Manifest Crypto.

Filip Zarić is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Belgrade. His recent showcase named Manifest Crypto, had its Belgrade premier and was unleashed into the public. It is an amalgamation of blockchain NFTs, poetry, video art, and comic books all held in one place. So we had the chance to speak to him about the Manifest Crypto, his artistic processes, and his two cents on the future of the NFTs and its involvement with the art world.

Can you tell us about your background as an artist, from your early days and to your recent work on Manifest Crypto?

Essentially, while I'm a big film enthusiast, I've spent the most significant part of my artistic and creative engagement as a songwriter, although I've also dabbled in public performances associated with applied visual arts in roles quite different from the expected, and I've participated in various poetry festivals, and tours.

How did you encounter NFTs first, and what drew you to the world of blockchain technology and digital art?

I first encountered digital art and electronic music, like many kids of my generation, through video games. Back then, people used to create what we called "demos," which blended animation, programming, and music. I also noticed some fantastic melodies and compositions coming from relatively limited computer capabilities. My understanding that Bitcoin wasn't just an experiment but a serious technological advancement led me to delve into blockchain technology, which I saw as the new Internet. NFTs are a natural progression of my interests, ranging from video games and a passion for film to being a musician, poet, and digital artist. However, I'm not essentially a visual artist, at least not in the traditional sense.

With Manifest Crypto, you’ve combined various art forms, from comics, music, and even poetry. How do these different forms of expression influence and inspire each other in your creative process, and how did you gather collaborators for this project?

The process wasn't particularly challenging, although it was sometimes tricky to schedule meetings since everyone had their own commitments. Initially, I came up with the story and then we created the characters. I reached out to a childhood neighbor, who's an artist, and he had some of his works on OpenSea. He provided me with the segments, which I processed through a code that generated the characters. My brother, a programmer, ensured everything worked smoothly, and the characters, called DaDai, became part of DaDai Space. One evening, during a live online meeting, and while cracking jokes, we spontaneously created the comic alongside the character collection. Although we initially thought of making a miniseries with sketches, a comic turned out to be a simpler and more enjoyable format. Manifest Crypto, as an artwork, incorporates verses I wrote several years ago as a reaction to the positive potential of these technologies. The entire work represents a fusion, as it occurred to me that these elements didn't need to be separate, so I merged the story narrative about the characters into something bigger with the existing blockchain-themed poem. As for the people involved in the exhibition as musical and performative support, they are friends who readily accepted our invitation.

What motivated you to shift towards storytelling through NFTs? Do you have a framework for thinking when working on storytelling, especially on this project?

I wanted to see someone create this kind of project in the space I was involved in, to raise awareness about what was happening because technology was advancing so rapidly, and people were struggling to keep up with the trends. The entire artistic endeavor here in the end serves a commercial purpose (of course, in a way that aligns with our values and preferences). However, our team fundamentally aims to create something that we would enjoy, funny and/or intelligent. Paradoxically, I'm the one fitting in commercial utilities. Sadly, if something isn't commercial, it's challenging to sustain, but luckily, it does not bother our project. In any case, there's no shortage of creative entertainment. Recently, I worked on adding sound effects for each of the story panels that will be published on our website. There are many plans, and we don't want to limit ourselves in any way. Currently, we're in the initial stages of collaboration with Attic42 Incubator to secure additional space and support.

And does the new medium allow you to explore and expand upon your creative vision even further than known formats?

Certainly, this medium is often considered a democratization of media, but the key word is actually decentralization. And its opportunities. Everyone has the means to create using just a laptop. Collections of photos, cards, videos, music, streaming content, interactive elements are all interconnected just like the name "internet" suggests. If we look at what Yuga Labs is doing with BAYC it's a wonder there's no animated series already. In the near future, streaming platforms will become integrated with blockchain technology, opening up new possibilities for viewers. This means that TV show audiences might not only enjoy their favorite shows but also receive rewards such as t-shirts, hats, or even cryptocurrency as part of marketing promotions. All of this has a massive impact on creators, as it changes the approach. It also has a huge impact on the audience.

To further answer your question, while some technical knowledge for new medium is needed, in terms of pure art and creative vision, nothing has particularly changed. A good idea remains crucial for quality of art or entertainment. As I like to say, it's essential to remember that the golden ratio is unbeatable; everything else is a pure bonus.

Do you have a favorite NFT artist? And what was your first minted NFT and on which platform?

My favorite is Otkach, the pixel character created by my childhood friend. Of course, art doesn't reside in the NFT; it's within the person creating it and the one experiencing it. NFTs just serve as a tool or another channel for artists to explore creativity and reach their audience which is pretty awesome.

I honestly can't remember my first minted NFT, I believe it was a test on one of the test networks on OpenSea.

What made you take an interest in NFT art and pursue it?

The excitement of a new space introduced by blockchain specifically reflected in the realm of art through NFTs. This is a deeper process connected to a change in the paradigm of value perception, shifts in thinking, decentralization, and as the Manifest Crypto verse suggests, increase in power, but also in responsibility.

