COLLECTOR'S EDITION
1/ In every era, collectors have done more than merely acquire — they have shaped art history. From the Medici of the Renaissance to the pioneers of Web3, their impact has been cultural, structural, and deeply human.
We are excited to present the first book onchain, written by Kate Vass — Collecting Art Onchain, dedicated to the art collectors who have shaped and minted digital culture over the past decade.
After an incredible few years as GM of @cryptopunks, it's time for me to say goodbye to this role, though never goodbye to this community nor this movement.
When I first took this job, I felt strongly that Punks didn't need a figurehead...or even a cool babysitter as I sometimes refer to myself. They still don't. True to their decentralized ethos, this collection has always belonged to all of you.
**What an honor it's been to support something that was already so perfectly itself. **
Here's my thesis honed through the last few years of living and breathing this project - CryptoPunks are the great art of our time. Not just important digital art, but defining art, period. @larvalabs inadvertently kicked off a new chapter in art history, and now we as a collective share in the responsibility of what those pages will hold.
To this end, I've come to believe Punks should be stewarded by a non-profit entity, and I am happy to have played a small role in ensuring the IP has landed "comfy" in their new home. I truly believe Punks will thrive under the stewardship of @nodefnd, as do Matt & John. Ultimately, you can learn a lot about people by spending time in their home, and I've spent time with Micky and Becky there. I want you to know – they CARE about this collection. Their hopes and visions are big, and so is their heart. Punks couldn't ask for better guardians.
We've had some extraordinary wins together: CryptoPunks placed in exhibitions and collections within prestigious museums, an 800-page monograph published by @phaidonpress, the "Art of Punk" showcase, countless brunches around the world, the Punk meetup with @Beeple, a shared love of socks, ensuring that pink = Punk AF…and of course who could forget that sunset together at the Punk/Disco Cabin?
As I move on, I'm going independent to explore projects that bridge cultural institutions and artists with technical innovation, building the connections between old art worlds and new ones that I've always cared about. After one helluva year, I'll be taking a small break to get my bearings before diving back in fresh on a few secret projects I can't wait to tell you about...
How fitting that one of those first undertakings will be with CryptoPunks @nodefnd. 😉 I'm excited to work closely on all the new possibilities for the collection at NODE - with Matt & John on the upcoming Punk exhibition in Palo Alto and with the board on defining new models of stewardship and community governance.
@larvalabs - words feel insufficient to express what extraordinary inspirations you have been to me. I am in awe of your artistic brilliance and guided by your profoundly humble approach. They say never meet your heroes, but this time meeting my heroes has proved to be the most special and life-affirming experience.
Punks - thank you for rallying for guiding me, for rallying around me..especially after the fire took my home. You showed me what being Punk really means. To the mods who kept our channels vibrant - you are the heartbeat of this community. To every holder who trusted me with your questions, your critiques, and your ideas - thank you.
To my Yuga teammates - you've done so much more than you get credit for, you've loved this collection and you showed up for it everyday. And to Yuga leadership @CryptoGarga@GordonGoner@mfigge - thank you for taking a chance on this ex-Google nerd, for entrusting me with something so precious. This all has been the opportunity and honor of a lifetime.
Oh, and now?
I'm officially CryptoPunk #98.
Stone
@yasmin_ali10@GaryBarlow How are you , been awhile . Hope you get the tickets you are waiting for ! How’s your team doing this year. I’m on top with Liverpool FC.