Generative artist William Mapan has become a rising star in the world of NFTs. His latest collection, titled “Distance,” sold out within 24 hours despite launching during a weak market for NFTs. Mapan has a unique way of explaining generative art, which is often misunderstood. He compares it to a simple game with a piece of paper, a crayon, and a die. By drawing squares or circles based on the outcome of a dice roll, he demonstrates how a set of rules and randomness can create art.
Mapan’s work is known for straddling the line between physical and digital art. It can be difficult to determine whether his pieces were made by hand or digitally generated. This technique is shared by other artists such as Tyler Hobbs and Emily Xiu. Mapan aims to evoke senses, feelings, and memories with his art. He wants viewers to experience curiosity and trigger emotions when they see his work.
Based in France, Mapan credits artist Matt Deslauriers as his introduction to art on the blockchain. His first NFT was minted on Tezos in March 2021, and he later launched the highly sought-after “Anticyclone” collection on ArtBlocks on Ethereum in April 2022. Mapan finds the concept of putting an algorithm on the blockchain fascinating. When collectors mint his NFTs, they trigger the algorithm, creating a unique iteration.
Mapan has had notable sales in the NFT market, including “Anticyclone #470” selling for 182 ETH ($229,856), “Anticyclone #743” selling for 37 ETH ($50,430), and “Strands of Solitude #253” selling for 16 ETH ($26,321). He also mentions up-and-coming artist Anna Lucia as someone to watch in the NFT space.
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In terms of influences, Mapan is inspired by the abstract expressionism movement and artists who push boundaries in modern-day art. He mentions a notable collector, AC, who engages with him and tries to understand the practice behind the work. Mapan also reveals his favorite NFT in his wallet is “‘Horizon(te)s #5,” a collaboration by Iskra Velitchkova and Zach Lieberman.
Mapan shares that Kendrick Lamar and Sofiane Pamart are his go-to artists when creating art. He appreciates classical music for achieving a flow state and listens to hip hop when he needs to be energized. He also finds performers inspiring because they have to be vulnerable and expressive in front of an audience.
In terms of the NFT art market, Mapan’s “Distance” collection, a collaboration with Cactoid Labs and LACMA, sold out its 250-piece collection at a 2 ETH mint price per piece. Other significant recent digital art sales include Dmitri Cherniak’s “Ringers #343” selling for 39.99 ETH ($65,395), Matt Kane’s “Door VII” selling for 22.5 ETH ($36,787), and Snowfro’s “Chromie Squiggle #1606” selling for 20 ETH ($32,877).
In a major development for NFTs, the Cool Cats collection will be featured in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This marks the first time an NFT collection will be showcased in the parade, with a massive Blue Cat balloon gracing the skies of Manhattan. Clon, the lead artist and founder of Cool Cats, is thrilled to have his artwork displayed alongside well-known characters.
Lastly, the Nouns DAO fork has concluded, with 472 Nouns NFT holders opting into the fork. This fork allows token holders to receive approximately 35 ETH back, while those who voted against the fork will continue with the original structure of the DAO.
Overall, William Mapan’s success in the NFT market, his unique approach to generative art, and his insights into the industry make him a noteworthy artist to watch. His ability to capture emotions and triggers curiosity through his art sets him apart in the digital art world.
