In an era where digital and physical experiences continuously intertwine, artists find themselves navigating a world without clear boundaries between the analog and digital. The integration of technology into artistic practice has become routine, influencing everything from creation to distribution. As contemporary art absorbs digital elements, questions arise about the classification and preservation of artworks that exist within this spectrum. Conversations led by art professionals such as Aleksandra Artamonovskaja, Head of Arts at TriliTech and representative of the Tezos Art Foundation, aim to clarify definitions and propose strategies for nurturing digital artistic communities and safeguarding their creations.
Past discussions about digital art often focused on novelty and skepticism surrounding blockchain and NFTs. Recently, however, there is more emphasis on institutional support, sustainable platforms, and the historical lineage that connects current digital practices to early pioneers like Nam June Paik. Initiatives such as the Paintboxed Tezos World Tour now recognize a broader art historical context, suggesting a movement towards greater legitimacy and durability within the field.
How Are Platforms Like Tezos Shaping Digital Art?
Tezos entered the digital art market in 2021 through NFT platforms such as Hic et Nunc, Objkt, and fx(hash), quickly gaining recognition for accessible minting and sales. The Tezos Foundation formalized its backing with programs emphasizing artist support, sustainability, and partnership with global institutions such as MoMA, Art Basel, and the Museum of the Moving Image. Aleksandra Artamonovskaja highlights the multifaceted impact of these collaborations, stating,
“Marketplaces on Tezos like objkt, along with high-profile partnerships with the Museum of the Moving Image, Serpentine, ArtScience Museum and others, help contextualise digital art within broader cultural landscapes.”
These connections not only increase artistic visibility but also foster a creative environment through residencies, exhibitions, and education.
What Are the Key Challenges in Digital Art Collection and Preservation?
Ensuring the longevity and authenticity of digital artworks presents unique difficulties due to their reliance on evolving technologies. The Permanent Art Collection (PAC) curated by the Tezos Foundation demonstrates a commitment to both showcasing and conserving digital works. Blockchain-based solutions on Tezos include using IPFS for decentralized storage, aiming to keep artworks accessible and verifiable even if specific marketplaces cease operations. Artamonovskaja explains,
“Tezos provides a reliable and future-proof foundation for building digital art collections.”
She stresses collaboration among artists, technologists, and archivists to ensure the preservation of the work’s medium, context, and associated metadata, which distinguishes digital art collection from traditional practices.
Is Artificial Intelligence Redefining the Role of the Artist?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative tools have become central to the conversation about technology’s impact on art. Artists utilize AI both as a creative assistant and as a conceptual focus, engaging not just with the possibilities it opens but also with its inherent biases and implications for authorship. According to Artamonovskaja, the true value of AI in art emerges from deliberate and critical application, enabling practices that extend beyond the creation of visual outputs to spark discourse about power, identity, and society. Current debates reveal ongoing uncertainty within the market regarding how to assess and value AI-driven works.
The ongoing evolution of digital art—spanning early computational works to browser-based installations and blockchain-driven collectibles—reflects rapid technological advancements and shifting institutional attitudes. Readers interested in collecting, curating, or engaging with digital art should pay attention to methods for verifying provenance and ensuring long-term access, as these define the integrity and value of such works. By studying platforms like Tezos and their collaborative framework, one can better appreciate how digital art ecosystems might balance innovation, artist agency, and conservation in a fast-moving landscape. As digital art increasingly commands the attention of traditional galleries and collectors, understanding how context and technical stewardship intersect is essential for anyone navigating this space.