Intimately, it might be a desire to heal from the modern illnesses we all suffer from, like the pursuit of success, fame, and money or another attempt to somehow overcome death by leaving a mark; these are some of the motives. However, fundamentally, it's the universal feeling stemming from creativity and adventure that I really find most valuable. Blended with something entirely new, I believe this can make positive strides in the existing, fragile social relationships and life conditions.

**Will there be similar themed works as Manifest Crypto, or are you planning to make something entirely new?**There could be a similar art project if someone requests it or if an opportunity arises. I admire what MSCHF is doing, especially their initial work, "Persistence of Chaos." I'd love to engage with a concept like that, within the context of our execution, and definitely in an interactive format. I believe that contemporary art must become increasingly interactive and layered, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence.

What are your expectations for NFTs and future projects? Do you think this format will help artists develop new techniques?

NFTs have a wide range of applications, from airplane tickets to renting space, to unique voting cards. Digital art is just one of them. I believe the use of NFT technology will become more prevalent. For example, a publishing house releases a music album as an unlimited number of NFTs. Half of the proceeds or any other percent from the NFT sales can go directly to the artist. Or, the NFT itself can be used for a buyer to claim a vinyl record and serve as a ticket to a concert or a discount on the same. Established publishing houses will likely adopt such practices in the future, sooner than we think, perhaps even major players like Sony Music. There are artists who already gave part of the royalty rights for their songs to the holders of a limited number of NFTs. Very few people would turn down such terms, making this the future.

Regarding new artistic techniques, people will definitely come up with new ways to combine existing possibilities. Some new TV shows utilize additional expression and support from NFTs. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is currently collaborating on a postcard project. Essentially, they could have done this collaboration without NFTs, but simply having NFTs provoked such an initiative. The film "The Quiet Maid" was funded through NFTs, and  Carl Cox has his 30-minute performance in the metaverse; things are happening, and it's safe to say that this trend is not passing.

Were you satisfied with the exhibition and how it was received by the people?

I cannot say I am dissatisfied. People are still coming to terms with something entirely new. During the event, many people attended, and during the 45-minute guided tour, their attention didn't waver. They approached me with questions, and I received positive feedback. I made a sincere effort to explain the concept to every visitor. The exhibition included an educational section on the possibilities and dangers of blockchain and a storytelling and entertainment component. An interview about the exhibition was published in a web journal portal.

Manifest Crypto.

Filip Zarić is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Belgrade. His recent showcase named Manifest Crypto, had its Belgrade premier and was unleashed into the public. It is an amalgamation of blockchain NFTs, poetry, video art, and comic books all held in one place. So we had the chance to speak to him about the Manifest Crypto, his artistic processes, and his two cents on the future of the NFTs and its involvement with the art world.

Can you tell us about your background as an artist, from your early days and to your recent work on Manifest Crypto?

Essentially, while I'm a big film enthusiast, I've spent the most significant part of my artistic and creative engagement as a songwriter, although I've also dabbled in public performances associated with applied visual arts in roles quite different from the expected, and I've participated in various poetry festivals, and tours.

How did you encounter NFTs first, and what drew you to the world of blockchain technology and digital art?

I first encountered digital art and electronic music, like many kids of my generation, through video games. Back then, people used to create what we called "demos," which blended animation, programming, and music. I also noticed some fantastic melodies and compositions coming from relatively limited computer capabilities. My understanding that Bitcoin wasn't just an experiment but a serious technological advancement led me to delve into blockchain technology, which I saw as the new Internet. NFTs are a natural progression of my interests, ranging from video games and a passion for film to being a musician, poet, and digital artist. However, I'm not essentially a visual artist, at least not in the traditional sense.

With Manifest Crypto, you’ve combined various art forms, from comics, music, and even poetry. How do these different forms of expression influence and inspire each other in your creative process, and how did you gather collaborators for this project?

The process wasn't particularly challenging, although it was sometimes tricky to schedule meetings since everyone had their own commitments. Initially, I came up with the story and then we created the characters. I reached out to a childhood neighbor, who's an artist, and he had some of his works on OpenSea. He provided me with the segments, which I processed through a code that generated the characters. My brother, a programmer, ensured everything worked smoothly, and the characters, called DaDai, became part of DaDai Space. One evening, during a live online meeting, and while cracking jokes, we spontaneously created the comic alongside the character collection. Although we initially thought of making a miniseries with sketches, a comic turned out to be a simpler and more enjoyable format. Manifest Crypto, as an artwork, incorporates verses I wrote several years ago as a reaction to the positive potential of these technologies. The entire work represents a fusion, as it occurred to me that these elements didn't need to be separate, so I merged the story narrative about the characters into something bigger with the existing blockchain-themed poem. As for the people involved in the exhibition as musical and performative support, they are friends who readily accepted our invitation.

