NFTs Empowering Artists Beyond the Digital Realm
NFTs have revolutionized how digital artists can earn from their creations by introducing the concept of scarcity in a previously limitless digital landscape. However, this shift is not confined to digital art alone; other creative sectors, such as performance art, stand to gain significantly from this innovation, as noted by the performance art duo Operator in a recent discussion with Decrypt.
Challenges Faced by Performance Artists
Ania Catherine, who collaborates with Dejha Ti as Operator, highlighted that performance artists share similar hurdles with digital creators. Before the emergence of NFTs, digital artists often found themselves relegated to service roles, working primarily for advertising agencies, film production, and the entertainment sector, while their personal artistic endeavors took a back seat. For performance artists, the situation is even more dire due to the transient nature of their craft. Catherine explained, “Performance art requires substantial resources, including physical space, time, and collaboration with others, yet ultimately leaves little tangible product to sell.”
Limited Opportunities for Monetization
Historically, this has forced many performance artists into financially sustainable roles like dancing in commercials, teaching dance, or touring with musicians, as a means of making a living, Catherine elaborated.
Transforming Movement into Collectible Art
NFTs are changing this narrative by allowing performance artists to create enduring and collectible artworks. Catherine posed an intriguing question: “What if movement could be owned as an art object?” This shift fosters a new form of patronage for those who utilize movement as a medium of personal expression rather than merely for entertainment. It raises the question of how to construct a viable infrastructure that allows for genuine monetization of this art form.
Operator’s Innovative Approach with “Human Unreadable”
Operator has embraced this concept in their latest project, “Human Unreadable,” which is a three-act work that integrates choreography, generative art, blockchain technology, and cryptography, culminating in a live performance scheduled for 2026. Catherine noted, “When we first explored crypto art, we realized the human body was notably absent,” sharing that it was common to browse through numerous pages of digital art without encountering representations of the human form.
A Unique Collection Inspired by Dance
In response, “Human Unreadable” places the human figure at its center, with each of the 400 pieces in the collection symbolizing a distinct dance generated through an algorithm. This project draws from the long history of computational choreography, dating back to early digital art exhibitions, such as those at the ICA in 1967.
Overcoming Technical Hurdles
Catherine also acknowledged the technical challenges of storing human movement data on the Ethereum blockchain. “We felt somewhat out of place using blockchain and Art Blocks in this manner,” she admitted, yet their determination allowed them to navigate through the limitations of a technology not originally designed for the nuances of body movement and dance. The outcome of their efforts serves as an exploration of the technology that underpins generative art, emphasizing how “Human Unreadable” is site-specific to the realm of long-form, on-chain generative art.
Recognition for Innovation
Operator’s dedication has been recognized, as “Human Unreadable” recently won the Experiential Award at the Digital Art Awards, joining an impressive collection of accolades that also includes two Lumen Prizes, a S+T+ARTS Prize, and an ADC Award. Catherine noted, “While these are technically design awards, we have received them for our contributions to experiential design.”
The Artist’s Drive Beyond Market Trends
Despite the NFT art market experiencing a downturn, with trading volumes plummeting from $2.9 billion in 2021 to just $23.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, artists remain eager to explore the potential of the technology behind NFTs, according to Catherine. “Artists are not driven by market demands,” she stated. “They create because of an intrinsic curiosity or a compelling idea that demands expression.”
Artistry Endures Despite Market Conditions
While it remains crucial for artists to earn a living from their craft, Catherine emphasized that their creative pursuits often transcend financial motivations. “Most artists continue to create regardless of market conditions, driven by their passion rather than profit,” she concluded. “Art will always find a way to manifest.”
