Well-known artist Tom Sachs is taking a unique path in the ever-shifting world of Web3, often known as crypto, blockchain technology and the now popularized Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). But, when it comes to the terminology and labels often associated with the technology he is more focused on the function than the form it takes. According to Sachs, “I’m not so interested in those words. I think they’re–in a lot of ways–poisoned.”
Sachs continues to lead on the forefront of the NFT phenomenon through his unique venture, Rocket Factory. It consists of a platform where digital rocket components are bought as NFTs, featuring features of popular brands like Coca-Cola and Budweiser. This artwork has drawn the attention of businesses such as Budweiser who, last year, paid a whopping eight Ethereum for one of Sachs’ pieces. For Tom the project allows the viewers to engage in a conversation about consumerism, a commentary on wanting to “define yourself through the things you consume.”
To bring a physical element to the project, Sachs has also set it up in a way that allows participants to assemble the digital components into a complete rocket piece, which can then be launched and recovered as a matching sculpture. A unique aspect of this project is the ability to contain all the data and additional information about the project, such as videos and metadata, within the NFT.
As the value of the NFTs gain traction and are starting to be incorporated into museum’s collections, Sachs believes it is not only blockchain technology redefining art but also art redefining blockchain technology. Participating in the NFT culture has allowed Sachs to learn from people in the Web3 community and the field of NFTs has”learnt how to navigate through people”.
Embracing the notion of an ongoing conversation, Sachs continues to not only advocate for the value of art but also the advancement of technology to create more opportunities. The artist is also excited by the “transparency, boundaries and concrete nature of blockchain”, something he believes cannot be brought through a single person but through the collective nature of the technology.
The story of Tom Sachs revealing an alternative way of looking at the world of Web3 and NFTs serves to remind us that the terminology associated with blockchain is not what matters most, but the function and creativity it brings. Through its increasing opportunity and varied application, it may not long be before companies learn how to use blockchain technology without the negative associations of terms like “crypto” and “NFT”.
