WTF are NFTs and why are Iranian artists into them?

Ask An Iranian

[NOTE OF WARNING: please read below before setting up an account for NFTs.]

How much is a really good replica of a Mona Lisa worth? It might only be worthy of wiping your rear with — which should come as no surprise to you. This is because she’s a one-off work of art, or “non-fungible”. The digital realm has brought many great things with its advent, but until recently, freely replicating information made digital ownership very fungible. This has changed with the introduction of Web 3.0.

We were joined by the Iranian artist, Nightwatcher, who recently shifted from being a regular real-world artist to an NFT artist. The NF part stands for non-fungible, and the T is for token. This means, his art is minted using certain technologies and made available for people to own the rights to. Control-C and Control-P his stuff if you like, he doesn’t mind. You won’t own it in the true sense.

This gentleman joined us to chat about the changing world of art with respect to NFTs, but also shared with us his experience of the Iranian art scene. He explains these changes are affording Iranian artists—especially—with a new means to be able to avoid restrictions. During our discussion, we also touched upon how emerging technologies, seen with Web 3.0 for example, are changing people's association with the internet and each other.

Read more here to get au fait with all things NFTs in Iran.

NOTE OF WARNING: in this episode, we advocate the NFT platform, OpenSea. This company restricts activity for people that are related to Iran. Do not use their services if this description relates to you. Similarly, be warned, other platforms may also have such restrictions. Always check a platform's restrictions before setting up an account.

DISCLAIMER: Ask An Iranian and Nightwatcher are not investment advisers. All opinions are our own. There are risks involved in placing any investment in securities or in Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and NFTs... or in anything for that matter. None of the information presented herein is intended to form the basis of any offer or recommendation or have any regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any specific person, and that includes you, our dear listener or reader. Everything you’re going to hear or read is for informational entertainment purposes only.

Questions we also get answers to in this episode

• What is an NFT?
• How do I sell NFT artwork in Iran?
• Who are the best Iranian NFT artists?
• Is NFT just money laundering?
• Who is Crypto Punk?
• How do I mint an NFT?
• Which platforms sells NFTs?
• Did the CIA fund Modern art?
• What is the Metasphere and how do I get into it?

Music credit: “Mahvash, Parivash”, Jalal Hemmati | “Ask An Iranian Outro”, The Devildog

Image credit: NightwatcherXHomadokht + Ask An Iranian, Acid Ajam remix NFT artwork, 2022. Copyright... to whoever buys it here.

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