ThankYouX: From Graffiti to NFTs and Beyond 🎨🚀

ThankYouX's artwork launched into space and now on display at Sotheby's in a solo exhibit. Quite impressive for a former graffiti-obsessed artist turned NFT creator.

ThankYouX’s career takes off with a bang as his NFT Creator lands at Sotheby’s!

Ryan Wilson, better known by his artist name ThankYouX, is a force to be reckoned with in both the physical and digital art worlds. From his humble beginnings as an underground graffiti artist to his current solo exhibition at Sotheby’s, he has continuously pushed boundaries and captivated audiences with his unique style 🎨✨

The Evolution of ThankYouX’s Artistic Journey 🌙

ThankYouX’s artistic journey started in 2009, where he would roam the streets at night, leaving his mark with the words “Thank you” and an “X.” This act of graffiti art became his signature, and art blogs began referring to him as ThankYouX. The thrill and freedom he experienced during those nighttime escapades shaped his artistic identity and fueled his passion for creation 🌃

Moving forward to 2022, ThankYouX jumped into the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which marked a significant turning point in his career. NFTs allowed him to seamlessly blend physical and digital art, creating pieces that are perfect for viewing on screens of all sizes. His renowned signature cubes and hybrid physical-digital paintings have mesmerized collectors, leading to his current solo exhibition, “Inertia,” at Sotheby’s in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 💥🎟️

“Inertia” is a reflection of ThankYouX’s diverse body of work over the past few years. The exhibition features a mix of digital and physical art, including paintings with embedded screens. Each piece in the collection exudes movement, with brush strokes flowing in different directions, representing various elements like the ocean, wind, and even people walking. ThankYouX aims to immerse viewers in a dynamic experience that mirrors the movement seen on digital screens 🖼️🌊

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ThankYouX inertia opening (Sotheby’s)

Making Waves in the NFT Space 🌊💻

ThankYouX’s foray into NFTs began in 2017 when a friend mentioned the emergence of CryptoKitties. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that he delved deeper into the NFT world after a collector approached him about the growing NFT trend. Intrigued by the intersection of art and emerging tech, ThankYouX explored NFTs, discovering a vibrant community of artists embracing this new medium 🌐🖌️

As an artist who loves pushing boundaries, ThankYouX found himself advocating for both physical and digital art. He acknowledges that not everyone shares his enthusiasm for NFTs and their potential. Nevertheless, he takes pride in bridging the gap between traditional and digital art, leveraging his presence in physical art institutions like Sotheby’s to promote and legitimize the blockchain art movement. Even his physical pieces now come with digital certificates of authenticity, cementing their place in the digital realm as well 🎟️💻

In a surprising and out-of-this-world feat, ThankYouX’s art recently took flight aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. His painting, “Urge for Protection,” was sent into space as part of the Axiom 2 mission, accompanied by the first Saudi Arabian female astronaut. The artwork floated around the rocket before returning to Earth, where it was auctioned off by Sotheby’s. This extraordinary experience showcases ThankYouX’s passion for space exploration and his willingness to push artistic boundaries to new heights 🚀🌌

Urge for Perfection – launched into space on SpaceX Falcon 9 by ThankYouX (Axiom)

Notable Sales and Rapid Fire Q&A 🔥💵

Throughout his career, ThankYouX has achieved several notable sales, solidifying his position in the art world. Some of his remarkable sales include: – “As Good As You” sold for $397,026 on Oct 15, 2021 (Sotheby’s) – “More Life” sold for $235,518 on Mar 3, 2022 (Sotheby’s) – “Salvavidas” sold for $233,333 on Mar 10, 2021 (Nifty Gateway)

Now, let’s dive into a rapid-fire Q&A with ThankYouX to gain more insights into his life and artistic journey:

Q: How would you describe your personal style? A: My personal style is a blend of abstract art in paintings and conceptual pitches in the digital space. I strive for cohesion across my artworks while constantly exploring new ideas and avoiding repetition 🎨✨

Q: Who are your artistic influences? A: I draw inspiration from Frank Stella, my favorite artist. His evolution and varied styles have been highly influential in my own artistic journey. My geometric patterns, for instance, were born out of admiration for his work. In the digital realm, Victor Mosquera and Grant Yun are particularly inspiring 🖌️🌟

Q: Which notable collector stands out to you? A: Seedphrase, also known as Danny, is a standout collector for me. He acquired one of my pieces during the Contemporary Day sale in London, and it marked a special moment of connection between us. We’ve become good friends through this experience, and I’m grateful for the bond formed through art 💫🤝

Q: Is there a hot NFT artist we should pay attention to? A: Keep an eye on Yatreda and Seneca. Yatreda’s distinctive style immediately caught my attention, offering something refreshingly different in the NFT space. Seneca, on the other hand, has the potential to transcend both the NFT and traditional art worlds. Their creativity and vision are awe-inspiring 🌟👀

Q: What’s your favorite NFT in your wallet? A: My favorite NFT in my wallet is my CryptoPunk #4974. After experiencing successful auctions, I decided to invest in this CryptoPunk as a bold move. It’s a small but personally significant piece in my collection 🎩💎

Q: What advice do you have for physical artists dipping their toes into the NFT world? A: My advice is to approach NFTs for the right reasons. Not every artwork needs to be an NFT, but try to identify use cases for the blockchain that make sense for your art. Embrace the endless possibilities offered by this innovative technology and open yourself up to new horizons 🖼️🌐

Q: Do you listen to music while creating art? A: Absolutely! Music is an essential companion during my artistic process. My taste in music is eclectic, ranging from ’90s and early 2000s punk and hardcore to film scores, especially from Hans Zimmer. Music sets the mood and fuels my creativity 🎵🎨

Looking Ahead: ThankYouX’s Bright Future ✨➡️

ThankYouX’s journey as an artist has been marked by constant innovation and a willingness to embrace new challenges. As he continues to thrive in both the physical and digital art worlds, we can expect him to push even further. With his unique blend of art and technology, ThankYouX is poised to captivate audiences and collectors alike. Keep an eye out for his future exhibitions, projects, and collaborations. The sky’s the limit for this visionary artist! ☁️🔝

References:

1. ThankYouX on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThankYouX
2. Sotheby’s inertia exhibition: sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/thankyoux-1
3. ThankYouX’s website: thankyoux.com

Author: Greg Oakford – Greg Oakford is the co-founder of NFT Fest Australia, a podcast host, and a passionate NFT collector. Follow Greg Oakford on Twitter.

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