On NFTs

Formerly published as a Collector’s Edition, the first major art historical survey on the most compelling, disruptive area of contemporary art is now available in an updated, more affordable edition which includes 11 additional artists. A rigorous examination of all facets of the NFT ecosystem, it takes a multidimensional, artist-led approach to give a richer understanding of a topic often shrouded in pixelated mystery. 

Featuring insight from the leading voices in art and the blockchain, including Hans Ulrich Obrist, On NFTs celebrates unlikely and thought-provoking connections from across art history. Expect to find Rembrandts examined alongside CryptoPunk avatars, and 10 extensive essays explaining the nitty-gritty of NFTs—including Sol LeWitt’s influence on today’s artistic algorithms—plus behind-the-scenes glimpses of the creative processes of pioneering artists, from Beeple and Emily Xie to Snowfro and Refik Anadol.

In examinging the evolution of NFTs from the 1960s onwards, the author references artists and projects electrifying the digital art space up to the present day. With about 1,400 images and nearly 200 QR codes, readers can explore the works interactively and in rich visual detail. In addition to a glossary of terms, and a comprehensive exhibition history and timeline, there’s a survey of 111 key practitioners working today, with each profile uniquely authored by experts, including curators, critics, artists, and AI. 

On NFTs captures a seismic shift in art history, inviting both natives and newcomers to experience the bold, boundary-breaking future of creativity.

Encompassing the entire NFT ecosystem—from algorithmic art to avatars—the first major art historical survey of this field includes 10 academic essays and richly illustrated profiles of 101 key artists. Connecting the disruptive contemporary medium to its context in art history, this volume offers a deep dive into the sphere of non-fungible tokens.