Bridging Worlds aims to explore the transformative power of digital art to connect worlds, transcend borders, and foster a sense of unity between diverse artistic practices. Inspired by the theme of the 60th Biennale, “Stranieri Ovunque” – “Foreigners Everywhere“, the auction will feature an illustrious lineup of artists, including Andreas Gysin, Deafbeef, Emi Kusano, Erick Calderon (Snowfro), IX Shells, Iskra Velitchkova, Mario Klingemann, Niceaunties, OONA and Sasha Stiles. Additionally, digital artists from around the world have been invited by Eric Calderon (aka Snowfro), founder of Art Blocks and Cromie Squiggle, to participate in an open call to reinterpret Chromie Squiggle in a way that challenges the idea of boundaries – both literal and metaphorical. By participating, artists contributed to a global conversation to support the mission of theUNHCR to assist displaced communities around the world.
The open call generated nearly 200 proposals from around the world
The winning work, Handle With Care by Vinnie Hager, was selected by a panel of experts and will be featured in the digital auction alongside the other participating artists. A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit theUNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. UNHCR protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution and works in more than 130 countries to protect millions of people by providing vital support, safeguarding human rights and helping refugees build a better future. The project was initiated and led by Leila Khazaneh, a passionate digital art collector and Innovation Advisor in Switzerland for UNHCR. The auction is curated by Micol Ap, founder and CEO of VerticalCrypto Art, a web3 curatorial studio dedicated to art and culture on the blockchain, which offers consultancy for collectors, projects and brands for web3. Micol is also part of the curatorial council of Art Blocks and has over nine years of experience working in the fields of technology and art. Sygnum, a global digital asset banking group working to make value on the blockchain more accessible and reliableand, is a partner supporting Switzerland for UNHCR for this auction on Christie's 3.0.
Cryptophilanthropy to Support Global Causes
An event that will bring together organizations, artists and collectors will be held in Geneva on October 24. It will showcase the power of digital art and cryptophilanthropy in Switzerland, highlighting the value of innovation as blockchain technology and NFTs provide new avenues to support global humanitarian causes.
