public artwork that’s up on the market digitally

The 12 months is, let’s say, 2675. The sacred Chennai custom of FDFS (First Day Present) has received an improve. Life-size holograms exchange cardboard cutouts, whereas an excited viewers cheers in entrance of a giant, maybe, touchable display screen. At Chennai Central Railway Station, auto rickshaws are actually air cabs, as they whir previous coolies (whose companies may be booked on-line) and the occasional drone. At Marina seaside, distributors dole out recent, 3D printed bajjis in opposition to the backdrop of the long-lasting lighthouse: surreal with a contact of the absurd. 

Wall artwork on Durgabai Deshmukh Highway, Adyar
| Photograph Credit score: KARUNAKARAN M

However what could appear surreal for us, is futuristic for the staff that conceptualised the artwork that now stands vibrant on the partitions of Andhra Mahila Sabha on Durgabai Deshmukh Highway, Adyar. The weekday morning site visitors and the brutal summer season solar (a lethal combo may I add), is not any deterrent for passers-by to cease and take a look at the murals which have sprung up not too long ago within the metropolis. And, in a primary for India, these artworks are additionally being bought as NFTs on Jupiter Meta, a curated market for digital property throughout the sector of arts, making it a digitally-accessible wall that may sport QR codes. 

Wall artwork on Durgabai Deshmukh Highway, Adyar
| Photograph Credit score: KARUNAKARAN M

The partitions reimagine Chennai sooner or later, however by retaining iconic parts and acquainted traditions that remind one of many metropolis it has at all times been. “The query was, how can we convey the previous, current and future right into a single body. In some locations, we went with humour, whereas in others a imaginative and prescient,” says Karthik SS of 108 Collective who helmed the staff of artists behind the partitions. This explains the frames that predict the long run all the identical, but additionally make the viewer marvel how reasonable they really are. 

Whereas the town is accustomed to the various totally different renditions of iconic Chennai landmarks, this time they’re considered by means of a unique lens. The type of artwork additionally speaks for it. “We used the vector approach. There may be not a lot mixing within the colors, however the way in which the murals are laid out creates the size,” Karthik explains. Whereas Karthik did the preliminary ideas and sketches, Mumbai-based Aditya Chavan and his staff did the styling. Apparently, Hermon Arts, a gaggle of signboard artists led by 54-year-old Hermon from North Chennai lent their hand portray abilities to make the murals what they’re. “They’ve an amazing hand. And we at all times take their assist,” provides Karthik. 

Wall artwork on Durgabai Deshmukh Highway, Adyar
| Photograph Credit score: KARUNAKARAN M

Intangible Chennai

Proudly owning wall artwork has by no means been an choice earlier than. Jupiter Meta hopes to alter this by means of this challenge. “The entire 12 panels have already been uploaded as digital artwork. The thought is to additionally give regional artists a world platform to show their expertise. Having mentioned that, once you put this on a blockchain in an NFT market, there could be no duplication. The artwork has worth, and it’s an annuity. That is the way in which to make regional artists seen,” says KV Prakash, director of Jupiter Meta, including that some have already been purchased. And a whole lot of curiosity is seen amongst individuals who dwell outdoors the nation and want to personal a chunk of Chennai. The works are priced between ₹10,000 and ₹48,000. 

Although the initiative kicked off in Chennai, the corporate plans to take it throughout the nation whereas holding the humanities at its core. 

Again on the website, characters that make Chennai what it’s take over; albeit armed with ear pods and sensible watches. Propped atop are gallery lights set on timer (6pm to 6am) that may gentle up the partitions at night time. “This wall artwork is right here to remain for some time,” provides Karthik with a smile.  As for the NFTs, they need to final ceaselessly.