The Musée d’Orsay, in collaboration with the Tezos Foundation, is bridging the gap between art and technology by launching digital NFT souvenirs for its upcoming exhibition titled “Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise: The Final Months.” These unique digital collectibles, created by KERU, include a representation of Van Gogh’s final palette and can be shared using augmented reality on mobile devices.
Christophe Leribault, president of the Musées d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “We are excited to offer our visitors the opportunity to take away with them digital souvenirs of this exceptional exhibition.” He added that these digital souvenirs would serve as original reminders of visitors’ experiences, always within reach on their phones, computers, and home screens.
The collaboration between the Musée d’Orsay and the Tezos Foundation goes beyond digital collectibles. It also includes web3 education and outreach, aiming to promote a deeper understanding of blockchain technology and its applications in the art world.
This initiative aligns with the Musée d’Orsay’s broader commitment to embracing digital art and sustainability. Hélène Quintin, CEO of KERU, highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing that blockchain technology should strengthen connections rather than being the ultimate objective.
In similar news, the Centre Pompidou is currently showcasing its first collection of NFTs until February 2024. This exhibition features 18 digital works, including iconic NFT collectibles like CryptoPunks and Bored Apes. The aim is to elevate NFTs to the same level as traditional fine art while providing context for their contemporary popularity within the broader discourse of art and digital media.
Philippe Bettinelli, the curator at the Centre Pompidou, emphasized the importance of understanding the history of digital art, stating that it has existed since the 1960s in experimental forms that were less widely disseminated at the time. The initiatives by both the Musée d’Orsay and the Centre Pompidou exemplify the growing intersection of art and blockchain technology.
By leveraging blockchain and NFTs, museums can provide unique experiences to their patrons while contributing to a better understanding and acceptance of these technologies in the art world.
In conclusion, the Musée d’Orsay’s partnership with the Tezos Foundation to launch digital NFT souvenirs for its upcoming exhibition demonstrates how art and technology can come together to enhance the visitor experience. It also highlights the increasing adoption of blockchain and NFTs in the art world and their potential to revolutionize the way we appreciate and interact with art.