What motivated you to shift towards storytelling through NFTs? Do you have a framework for thinking when working on storytelling, especially on this project?

I wanted to see someone create this kind of project in the space I was involved in, to raise awareness about what was happening because technology was advancing so rapidly, and people were struggling to keep up with the trends. The entire artistic endeavor here in the end serves a commercial purpose (of course, in a way that aligns with our values and preferences). However, our team fundamentally aims to create something that we would enjoy, funny and/or intelligent. Paradoxically, I'm the one fitting in commercial utilities. Sadly, if something isn't commercial, it's challenging to sustain, but luckily, it does not bother our project. In any case, there's no shortage of creative entertainment. Recently, I worked on adding sound effects for each of the story panels that will be published on our website. There are many plans, and we don't want to limit ourselves in any way. Currently, we're in the initial stages of collaboration with Attic42 Incubator to secure additional space and support.

And does the new medium allow you to explore and expand upon your creative vision even further than known formats?

Certainly, this medium is often considered a democratization of media, but the key word is actually decentralization. And its opportunities. Everyone has the means to create using just a laptop. Collections of photos, cards, videos, music, streaming content, interactive elements are all interconnected just like the name "internet" suggests. If we look at what Yuga Labs is doing with BAYC it's a wonder there's no animated series already. In the near future, streaming platforms will become integrated with blockchain technology, opening up new possibilities for viewers. This means that TV show audiences might not only enjoy their favorite shows but also receive rewards such as t-shirts, hats, or even cryptocurrency as part of marketing promotions. All of this has a massive impact on creators, as it changes the approach. It also has a huge impact on the audience.

To further answer your question, while some technical knowledge for new medium is needed, in terms of pure art and creative vision, nothing has particularly changed. A good idea remains crucial for quality of art or entertainment. As I like to say, it's essential to remember that the golden ratio is unbeatable; everything else is a pure bonus.

Do you have a favorite NFT artist? And what was your first minted NFT and on which platform?

My favorite is Otkach, the pixel character created by my childhood friend. Of course, art doesn't reside in the NFT; it's within the person creating it and the one experiencing it. NFTs just serve as a tool or another channel for artists to explore creativity and reach their audience which is pretty awesome.

I honestly can't remember my first minted NFT, I believe it was a test on one of the test networks on OpenSea.

What made you take an interest in NFT art and pursue it?

The excitement of a new space introduced by blockchain specifically reflected in the realm of art through NFTs. This is a deeper process connected to a change in the paradigm of value perception, shifts in thinking, decentralization, and as the Manifest Crypto verse suggests, increase in power, but also in responsibility.

Intimately, it might be a desire to heal from the modern illnesses we all suffer from, like the pursuit of success, fame, and money or another attempt to somehow overcome death by leaving a mark; these are some of the motives. However, fundamentally, it's the universal feeling stemming from creativity and adventure that I really find most valuable. Blended with something entirely new, I believe this can make positive strides in the existing, fragile social relationships and life conditions.

**Will there be similar themed works as Manifest Crypto, or are you planning to make something entirely new?**There could be a similar art project if someone requests it or if an opportunity arises. I admire what MSCHF is doing, especially their initial work, "Persistence of Chaos." I'd love to engage with a concept like that, within the context of our execution, and definitely in an interactive format. I believe that contemporary art must become increasingly interactive and layered, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence.

What are your expectations for NFTs and future projects? Do you think this format will help artists develop new techniques?

NFTs have a wide range of applications, from airplane tickets to renting space, to unique voting cards. Digital art is just one of them. I believe the use of NFT technology will become more prevalent. For example, a publishing house releases a music album as an unlimited number of NFTs. Half of the proceeds or any other percent from the NFT sales can go directly to the artist. Or, the NFT itself can be used for a buyer to claim a vinyl record and serve as a ticket to a concert or a discount on the same. Established publishing houses will likely adopt such practices in the future, sooner than we think, perhaps even major players like Sony Music. There are artists who already gave part of the royalty rights for their songs to the holders of a limited number of NFTs. Very few people would turn down such terms, making this the future.

Regarding new artistic techniques, people will definitely come up with new ways to combine existing possibilities. Some new TV shows utilize additional expression and support from NFTs. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is currently collaborating on a postcard project. Essentially, they could have done this collaboration without NFTs, but simply having NFTs provoked such an initiative. The film "The Quiet Maid" was funded through NFTs, and  Carl Cox has his 30-minute performance in the metaverse; things are happening, and it's safe to say that this trend is not passing.

Were you satisfied with the exhibition and how it was received by the people?

I cannot say I am dissatisfied. People are still coming to terms with something entirely new. During the event, many people attended, and during the 45-minute guided tour, their attention didn't waver. They approached me with questions, and I received positive feedback. I made a sincere effort to explain the concept to every visitor. The exhibition included an educational section on the possibilities and dangers of blockchain and a storytelling and entertainment component. An interview about the exhibition was published in a web journal portal.