We are excited to have the opportunity to sit down and talk with Talvir, an incredibly talented and revered NFT art curator. Known for his altruistic approach and dedication to helping artists succeed, Talvir has built a reputation for being “all heart” in the NFT art community. He is constantly pushing the boundaries and finding new artists to showcase, and his curation often sends their careers in new and exciting directions. With another exciting drop on Nifty Gateway coming up, we are thrilled to learn more about what he’s been up to in the NFT art space and what we can expect from his upcoming release MOMENTS IN TIME.
Before we get into your background, let’s start with the drop. Why this group of creators?
These are some of my personal favourite artists who can tell stories through their photography. Everybody perceives photography in a different manner so no matter what the same photograph cannot be replicated, by using this ideal the photographers in this drop all have a story in which can never be told again. Ashmit Galav is a photographer based in India, he featured in my initial drop and is now showcasing his works once more in a still image solely produced by himself. Cloudynight is an up and coming photographer who captures the essence of nightlife in his cyber photography bringing all his images to life. The artist Noealz known for his cyber photos has taken a different approach in which his photos will have more serenity vibes. He has said this: My pieces are usually busy, with many animations, distortions, or glitches as they represent my view of cities and society as being constantly on the move for better or worse. In this case, I wanted to share my moments of serenity with others, moments in time when I feel at peace and one with my environment. For these pieces, I always wanted to follow the idea that ‘more is less’ sometimes. I wanted to include a different atmosphere for each image: oceans, forests, and cities.
Can you tell us about your background?
I first discovered the world of NFTs when I came across fvckrender’s “Spirit Stones” collection. The artwork immediately caught my eye and I knew I had to have one. Unfortunately, the collection had already sold out, but it sparked a passion in me to learn more about the world of NFTs. I soon found other artists whose work I loved and was able to purchase my first NFT, Goldweards’ “Axyl,” in February 2021.
Since then, I have become deeply invested in the NFT community, following my favorite artists, discovering new ones, and building a collection of my own. One artist whose work I particularly admire is MadDogJones. His piece “Dead Ramen” is my grail artwork that I hope to own one day. Another artist I have had the pleasure of working with is Eirdis, who comes from a more traditional art background and I love her artwork.
NFTs have opened up a whole new world of art collecting and has allowed me to discover and support talented artists from all over the globe. I am excited to see where this technology will take us in the future and am grateful to be a part of this community.
How you became an NFT art curator?
I have been passionate about art for as long as I can remember, and discovering the world of NFTs has only amplified that passion. My journey into the world of curation began in October 2021, when a friend and fellow art enthusiast, Plan X, suggested that I set up a show. I was thrilled at the opportunity to share the work of the many talented artists I had come to know and admire with a wider audience.
Since then, I have been working tirelessly behind the scenes as a consultant for many of the top artists in the NFT space. It has been an honor to help them navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of NFTs, and to ensure that their projects are successful in both their careers and for their collectors. I am passionate about this work and feel that it is my duty to help these artists succeed.
Being a part of the NFT community has been an incredible experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for art with others. I am excited to see where this technology will take us in the future and am dedicated to being a part of that journey.
How do you select the artists you curate?
When it comes to selecting artists to work with, my main criteria is their work ethic. I am always on the lookout for artists who possess a genuine passion for producing content that others can enjoy in innovative ways. I believe that an artist’s work ethic is a reflection of their dedication to their craft, and it is this dedication that ultimately leads to the creation of truly exceptional art.
When assessing an artist’s work ethic, I pay close attention to their approach to creating new work, their willingness to experiment and take risks, and their ability to adapt to new technologies and trends. I am also interested in learning about their creative process, and what drives them to continue creating and producing new work.
I work hard to ensure that the artists I select are not only talented, but also have a true passion for their craft. I believe that this is what sets truly great artists apart from the rest, and it is this passion that I strive to find and nurture. I am always on the lookout for innovative and exciting new talent, and I am excited to continue working with artists who share my passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art.
