This article is also available in Spanish.
Web3 Breaking free from the grip of postmodernism: the artistic renaissance
by visa
Postmodernism is not just an artistic issue, it is everywhere. This pervasive individualistic philosophy has seeped into Big Tech, corporations, legislation, the media, and almost every major institution, too often stifling true creativity, diversity of thought, and depth. For comparison, there are about 200 other philosophies, 4,300 religions, the male perspective, stay-at-home mothers, the working class, the dwindling middle class, the scientific paradigm, and much more that are excluded from the exhibition circuits simply because they don’t fit. The dominant narrative, which paradoxically claims to be the one who has been repressed. It’s really a Belief in luxury For the modern aristocracy – an instrument of control – its Marxist roots always appear when pressure is applied.
The hallmark of postmodernism is deconstruction, the dismantling of concepts and ideals without offering a coherent path forward. It is a circular maze that constantly multiplies on itself, leading to increasingly bizarre conclusions to solve the very problems it creates. The real solutions lie in expanding the field of vision beyond this single framework, and embracing the diversity of philosophies, religions, and viewpoints that have shaped humanity for thousands of years. The real power of Web3 lies in its ability to do just that: to take art and culture out of this one-note narrative, and to enable creatives and thinkers alike to explore beyond the boundaries imposed by postmodernism.
This is what we missed in the first round of NFT importing the same postmodern experts from the world we were trying to break free of. This is in addition to some better technical solutions for sustainable art, as some falling platforms have shown.
First we had a real avant-garde scene, which was then quickly eroded by the millions upon millions who flocked to final-stage postmodernist expressions, championed by people who either (a) didn’t realize how tired it all was or (b) were It received significant financial and ideological incentives to support it.
It turns out that disdain for ideas and their importance means that the working class, time and time again, ends up being governed by them. Although I understand why this might be amusing to some, I see how many people are disappointed now that the humanities are dominated by one monolithic ideology. Likewise, US intellectuals’ disdain for “Alawites” is now being judged with the MAGA hat in a very different way after forty years of indulging in postmodernist ideas and contempt. Belly of speech in A The life of bugs It appears on the surface as well.
You can’t sum up postmodernism just to be woke and Marxist, but you’re not far off. In case you want to hear the basics, Stephen Hicks has a great breakdown and summary of it. You may have to spend 3 hours to save your life and community to get it, so it’s not really that long ⚡️
Part One – Foundations of Philosophy
Part Two – Relevance Now
For five long decades, the postmodern movement kept art in a stranglehold, imposing its narrow, often cynical, vision of reality. Art became a reflection of society’s fragmentation, alienation, and obsession with irony – what I call the “monolithic norm of postmodernism.” While postmodernism initially sought to challenge established norms, it has since become the new establishment, dictating an increasingly restrictive narrative. The postmodern art world has marginalized true exploration, profound beauty, and universal human truths.
This is where Web3 steps in, not just as a technological shift but as a liberation front for artistic expression. That was the point. Not just monetization at all, but actually liberating the culture. Web3 allows artists to break free from the centralized grip of traditional galleries and critics, unleashing a decentralized platform where new ideas can flourish – but it means the scene has to support that, rather than the next duck tape or AI-powered monkey image.
Through NFTs and blockchain, creators can finally bypass gatekeepers, reach audiences directly and let their art speak unfiltered. It is the era of anti-postmodernism we have been waiting for, one that values originality, courage, and depth over calculated cynicism and superficial criticism. The freedom to explore and create has guided us in a broad way, as the Internet has already guided us over the past 20 years.
What is it Garden of earthly delights By Hieronymus Bosch. From Heaven to Hell, the path of study is clear at the end stage. These are not just imaginary nightmares. They are warnings about human nature, and what a world would be like without religion. Feel a little familiar? The tweet link will explain this further.
Beyond the restrictive framework of postmodernism lies a rich expanse of artistic traditions and narratives that we have missed. Imagine a return to the timeless pursuits of beauty, harmony and spirituality, fused with the advancements of digital technology. Art that celebrates connection, transcendence and human potential. Web3 offers the tools to bring these visions to life, and artists are now free to explore themes of mythology, futurism, abstraction, and even divinity—all without having to conform to a single ideology. This isn’t just art for art’s sake; It’s art for Humanity Yes, it’s been a long time.
