Quick take:
- A London-based art gallery is showcasing some of Italy’s top masterpieces as NFTs.
- Unit London is running a physical NFT artwork exhibition from Feb. 16 to March 19.
- The exhibition will feature six masterworks by da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Modigliani artwork.
An art gallery based in Mayfair London is holding a physical NFT exhibition that will showcase some of Italy’s best masterpieces. Unit London will display physical NFTs six masterworks by Leonardo da Vinci, Amedeo Modigliani, and Michelangelo Caravaggio from February 16 to March 19, 2022.
The exhibition is titled Éternalising Art History and features among others, Italian masterpieces including Francesco Hayez’s “The Kiss” and Amedeo Modigliani’s “Head of a Young Lady.”
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are non-interchangeable units of data stored on the blockchain. Although they become popular because of the emergence of digital collections like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club, they are seen as the future of art amid the shift to the digital world.
Therefore, although crypto art is still lagging in terms of adoption, its is still holds the record for the most expensive NFTs ever sold. The Merge created by renowned anonymous artist Pak is currently the most expensive NFT artwork ever sold, generating $91.8 million.
It is followed distance second by the previous record holder, the First 5000 days, which sold for $69.3, while Human One holds third spot with selling at $29.98 million.
Over the last few months, museums and art galleries have started to embrace the concept of digital artwork, and now, it seems some of the most iconic creations could enter the fray.
Commenting on the upcoming exhibition, Joe Kennedy, director of Unit London said his store has been dedicated to innovating and exploring ways that can help to bridge the gap between physical and virtual experiences.
“We are delighted to present Eternalising Art History as a first of its kind – truly breaking new ground,” he said, adding that the exhibition is beneficial to both artists and audiences alike.
“We are entering a brave new world and it’s exciting to find opportunities for blockchain technology to generate audiences, revenue and footfall for the museums that care for these masterpieces – which is why 50 per cent of net sales go directly to the institution in support of the conservation of these cultural icons.”
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