Traditional Aesthetics in NFT Art and the Digital Renaissance
We've moved beyond Microsoft Paint
NFTs may be controversial, but there’s no denying that it has a vibrant and thriving art scene. The sheer variety and volume of art, as well as the introduction of AI tools, has led several people to dub this era “the New Renaissance.”
Most people these days know NFTs for “profile pic” collections like Cryptopunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). This isn’t representative of the digital art world as a whole. Let’s discuss the fine art angle instead.
While I haven’t done much in the way of NFTs, either minting or collecting, I do follow a number of NFT artists. Unsurprisingly, they’re mostly artists which fit my vibe. I’d like to take a brief moment to showcase some of their works.
If you’re new around here: I’m fairly traditionalist while willing to embrace new technologies and modes of thought. The works I produce are typically based on the 1700-1900 period: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Victorian, and Impressionism. Plus other movements like Baroque and the Hudson River School.
I like to experiment with different ideas and styles, as shown on my webstore and Instagram.
Let’s get started.
In no particular order:
DeltaSauce
Delta experiments with different styles, including the concept of liminal space, but some of his works are clearly traditionally-inspired with a modern twist. Classic elements like aqueducts and pillars may appear at any moment.
https://twitter.com/delta_sauce
Sadboi
Sadboi’s works are stylistically reminiscent of ancient Greek red-figure and black-figure pottery while using a unique modern illustrative style which reminds me of artists like the Clark brothers (Invisible Creature). It’s dynamic and epic.
Everything is hand-drawn. Here’s a great process video:
Infiniteyay
Not strictly classical-aligned, but there’s certainly a traditional-inspired aesthetic at play. Her art is generally surreal while having the appearance of a detailed oil painting. A stark interplay between light and shadow while being collage-like. Most pieces I’ve seen have the vibe of “a dream about a carnival inside a dollhouse.”
https://twitter.com/infiniteyay
Charles AI
Charles is more overt than many other artists. His art often includes corinthian columns, togas, sweeping landscapes, and other hallmarks of classical Greek and Roman culture. His more surreal pieces tend to have a modern vibe which, to me, would fit alongside artists like Rene Magritte and Edward Hopper.
https://twitter.com/HODLFrance
Claire Silver
Her works, in particular the “AI Art Is Not Art” collection, are unquestionably inspired by traditional styles. Claire has mentioned Klimt, Sargent, Ziqian, De Morgan, Godward, Degas, Thayer, Waterhouse, Monet, and others. Some of what she does can be classified as dark post-impressionist; lots of neat examples though, including pieces which have the spirit of Art Nouveau.
A great story: “When my piece arrived at Sotheby's, I was told it sat for 2 days as they thought it belonged with the impressionist collection, not realizing it was part of the NFT auction. In a bit of synchronicity, it was trained on the aesthetic of several master artists featured in the sale.”
https://twitter.com/ClaireSilver12
Ren AI
Ren is a painter now exploring AI tools. His website says “I merge the old masters' style with modern aesthetics using instinctive brush strokes, layered lights and hidden meanings.”
Maneki Neko AI
A self-described “Anti-minimalist artist,” her intricate works simultaneously evoke Art Nouveau and Hieronymus Bosch. I’m also reminded of old fairytale illustrations and Japanese artists like Yoshitaka Amano.
https://twitter.com/ManekiNekoAIArt
Diggium
Diggium has a wide variety of traditionally-inspired works which use concepts from Rococo, Surrealism, Vaporwave, and more.
Jeremy Booth
Jeremy Booth is another digital artist who doesn’t use AI. He does a lot of Western-themed vector illustrations.
https://twitter.com/jeremybooth
Closing thoughts
This isn’t what many people would expect upon hearing “NFT.”
There are many fantastic artists in the space and I can’t possibly name them all. I encourage everyone to look for themselves.
Although I often deride modern and contemporary art, there are absolutely living artists creating aesthetic works that everyone can appreciate.
I have stylistic preferences without being beholden to them. I’ve created works in nearly every style/genre/medium which exists. Not just visual arts, but in music too. Experimentation is important. What I look at is AESTHETIC above all else; the rest is incidental. If the aesthetic is good then I like it. Simple as.
There are also entertaining works like batzdu’s “Pepedenza” series.
Contemporary art OVERALL is certainly in a sad state of affairs.
There are too many examples to list…
Although it often doesn’t seem like it these days, it IS possible to respect the past and listen to objective standards of beauty. Innovation and progress don’t necessarily correlate with low quality.
Interesting art exists everywhere, in every time period. We simply have to find it and support it. The winds of change are here.
Beauty matters. I don’t make the rules.