POW-3: A Brief Crypto Punks History in 45,360 Marks

The third artwork in the Proof of Work (POW) series critically explores the history of CryptoPunks through stamp marks on folded and suspended notebooks held by 3D-printed holders. A total of 45,360 hand-placed stamp marks span across 21 notebooks, creating a mosaic highlighting dozens of milestones, personas, and controversies in the short yet turbulent history of CryptoPunks. Seven short chapters are printed on the floor beneath the notebooks, explaining the various references in the artwork.

Four main connections are embedded in the artwork: the artist’s background as an independent crypto art researcher, the general POW series conceptually representing the blockchain, the visual concept of CryptoPunks, and the symbolic use of clouds. The notebooks act as ledgers, the pages as transaction blocks, and the unique stamp marks—varying in ink, dust, and pressure—serve as unique hashes. With their limited palette and grid pattern, the stamps also reference CryptoPunks’ visual concept. Lastly, the sky setting connects this piece with the artist’s broader work, which often uses clouds as symbols of the blockchain. Clouds, which are in constant transformation, intangible, and symbols of hope, also represent the blockchain’s often-neglected fragility. If people were to stop believing in Bitcoin and disconnect their nodes, the network could dissolve like a cloud.

POW-3: A Brief CryptoPunks History in 45,360 Marks was created for and first exhibited at the Art of Exhibition at the Museum Francisco Carolinum in Linz, Austria, curated by Julia Staudacher.

CryptoPunks in Chapters

Origins: Before creating CryptoPunks, Larva Labs founders Matt Hall and John Watkinson worked on various mobile and web-based apps. Notably, the 8-bit RPG Gurk and the avatar customizer Androidify significantly influenced the design and concept of CryptoPunks.

Launch: Upon its release in 2017, CryptoPunks quickly gained traction, thanks in part to coverage by Mashable. This collection of 10,000 unique profile pictures marked a significant innovation, extending the ERC-20 token standard into a new hybrid model with non-fungible properties.

Challenges: Due to an unforeseen bug in the smart contract, Larva Labs had to reissue CryptoPunks as a V2 project. The project also faced early issues with unclear license agreements, setting the stage for future legal disputes and controversies.

Community: CryptoPunks thrived through its growing community, which helped elevate the project to iconic status as social media profile pictures. Community initiatives also ensured the permanent preservation of CryptoPunks on the Ethereum blockchain.

Blueprint: Between the Punks project and the release of 3D avatars Meebits, Larva Labs set the standard for profile picture projects—a blueprint many have since followed. However, legal battles over derivative projects, licensing issues, and the re-emergence of V1 Punks have caused divisions within the community.

Establishment: Besides record-breaking sales, the increasing number of gallery and museum exhibitions, fine art auctions, and donations to the museum’s collection propel CryptoPunks as a digital art project with institutional approval.

Future: Under the community’s scrutiny, Yuga Labs, creators of Bored Apes Yacht Club, acquired CryptoPunks. Some projects, like fostering community events and documentation, were well-received, while others, such as renouncing the first controversial punk residency, divided the community.