Critical theory for crypto art

Exploring the impact of non-fungible tokens on the commodification of art in the digital age

Bibliographic Data

ID4481976
AuthorsZoran Poposki (0000-0002-1694-7341, Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume192
Issue1
Pages207-228
Publication date2025-04-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThesis Eleven (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0725-5136 • E-ISSN: 1461-7455
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/07255136251331989
OpenAlexW4409675394
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited30

The article explores non-fungible token (NFT) art as the ultimate form of commodification of art, thus positioning it as a potential ideal art form for capitalism. The article synthesizes theories from fields outside of art history, including critical theory, new materialism, and object-oriented ontology, to provide a comprehensive explanation for the rise of NFTs and their impact on the art world. By utilizing critical theory, power dynamics and hierarchies within a given context are analyzed, while new materialism and object-oriented ontology expand the scope of analysis to include non-human entities and their agency. These theoretical frameworks also provide insights into the material and ontological aspects of the NFT art phenomenon. The study's findings reveal the entanglement of digital assets with the social, economic, and technological dimensions of capitalism. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing debates surrounding the intersections of art and capitalism, while providing a theoretical foundation

Aesthetics · Art · Commodification · Critical theory · Economics · Economy · Epistemology · Sociology · Digital Media and Philosophy · Philosophy

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