The Chicago Journal

The news from David Bowie’s estate incites criticism for the singer/actor’s NFT decision

The late David Bowie was one of the most influential figures to grace the big and small screens and radio in the music and entertainment industries.

As an influential figure, Bowie’s name is not easily forgotten, and now his legacy seeks to commemorate him in the digital world, especially with Bowie-inspired NFTs.

The announcement

The David Bowie Estate recently announced that it will launch Bowie-inspired NFTs using OpenSea next week.

The NFTs will be part of NFT Bowie’s launch on the blockchain and will feature works by nine different visual artists.

Proceeds from the collection will be donated to CARE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end hunger and poverty in the world.

Before his death, Bowie was married to Somali model Iman, a global advocate for CARE.

OpenSea also shared the news on Twitter, writing:

“On September 13th, David Bowie’s undying influence will impact yet another new frontier as nine of the world’s leading crypto-artists come together to celebrate his legacy and put #BowieOnTheChain.”

Ryan Foutty, Vice President of Business Development at OpenSea, also released a statement stating:

“This incredible collection brings together some of the most groundbreaking NFT artists with Bowie artifacts to bring a new generation of fans together in Web3.”

The project features works by famous artists, including director Joaquin Acrich and the company of artistic director Andrew D. Keller We Love the Arts.

Response to David Bowie’s NFTs

Since the NFT boom early last year, many have criticized the function of digital assets.

Despite the criticism, many projects have sprung up that pay homage to pop culture, including Netflix’s Stranger Things NFT.

The release of NFT prompted fans to share their disdain for technology.

When it comes to Bowie’s NFT, people have turned to social media to express the likeness of the legendary artist in the context of blockchain tokens.

In response to the announcement on David Bowie’s official account, a Twitter user named Bashmore said:

“How about we just don’t with the NFT guff and just raise money for charity without using a pyramid scheme?”

Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, is also critical of NFTs.

In December 2021, he tweeted a photo of Beeple’s “The First 5,000 Days” and wrote:

“I just saw this online and posted it without having the NFT .. do you think the guy who bought it has lost it? I feel kind of guilty and like I should probably return it to them.”

Despite the negative reactions, others shared their enthusiasm for the project, especially the artists working on David Bowie’s works.

Fewocious, 19, shared a photo of his sculpture on Twitter, writing, “I can’t wait to show you the rest of the piece when it reveals this Thursday.”

References:

David Bowie Ethereum NFTs trigger Twitter backlash

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