We can all recognize Memphis as an arts hub, but is it a hub for NFTs? Maybe not yet, but the group NFT Memphis, founded in September by artists and collectors, is working to solidify the city as such.
“There’s a bunch of stuff in Memphis that’s really popular and really influential,” says artist Anthony Sims. “However, it seems to be that the artists here basically in perpetuity have been fucked over by like the rest of the world. … There are so many people that aren’t even from Memphis that have leaned on this area [for artistic inspiration]. And it’s like, why don’t the people of the area actually claim ownership of what we’re doing for everyone else?”
Some, like Sims, hope NFTs will bridge this gap by providing artists with consistent income, since they will receive residuals from every sale their NFTs make on the blockchain. “For artists to be working artists is for us to kill the notion of a starving artist,” adds digital artist Kenneth Wayne Alexander. “That’s the main plan [with NFTs and NFT Memphis] because we need more optional jobs out here. Being an artist can be a lucrative job, but we have to build it.”
So far, the Southern arts community does not have as big of an NFT infrastructure as other regions in the U.S. “It’s our chance to be able to kind of say, ‘Oh, okay, Memphis, let’s put the peg there,’” says Meaty Graffiti gallery owner Jennifer Tiscia.
For those who are still confused or just plain curious about the digital medium, NFT Memphis plans to offer classes and showcases, with its second-ever showcase planned for this Thursday. The show will include screens with digital art along with more “traditional” forms of art like paintings and prints — made by locals Sims, Alexander, and Cheeto Ryan, as well as PREACHER, an artist from New Orleans.
“This is going to be more than just an art show,” says Tiscia. “This is gonna be about us having a true community of NFT collectors. This is art for the people. This is making sure that artists are gonna be compensated. This is about supporting our artists, supporting our community.”
As such, the artists will participate in a Q&A not only to share their knowledge, but also to find out what Memphis needs when it comes to becoming an NFT hub and what the group can do to help other artists explore the medium. People can also submit questions through Meaty Graffiti’s website.
Plus, NFT Memphis will distribute POAPs at the showcase. A POAP, which stands for Proof of Attendance Protocol, is essentially a “ticket stub” but in NFT form, explains Justin Hodges, who helped organize the event. “It’s basically proof you were there.” The new food truck, Tender Love, will also be making its debut that evening.
To keep up with NFT Memphis, follow the group on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@nft_memphis).
NFT Art Showcase and Q&A, Meaty Graffiti, Thursday, November 10, 4:30-7 p.m.