CryptoPunks: A Documentary Explores the Origins of Crypto Art
The documentary “What the Punk” delves into the story of CryptoPunks, one of the most iconic projects in crypto art. The film follows the journey of Matt Hall and John Watkinson, the Canadian programmers behind CryptoPunks, as they navigate the world of technology and art.
From Pixel Characters to NFTs
The documentary highlights how Hall and Watkinson, inspired by their love for sports cards, saw the potential of blockchain technology to create digital collectibles. In 2017, they launched CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 algorithmically generated pixel images. CryptoPunks helped popularize the ERC-721 standard, a crucial step in the development of NFTs.
A Tapestry of Voices
“What the Punk” features interviews with prominent figures in the crypto art world, including:
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- Noah Davis, former Christie’s digital art lead
- Art expert Yehudit Mam from Dada
- Collector Dan Polko
- Longtime Punk Discord moderator Tschuuuly
- Erick “Snowfro” Calderon, founder of Art Blocks
The film also explores the contrasting perspectives on CryptoPunks, with some seeing them as a valuable artistic movement and others viewing them as a speculative investment opportunity. Robness, an early crypto-artist, even burned his CryptoPunk #2317 as a protest against the hype.
A Look Beyond the Hype
“What the Punk” goes beyond the technical complexities of blockchain technology to focus on the impact of CryptoPunks and the evolution of digital art. The filmmakers aimed to provide a balanced and informative account of the project, offering insights from both supporters and critics.
A Snapshot of Our Time
The documentary offers a glimpse into the early days of crypto art and the rapid rise of NFTs. It highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and artistic drive of individuals like Hall, Watkinson, and Robness, who are navigating the evolving landscape of digital art.
The film is available for viewing on VIMEO OTT and ARTE.
