NFTs and Art as a A Way to Tell One's Story - an interview with Kshitij Gupta
Find Kshitij here: @kshitij.psd
Interviewed by Zarah Noorani (@zarahyolo)
Featured image by Kshitij Gupta
Here’s the thing. Art is always changing, as is life. Especially in the past few years, when the world has seen more worldwhinding situations than ever. Things are changing fast. And we’re all for it.
NFT’s have often been a playground for debate and discussion (call it what you will) for art lovers and spectators alike. The constant back and forth between whether traditional art should remain as the primary way of art consumption or is it better to embrace the inevitable digitalization of all things we once knew. When I spoke to Kshitij about his art and his newfound love for cryptocurrency and what we know as new forms of trading, I found myself learning more than I ever thought I would ever sign up for. And it was awesome.
Kshitij Gupta is a 22-year-old recent college graduate, digital artist and perennial think-er. You know, if you’ve ever encountered his work, you would know how insightful it is. Kshitij’s art speaks about thoughts, and I know you’re probably thinking - oh wow Zars, come on. All art is a reflection of thought. Yes, yes. When it comes to his art, there is an impressive amount of thought, determination and passion, and that is what sets him apart. Every edit he makes tells a story from his own life. That’s where he says he gets his ideas.
How did you first get into Digital art?
It was when I was much younger that I really got exposure to digital art. I’d won a local competition where the prize was an internship at a design institute. I went on to learn photoshop there, but soon after I learned the basics, I moved on from it. When I got into college, I started working on my Instagram grid. I started with Photoshop so I could be different from the rest, there are around 100000 photographers out there! I created a majority of the artwork that needed photoshop elements so I could differ from all those amazing photographers and develop my own niche. I really wanted my authentic, unique elements to be a part of my work. I got back into photoshop, started taking photos and edited them for my Instagram grid. I think I was quite the brat in my first few years at college before I realized I needed to get it together.
Do you think we’re in a sustainable environment for artists?
You know, I used to put my work out there for the likes and shares, and not for the art itself. As a result, my art was suffering. However, now I have realised that whoever wants to see my work, will. The likes and shares were affecting me, when my work was being shared, it reached masses. I create for nobody but myself and I’m happy with what I put out there. I want my art to reach the right audience.
How did you get into working on NFTs?
I’ve been following the cryptocurrency scene for 4 months now through some of my friends and Elon Musk’s tweets. I spent some time learning and understanding how to invest, and became an investor and an artist. I think it is all about finding the right market in cryptocurrency. So I spoke to some investors about the process and sought guidance with them and it went on from there on forward. I started creating work and eventually sold my first art piece as an NFT.
How does NFT tie into your digital art practice? What is the difference?
There’s no difference, really, except for the scope of physical galleries and showings you have with traditional art. You have to deal with booking and renting a gallery, setting up a whole event and so much more. When it comes to NFTs, you have to put your work up on sites for networking and work on getting word out.
Was the whole process worth it?
NFT is like a bubble that is going to burst. There is certain credibility of art and how well-known or famous you are matter quite a bit. With NFTs, you can sell anything. The price one pays to put up their art as an NFT is more or less the same as renting a gallery in person. You know, I was lucky to be able to do this. Out of millions of pieces out there, I found a buyer for my work.
Art over NFTs or vice-versa?
Art is just communication. It is perception and tells stories. Traditional art is not something you can just replace. NFTs bridge a gap between us and art, and I feel the same about all forms of art. All forms of art are a medium to convey what the artist feels.
What would your dream alternative art form be?
I have an inclination towards visual arts and theatre. I want people to respect art as an equal medium of expression, and so I plan to merge marketing with design to create a better standard for art as we know it.
What’s next for Kshitij Gupta?
So, I’ve found another investor for my work, and have been working with him for a while now. I’m also planning to work on 3-4 pieces releasing in the next month.