Robert Alice is a pseudonym for a prominent U.K.-based artist who became enamored with the burgeoning realm of NFT art, prompting him to immerse himself in this innovative field. Over the past few years, Alice has created several acclaimed conceptual art installations, including notable projects on the micronation of Sealand and at the Monnaie de Paris, as well as works generated through AI that digested centuries of literary heritage.
Despite the recent resurgence of the cryptocurrency market, the financial landscape for NFTs has faced challenges. Even the esteemed “blue chip” NFT collections continue to grapple with declining valuations. While the discourse surrounding NFTs often emphasizes community building and branding, many serve primarily as speculative investments. However, Alice envisions a more profound significance in NFTs, viewing them as part of a broader crypto-anarchic movement. “People often claim that art lacks intrinsic value, similarly to how they regard Bitcoin as mere fake currency,” he remarked in an interview. Yet, he believes NFTs symbolize genuine value by disrupting the conventional art world and providing a platform for anyone with creativity to express themselves. Despite existing challenges, Alice asserts that NFTs democratize the art scene, allowing individuals to transition into the crypto space.
For the last two years, Alice has been curating a comprehensive survey of NFT art history, exploring everything from pioneering projects like EtherRocks and Bitchcoin to contemporary artists who have risen to prominence recently. Notably, “On NFTs” will be published by TASCHEN, a leading art book publisher, and marks the first extensive examination of NFT art history. Alice himself has a notable distinction, having been the first to sell a work at auction through Christie’s, nearly a year before Beeple’s widely discussed $69 million “Everydays” sale.
Currently, Alice is preparing to return to Christie’s for the first time in four years to unveil a new series titled “SOURCE [ON NFTs],” which has been developed using a generative machine learning model he programmed. CoinDesk engaged with Alice prior to the launch to discuss NFT history, the impact of blockchain on traditional art markets, and his exploration of crypto’s anarchic elements.
Reflecting on a Historic Art Market Incident
One pivotal moment in art market history occurred in 1973, when Robert Rauschenberg allegedly punched collector Robert Scull during a prestigious evening auction for contemporary art, where Scull profited immensely from recently acquired works. While the authenticity of the incident remains somewhat mythical, Alice suggests it symbolizes the ongoing tension between artists and collectors regarding value capture within the art market. He believes that the advent of crypto, NFTs, and their associated liquidity has made the economic dynamics of the art world more transparent than ever, highlighting a long-standing imbalance.
The Artistic Significance of Crypto
Alice reflects on the fact that art was the first major application of cryptocurrency, as it drew a significant number of participants into blockchain transactions. This phenomenon underscores the cultural relevance of art in today’s society, a theme explored in his book “On NFTs,” which serves as the most significant art historical analysis of NFTs to date.
CryptoKitties and the Birth of NFTs
He recalls CryptoKitties, the project that congested the Ethereum network for the first time, illustrating the inherent collectability that underpins NFTs. In the book’s introduction, he discusses a notable 1993 post by Hal Finney that anticipated the concept of NFTs by emphasizing rarity and collectibility well before the technology existed.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Book
Alice expresses his gratitude for collaborating with TASCHEN, a prestigious publisher renowned for its artistic quality. He was deeply impressed by the artistic craftsmanship that went into producing the book, viewing it as a physical embodiment of the digital NFT realm. While he acknowledges that no artist is ever fully satisfied with their work, he feels a sense of accomplishment with this publication.
Exhibiting at France’s National Mint
Alice discusses his exhibition “BABEL” at La Monnaie de Paris, the oldest continually operating institution in Europe, which has embraced contemporary art exhibitions. He notes the historical ties between state institutions and currency, emphasizing how Bitcoin seeks to disrupt a monetary system that has remained largely unchanged for over a millennium. This historical perspective helps contextualize the challenges faced by both Bitcoin and NFTs.
Exploring Micronations and Artistic Identity
Addressing the concept of micronations, Alice highlights Sealand, where he recently staged an exhibition tied to its crypto-anarchist history. He describes the surreal experience of showcasing artwork 14 kilometers out in the North Sea, surrounded only by horizon, reflecting on the unique cultural identity of the U.K. as a seafaring nation with a rich history of eccentricity.
Displaying NFTs in a Traditional Context
As a collector of NFTs, Alice has adopted a unique approach to exhibiting his collection at home, utilizing custom screens to showcase digital art much like traditional artworks. He acknowledges the ongoing tension between physical and digital displays, emphasizing that the true potential of NFTs can be realized in digital-native environments. He envisions a future where augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can provide immersive experiences for viewers.
Shifts in Collector Preferences
Interestingly, Alice has noticed a trend during the bear market, with collectors increasingly seeking physical prints of digital artworks. This shift coincides with the launch of the TASCHEN book, which features stunning illustrations, making the art accessible even to those who do not own the NFTs.
Future of Dutch Auctions in the Art World
Alice is currently in discussions with Christie’s regarding the auction scheduled for this Friday, where he will explore the potential of Dutch auctions as a novel approach to determining value. He recalls his first NFT auction at Christie’s, which significantly bridged the gap between the crypto and traditional art markets. The evolving auction mechanics influenced by cryptocurrencies suggest a reexamination of how value and fairness are perceived.
Reflections on AI and Truth in Art
When asked about the recent Google Gemini incident involving politically biased AI, Alice emphasizes the challenges of maintaining objective truth in a politically charged environment. He critiques the introduction of biases into AI systems, which detracts from the original goal of indexing knowledge and discovering truth.
The Essence of the SOURCE Project
The “SOURCE [On NFTs]” project aims to explore concepts of truth throughout history, particularly within the NFT sphere. Alice explains that the project employed machine learning algorithms trained on significant historical texts, enabling the generation of thought-provoking content that may not necessarily align with his artistic beliefs. It serves as a commentary on the power of language and the complexities of meaning in a world influenced by various factors.
The Future of Decentralized Art Platforms
On the topic of Decentraland, Alice considers it overrated but acknowledges the potential it presents for the future of crypto projects. He holds a more favorable view of Sotheby’s, recognizing their efforts to incorporate high-quality works and artists from traditional backgrounds into the NFT space, which he believes is essential for broadening access to new audiences.
Perceptions of Inscriptions and OpenSea
Discussing inscriptions, Alice regards them as underrated and expresses excitement about future projects in this area. In contrast, he views OpenSea with skepticism, noting the backlash against the platform for changing royalty policies. He argues that the NFT community holds responsibility for failing to ensure that royalty structures were properly embedded in smart contracts.
Personal Views on Crypto Philosophy
When asked about his stance on crypto-anarchism, Alice identifies as a moderate who believes in Bitcoin’s mission while also being pragmatic about its implications. He recognizes the parallels between the valuation of art and Bitcoin, both of which are often dismissed as lacking intrinsic value. Alice expresses his commitment to crypto but also acknowledges the complexities of its exclusive dominance.
Reflections on the Book’s Content
Alice reveals that every book has limitations, as historical narratives are inherently fragile and subject to change. He acknowledges missing out on including certain projects released shortly after the book’s production date, emphasizing that no single publication can encapsulate the entirety of art history. He encourages others to create their own interpretations of art history, underscoring the importance of diverse perspectives in establishing a comprehensive canon.
