CryptoPunks Releases New NFT Collection, Faces Backlash from Community
On May 20, CryptoPunks partnered with black artist Nina Chanel Abney to launch an NFT collection named Super Punk World.
CryptoPunks Releases New NFT Collection, Faces Backlash from Community
According to an official post on CryptoPunks' X account, Super Punk World is a collection of 500 3D artworks that "blur the boundaries of race and gender while reflecting both virtual and real-world identities."
Super Punk World is a 500-piece collection that is as playful as it is profound. For our Punk in Residence collaboration - @ninachanel has created hybridized 3D sculptures that blur the lines of race & gender and reflect upon virtual versus real world identities. Read more and… pic.twitter.com/rWMraMW7Km
— CryptoPunks (@cryptopunksnfts) May 20, 2024
“To pay tribute to the pioneering project CryptoPunks, Abney designed plump-bodied characters in her 8-bit art style, incorporating abstract forms, large-scale sculptures, and collages, all set against colorful backdrops inspired by her previous works,” the NFT project added.
The official blog for the NFT collection states that each feature was hand-cut and digitized by Abney to create 195 unique 3D sculpted traits, based on 25 different personalities.
In homage to the irreverent, early-internet roots of the CryptoPunks project, Abney’s full-bodied characters juxtapose the 8-bit aesthetic with the abstract forms and strong proportions of her sculptures and collages - placed on colorful backgrounds from her previous work and… pic.twitter.com/JH6cSKk0VR
— CryptoPunks (@cryptopunksnfts) May 20, 2024
CryptoPunks will hold a Dutch Auction for Super Punk World for all collectors at 10:00 PM on May 29 (Vietnam time).
The post also mentions that NFT collectors will be able to download high-resolution (4K) versions of the artwork and 3D models of the characters for future digital worlds. The collection is currently on display at The School - Jack Shainman Gallery until October 2024, with plans for future collaborations between Abney and fine art institutions.
Previously, artist Nina Chanel Abney released an NFT collection named Super Cool World consisting of 5,080 PFP NFTs, enhancing interaction between the artist and her fans by allowing them to use 3D tools to design movements and metaverse gameplay.
A significant portion of CryptoPunks’ large fan base has reacted negatively to this new collection, claiming it goes against the spirit of the original collection. Some have even threatened to sell their CryptoPunks out of disappointment.
might actually sell my punk
wtf is this? https://t.co/BdX9acq4aX— Mike Dudas (@mdudas) May 20, 2024
can i say something without people getting mad pic.twitter.com/kebXNryM9b
— foobar | Clusters (@0xfoobar) May 20, 2024
User @ViktorBunin expressed disappointment with the new collection: "I sincerely hope the project cancels this sale. It dilutes the CryptoPunks brand and looks like a low-quality cash grab. The best way to ensure the punk legacy is to build it, not monetize it in such a terrible way."
Respectfully, please cancel this sale. It dilutes the Cryptopunks brand with what appears to be a low quality cash grab. The best way you can steward punks is by building the legacy, not monetizing it in such poor taste. 🤢
— Viktor Bunin 🛡️ (@ViktorBunin) May 20, 2024
Wintermute CEO had a more measured response, suggesting that CryptoPunks erred in choosing an artist whose style does not align with the original collection and crypto culture.
fwiw its not as bad as it looks - they basically partner up with an actual artist who designs these special collections.
— wishful cynic (@EvgenyGaevoy) May 20, 2024
It's just this particular artist' style is not a great choice for crypto natives. Maybe if they tried Murakami reception would have been warmer https://t.co/ASqeBZZq5U
In response to the community backlash, Greg Solano, co-founder of Yuga Labs (the owner of CryptoPunks), posted a statement defending the new collection and the project's activities. He emphasized that Yuga Labs is committed to the NFT collections under its management and constantly seeks opportunities to collaborate with prominent artists to expand the brand. Solano declared that Yuga Labs would keep CryptoPunks decentralized and refrain from further interventions with the collection.
Recently, on February 22, 2024, Solano returned to the CEO position to oversee the company. Just two months later, on April 27, Yuga Labs underwent staff reductions and restructuring to focus more on developing the metaverse.
