MoMA Embraces the Future: Tokenized Artworks Enter Its Collection

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, a beacon of artistic innovation, has once again demonstrated its forward-thinking approach by incorporating tokenized artworks into its permanent collection. This move marks a significant milestone in the intersection of technology and art, as MoMA becomes one of the first major museums to embrace the potential of Web3 and generative art.

A New Era of Artistic Expression

MoMA’s recent acquisitions include Refik Anadol’s AI-driven “Unsupervised — Machine Hallucinations” (2022) and Ian Cheng’s “3FACE” project from last year. These pieces, which utilize artificial intelligence and nonfungible tokens (NFTs), represent a new frontier in artistic expression, joining the ranks of iconic works like Andy Warhol’s soup cans and Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” in MoMA’s collection.

MoMA has a history of pioneering exhibitions that explore the relationship between technology and art. The museum’s commitment to this exploration continues with its upcoming digital art programming, including Leslie Thornton’s “HANDMADE” (2023) and an online exhibition with Feral File. MoMA’s on-chain Postcard project is another testament to its dedication to digital art.

The Significance of “Unsupervised” and “3FACE”

“Unsupervised” by Refik Anadol, a mesmerizing AI abstraction of art history, has captivated audiences and critics alike. This piece, enabled by Nvidia technology, interprets MoMA’s vast collection through AI, offering a unique perspective on art history. Noted NFT collector Ryan Zurrer, along with the “RFC Collection,” facilitated the acquisition of this groundbreaking work.

Ian Cheng’s “3FACE” takes a different approach, offering 4,096 unique editions that adaptively portray their owners using wallet data. This dynamic work, donated by Outland Art, reflects Cheng’s ongoing exploration of psychology and technology, challenging traditional notions of art and ownership.

MoMA’s embrace of generative and AI art represents a significant moment in the evolution of art. Just as photography once challenged traditional art forms, generative art is now pushing the boundaries of what is considered valuable and meaningful in the art world.

Artists like Anadol and Cheng are at the forefront of using data and AI in art, raising important questions about the nature of art history and the human psyche. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is expected to unlock new levels of artistic expression, making refined visual articulation more accessible to a broader range of creators.

MoMA’s decision to include tokenized artworks in its collection is a watershed moment, signaling a broader acceptance and recognition of NFTs and AI art in the traditional art world. This move not only celebrates the technological advancements in art but also opens up new avenues for creative exploration and expression.