NFT ENERGY
Peter Nitsch (Germany)
2023.6.9
1. Tell me about something you liked as a child.
I always have fond childhood memories of the moments when I went sledding with my parents - those were carefree times.
1-1. Since when did you like sumo and wrestling? The myth of Japan?
In general I always had an interest in Asia, the people and culture. In Japan I like seeing how the people cultivate traditional handicrafts. While I've always liked Asian sports, it's only recently that I've really been drawn to sumo. From an artist's point of view, I like the idea of playing with the forms of sumo. Just like in life drawing, you approach the overall form in order to then later disassemble it and use it elsewhere in a new picture.
2. Who is your favorite Artist? (Art, books, games, etc.)
The fragile tonality on Miles Davis’ album Kind of Blue is something that speaks to me - it’s timeless and gives me a kind of inner peace.
3. What was your personal motivation to work on art?
I would say people and their struggle with everyday life always was something that interested me. And I always want to find out their stories, that is something that motivates me, as I can learn from them.
3-1. Can you give me a specific example?
I made a photo book titled Tango in the Big Mango. This book is a combination of street, documentary and conceptual photography. The setting of the series is in between the conceptual trilogy about greed, growth and angst. The alternating depictions of narcissism, materialism, and consumerism resemble the actions of a person devoid of mindful intention.
4. What is the important part you would like to talk about through art work?
Humanity. My latest SUMO series is a study on SUMO in black and white. It started it while I was looking for a way to visualise the concept I had about diversity, and that we should embrace diversity in life, that variety is something beautiful. We are all different, and within that lies the beauty of life. The SUMO series is a study that uses black and white like in traditional documentary photography. I used black and white here, because it makes you concentrate more on the forms, shapes and story–and the collections works with mostly rounded and organic forms that are a reference to Cubism. I wanted to use the concept of deconstruction from Cubism and apply it to the world of SUMO. I wanted to make aware that a lot of people are not perfect in this world, including me, but this is exactly what makes us human at the same time. There’s also a strong contrast between the hardness of the SUMO sport and the softness and roundness of the wrestlers’ bodies. These contrasts fascinated me and I wanted to put this kind of childish wonder together in this body of work. Another intention of the SUMO series is also to show that strength comes not only from physical muscles but also from our connections to friends, family and our ability to see the world in new and creative ways.
SUMO, study III, bw#34, May 23, 2023
4-1. Your SUMO project using Ai is interesting. Above all, it is the point where I chose an image that looks like a failed work from a human point of view. In fact, the image that looks like a failed work was created through accurate computation in the database. I think that images that seem like errors to the programmer will update the program more and more invisible, and only images that look perfect from a human perspective will be produced. But, I think it is important to see in detail images that appear to be errors to humans as an important perspective of understanding images created through ai. I want to hear about your reason for choosing an image that looks like an error from a human point of view.
Imperfection is something that makes us human in my opinion. Imperfection is an inherent part of the human experience, as it allows us to learn, grow, and adapt. But machines can learn, grow and adapt as well. So, what sets us apart from the machines and why I choose imperfections in the series is, that not being perfect also fosters empathy and connection among individuals. When we recognize and accept our own imperfections, we become more understanding and compassionate towards the imperfections of others. It is through our shared vulnerabilities that we build relationships and forge a sense of collective humanity. AND to acknowledge that we are not perfect allows us to free ourselves from the pressure to conform to an idealized standard. It encourages authenticity and self-acceptance, enabling us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives and fuels creativity and innovation.
5. Why did you start NFT ART?
I was always interested in technology. I’m not a tech expert, but the possibilities have always fascinated me. That’s how I came into the world of NFTs. I later then discovered that the blockchain has manifold use cases and provides proof of ownership to the artist - something that wasn’t possible before in that way.
6. What about the NFT ART you've actually experienced? Tell me about the good and the bad.
If for example Instagram deleted your account, you will lose your entire following and platform. If you released your NFTs on your own smart contract and OpenSea delisted your NFT collection you could move to a different marketplace like LooksRare or Rarible while still having all your NFTs accessible.
The majority of mainstream media coverage has focused on the top 1% of projects receiving the most attention, which contributes to the widespread belief that NFTs are simply random JPEGs trading for millions of dollars. This is not true for the majority of NFTs; they are not random when you take the effort to understand more about these collections, and they do not all trade for seven figures.
NFTs have use cases in real life. Creators are issuing them to enhance involvement in their projects, to buy food and pay the rent, and even crowdfund expenditures such as smart contract audits and events.
7. Have you ever been hacked while proceeding with NFT ART?
I once have been hacked by a phishing attack. I was staking a coin and wanted to withdraw my rewards. While withdrawing I got a message on the platform in my stream that I can withdraw an additional amount. It turned out that this was a hack and the wallet got drained. That was a really bad experience. I've always been very cautious, but the message within the platform in the wallet reassured me that I forgot to double-check. Since then I've double-checked all messages and if I'm not sure then I just don't interact, it's still the safest method.
8. What is the perception of NFT ART in Germany?
I honestly can’t tell exactly, because I’m mostly living in Bangkok. Both countries are crypto friendly. Germany had outrun Singapore as the most crypto-friendly country and adopted blockchain technology long back in 2019, boosting digital transformation. On a technology basis a lot of German people are interested in crypto and investments. German companies such as About You, SAP, BrainBot, BigchainDB, and many others have been developing NFT, Metaverse, Web3, and crypto payment applications in e-commerce platforms. When it comes to NFT art, Germany was ranked as one of the European countries that saw high (art) cryptocurrency adoption in Q1 2022. The crypto art scene is very lively in both countries, Germany and Thailand.
9. What is the most memorable moment while doing NFT ART?
My most memorable moment was when I launched the SUMO series on Foundation. My intention was to mint them two days before my initial release date. Four were sold the moment I minted it. I'd never had that experience before, and it truly elevated my spirits. Because my mother died a few months ago, and I was thinking about leaving the NFT space. The SUMO series changed things for the better.
10. What do you think is the role of an artist today?
In today's increasingly technical world, the role of an artist becomes ever more crucial. As advancements in technology propel us forward, many individuals may feel disconnected or left behind. Artists serve as a vital bridge, offering a space where emotions, feelings, and concerns can be expressed freely. Through their creations, they provide a counterpoint to the impersonal nature of a technology-driven society, fostering a sense of connection and allowing for deeper introspection and reflection. Art remains an essential means of human expression, reminding us of our shared humanity amidst the rapid pace of progress. For example imagine someone who lost his partner. In the depths of grief and loss, they can find solace in the work of a particular artist. Through the artist's creations, they discovered a profound connection, as if the artist's words and imagery were speaking directly to their pain. This encounter is a lifeline, providing inspiration and comfort, guiding them through the darkest moments and helping them find healing and hope.