Originality as an Artist: From Cave Paintings to the Metaverse
Art is not a modern trend, but rather an essential aspect of the human journey dating back to the days of our ancestors who used to paint on the walls of caves. However, in today’s world, many artists find themselves restricted by the expectations of following certain trends, often losing their originality along the way. True art is not about following popular movements or creating what is trendy. It’s about tapping into a line of creativity spanning thousands of years, spanning everything from the first tribal sculptures to the great works of Renaissance artwork, all the way to the digital landscapes of the metaverse.
To be an authentic artist means to immerse yourself in this vast ocean of history and expression, and to draw inspiration from both the past and the future. The beauty of Web3 is that it allows artists to travel through these worlds without restrictions. Blockchain technology and NFTs are not only democratizing art; They create a space in which we can explore new forms of expression while remaining grounded in the wisdom of our creative ancestors. For example, the Metaverse offers the opportunity to merge the digital with the timeless, creating interactive experiences that honor the depth and spirituality of ancient art forms while pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
As you explore the richness of art history, you find yourself standing on the shoulders of giants. Authentic art does not simply imitate or interact, it builds bridges. It’s about finding your voice in this vast chorus and using every tool available, whether it’s oil on canvas, sculpture, or virtual reality. Web3 and the metaverse make this journey more enjoyable, providing artists with a canvas as wide as their imagination. True artists dig deep, break molds, and remind us that art is not about time or technology, but about the timeless pursuit of truth.
Heretical Idea: Sponsor your own exhibitions outside the institution
Here’s a heretical thought for cultural curators and artists: Forget trying to break into the art world if you don’t feel represented. Start your own art galleries, curate your own shows, and let Web3 be the platform for sharing artwork on your own terms. Creating an online gallery is cheap.
Web3 has made this completely possible. Through decentralized platforms, artists can bypass traditional gatekeepers, reach global audiences, and create communities that value and support their work. Curating your gallery isn’t just an act of challenge; It’s a celebration of creative freedom. Imagine artists coming together to form collections that highlight unique styles, new voices, and bold themes that the traditional art world might consider “too much.” With NFTs and blockchain, you have the tools to bring these galleries to life without relying on anyone else’s approval.
Organizing your gallery in a Web3 space doesn’t just disrupt the old system; It builds a new one based on collaboration, innovation and authenticity. This is where true artistic diversity, unfettered by the constraints of a single ideology, can flourish. Artists can create exhibitions that reflect their vision, themes and messages, whether surreal, futuristic, spiritual exploration or social and political commentary. The freedom to shape your own narrative is the most powerful tool artists have, and Web3 is the key to unlocking it. It’s time to stop waiting for permission and start creating spaces that embody the true spirit of art: raw, gritty, and unfiltered.
Trade and development report
Note that all of these artists and collectors below are conducting this poll by not advertising their opinions. I’ve championed this, in the spirit of free speech, since coming out in 2017, and have been put in the web3 culture prison for it (mostly) ever since. Here is a previous article to prove it.
7 years ago
So, be postmodern, that’s okay, I’m not trying to take your voice away from you, but actually deliver on the promise of inclusion so everyone can come to play. The virtual world is for everyone, not just one dominant ideology that ignores most of the world. There are many avenues for us to explore, but if artists don’t even dare to express any nuance, let alone take sides in the most polarizing election of my lifetime, then something is very wrong.
As for the cover photo, I have my reservations about Trump, even if there is a potential Web3 landslide against the pro-censorship camp led by figures like Kamala. My concerns are less obvious with Elon Musk, Ron Paul, RFK, Tulsi Gabbard, and increasingly JD Vance after listening to him on Rogan. While most visual artists haven’t – even on Web3 – comedians have changed the landscape, leapfrogging us 6-0 in importance.
The thing is, even if Trump is guilty of a lot, he and his team of “X-mutants” have become voices for Bitcoin, free speech, opposition to Big Pharma, and perhaps even psychedelics, chipmunks, and the like. For the first time in my life, a political campaign is actually addressing ideas that matter to me. Of course, since I’m not a US citizen, you don’t have to worry about my vote even if you absolutely hate everything I just wrote. However, this election will greatly impact my life, and was addressed in the web3 Citizens of the World Spirit.
Let that sink in,
visa
Crypto artist, speaker, consultant, writer
All the links to physicals, NFTs, and more below