On September 8th, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining a live panel discussion at the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) for the opening of “NFT(s): Passages”, an exhibition that marked an exciting moment for eight francophone artists who ventured into NFTs for the first time. Presented in collaboration with BRAVO, this exhibition offered a fascinating glimpse into the transition from physical to digital, inviting viewers to explore the “phygital” space where the traditional and virtual worlds of art converge. The artists built on their physical works, translating them into the NFT realm, highlighting the potential of blockchain technology to redefine artistic practices.
Moderated by Cătălin Ivan, the panel included Benoît Couty, myself, and the participating artists as we delved into the evolving practice of collecting crypto art. We tackled essential questions about how to display digital collections in homes or institutions, the logistics of exchanging NFTs, and the innovative concept of physical-backed NFTs, which bridge the gap between physical and digital art. The discussion emphasized that we are only at the beginning of shaping our digital realities and raised important considerations on building these spaces thoughtfully.
The event was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with both the artists and the audience. It underscored how art collections now span physical, digital, and “phygital” dimensions, enriching both spaces through mutual influence. Following the panel, the conversation continued in a lively reception at OAG’s Sky Lounge, bringing together art enthusiasts in both English and French to reflect on the future of NFTs and digital art.
Photos from the NFT Passages Panel
Right: Introduction of my body of work and research at the Ottawa Art Gallery
Right: Presenting my recent installations at museum exhibitions in Switzerland and Austria
NFT Passages Panel Speakers
Benoît Couty is one of the first NFT/Cryptoart collectors in France. Benoît has been an active and influential member of the international Cryptoart and metaverse communities for over six years. In 2018, he founded the Museum of Crypto Art (MoCA), a native museum of the metaverse, where part of his permanent collection of over 1,200 MoCA works is displayed. He actively contributes to developing the Cryptoart / NFT art scene in France. He regularly collaborates with leading French and international crypto artists and is identified as a reference speaker for panels and conferences related to metaverse, NFT and the Cryptoart movement.
Martin Lukas Ostachowski (MLO) is a multidisciplinary artist, researcher and writer based in Montreal. He explores blockchain technology through the subject of clouds in both physical and digital mediums. His art has been exhibited in North America, Europe, and Asia. After many years as a painter, Martin began exploring and embracing Cryptoart and NFTs in 2018. He co-authored a position paper on Cryptoart entitled “Crypto Art: A Decentralized View” published by MIT Press and has documented the history of Cryptoart since 2020, earning him the nickname “Cryptoart Historian”. As an artist, collector and historian, he has shared his research and experience at several art galleries, museums and conferences.
Cătălin Ivan (moderator) “Cat” is a cultural facilitator and educator, having worked with technology and artists from an early age. With an MSc in Computer Science from the Université de Montréal and an MEd in Sociology of Education from OISE at the University of Toronto, he has accumulated a wealth of life experience across several continents. Cat has participated in and produced various projects and events in the fields of theater, audiovisual media, spiritual practices, education and social action.
Yves M. Larocque (presenter) A professor and art historian, Yves earned his doctorate in art history at the Sorbonne (Université de Paris 1). Returning to Canada, he directs BRAVO, specializing in the mediology of Canadian art. He has also taught art history and painting at the Ottawa School of Art for almost 35 years, and is founder-director of Walk the Arts. His publications appear in La Vie des Arts (Montreal), Liaison (Ottawa), Histoire de l’Art (Paris), Médium (Paris) and RACAR (Montreal), and he has given conferences on three continents.