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Can you tell us about your background and what lead you down the path to becoming an artist and ultimately experimenting with NFTs?
I am a full time artist in Belgium since 2003. But in recent years, my focus has been diverted to more graphical work for companies. When I realized I want my focus back on my artworks, I changed my artist name so it would not be linked to my graphic work any longer. This way, I can make a fresh start after 20 years of experience.
I have always been intrigued by crypto but it was only 4 to 5 years ago, I really got involved. When I heard about NFT’s and the possibilities for digital artists like me, I was completely sold on the idea.
When did you mint your first NFT? What platform did you choose and why?
Actually, I minted my first NFT just recently.
I did some experimenting on different blockchains, trying to avoid huge Ethereum gas fees, but nothing was feeling just right. Until I came across Foundation.app
I love the feeling of everything being curated and carefully selected. Unlike Opensea, where I got the feeling, people just throw anything online, calling it art and the real artists, fade away in the clutter of people thinking of getting rich.
Can you tell us one thing you cannot live without? (and why)
My friends all picture me as a gadget freak and I must admit I love new tech. But I have absolutely no affection with any of my gadgets. For me, they are tools to a means and always replaceable. So, I guess the thing I cannot live without is family.
Who is your favorite artist(s) (Non NFT)? What about their style resonates with you
As a kid, my all-time-favorite was Nam June Pike. He was using televisions in his art installations. Warhol was my favorite 2D artist and later on, I started to love installations of Bill Viola.
Who is your favourite NFT artist? What makes this artist unique?
Beeple. Not because I love everything he does, but because his work opened up the eyes of millions of people who now know NFT’s are here to stay.
What made you pursue NFT art?
Ah! I am a digital artist. So, for me to exhibit a work, I have to print it, frame it, transport it, hang it, … No, for me personally, I don’t even care if my works sell or not. They are now on the blockchain and will stay there long after I am gone. It’s just amazing to think your work is in the cloud and the whole world can see it.
What is the one NFT you wish you had purchased but missed out on
I’m not into the apes or tweets that got on sale. I’m more into art NFT’s. And it doesn’t matter what name is attached – if it is a work that moves me, I wish I could buy it.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go? Why this location?
India… I went there before but the purity of Northern India is absolutely mind blowing. Thailand is on my bucket list too. I can understand people love location for nature, but I’m more into the cultural heritage, temples, etc…
What are your other passions besides art? Why?
Tech. Every day I’m amazed about the new evolutions of technology. But those can form a threat also. I’m talking about A.I. generated art and photo’s. It will be very very hard in the future to separate a real and generated photo. And although it can be a very pleasing image, I’m having difficulties seeing pure a.i. generated art as an artform.
Do you make other forms of art?
In the past, I made some mixed media. Printing out one of my artworks and adding paint, varnish, gold and silver leaf, etc…
I have made a roadmap for coming years where I also made plans of collaborations with other artists from other disciplines.
Are you self taught or trained?
Mainly self taught. You must know I’m working with computers and making digital art for wel over 20 years. There was nobody around to teach you this stuff.
How did you come up with your specific style?
The influence of my parents. My father is a very famous artist in Belgium making oil paintings and drawings. My mother makes art-assemblages. They took me from exhibition to museums, art fairs and Biennale of Venice. All those impressions left a mark in the form of my own style.
How has your style evolved over the years?
It has matured and modernized. But I think that is just normal evolution.
What is coming in the near future?
The roadmap is clear. By the end of this year I will start minting digital portrait works. Those works will be more my own style because the NFT’s I mint right now are more of a learning process for me to find the right workflow.
Next year I will mint a very limited edition of self portraits and start with collaborations with other artists.
If you could collaborate with one artist who would it be? (and why)
Banksy… I know it’s not realistic, but I love his(?) work.
What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from that?
Losing focus. Once you divert into the path of others, you stop being an artist. I will not make this mistake twice.
Do you have any upcoming drops?
Every week in my 52 weeks of cultural heritage project. Later this year, first portrait drops will come.
Link to Website
Allan & Illia Digital Artist
Social links and NFT marketplace links
Anything else you’d like to share?
Love.
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