How do you see the NFT art market evolving in the future?
The NFT market is incredibly diverse and constantly evolving, making it difficult to predict the future. However, I believe that the market will continue to grow and evolve in a hybrid manner, alongside traditional art forms. I think that as the technology advances, physical artworks will become more integrated into the NFT space, and the authenticity of these physical artworks will be verified and secured through the use of NFTs.
I believe that NFTs will play a crucial role in revolutionizing the way we collect and authenticate physical artworks. NFTs provide a unique digital signature that can be used to verify the authenticity of a physical artwork, and this technology can be used to create smart contracts that will make it much easier for collectors to prove ownership and provenance of their artworks.
Furthermore, I think that the NFT market will continue to become more mainstream and will attract a larger audience of art collectors and enthusiasts. As the market continues to grow, I expect to see more traditional art institutions and galleries embracing the technology, and physical exhibitions featuring NFT artworks will become more common.
Can you speak to the role of curation in the NFT art space, and how it differs from traditional art curation?
The traditional art space has long been known for its high commission fees, which are often due to the many indirect costs associated with running a physical gallery or exhibition. These indirect costs can include things like rent, utilities, insurance, and staffing expenses. However, with the emergence of NFTs, it has become possible to reduce these indirect costs, making it more affordable for both curators and artists to produce and sell their work.
One of the key benefits of using NFTs is that it eliminates many of the indirect costs associated with traditional art sales. For example, NFTs do not require a physical space to be exhibited and sold, so the costs of rent and utilities are eliminated. Additionally, NFTs can be sold online, which eliminates the need for staffing expenses and allows for higher editions, making the art more accessible to a wider audience.
Another advantage of NFTs is that it allows for more flexibility in terms of editions and pricing. Traditional artworks are often limited to a small number of physical editions, which can make them expensive and out of reach for many buyers. With NFTs, it is possible to offer higher editions at a lower cost, due to the reduced costs of production and distribution. This makes it more accessible for buyers to own a piece of the artist’s work, and also helps support the artist’s career.
How do you stay current on the latest developments and trends in the NFT art world?
Staying current in the rapidly evolving world of NFTs can be challenging, but one of the most effective ways to stay informed is to connect with other people who share your passion for the industry. Building a network of friends and colleagues within the NFT community can provide a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
The people in the NFT space tend to be passionate and driven individuals, who are always willing to share their knowledge and help others learn more about the industry. By building relationships with these individuals, you can learn from their experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the market.
Can you share any insights on how to identify and invest in high-quality NFT art projects?
When evaluating potential artworks to invest in, I focus primarily on the artist’s portfolio. This allows me to gain a sense of their style and approach to creating art, and gives me an idea of whether they are a good candidate for investment. When identifying high-quality NFT artworks, I not only look at the art itself, but also what it can provide in terms of utility, such as its ability to change the current NFT industry. This can include things like the artist’s previous work, their vision, the work’s uniqueness, the team behind the project and the potential for the work to be used in other applications.
How do you see the interaction of physical and digital art in the future?
I believe that as times change, we will see a growing interaction between traditional art and the NFT industry. This interaction is similar to how photography was initially scorned by traditional art but later became widely accepted. Currently, the NFT industry may not be widely used, but it has not yet shown its full potential in differentiating itself from traditional art forms.
I think that traditional art and NFTs can coexist and support each other in the future. However, the technology is still evolving and it is difficult to predict exactly how the two will interact. As technology continues to advance, I believe that we will see new and innovative ways for the NFT industry to interact with traditional art forms, and in the future, it will be a natural integration.
How do you approach the question of authenticity and provenance in the NFT art market?
Authenticity is a crucial aspect of the NFT industry, and it cannot be faked or lied about. However, there have been instances where research is necessary to ensure authenticity. One such example is the Fvckrender case, which highlights the importance of conducting research before making transactions, despite the authenticity being proved. Many people tend to rely on word of mouth, but it is important to do your own research, even if it’s just a quick search on Etherscan, to feel confident in your transactions.