- Sotheby’s successful sale of the first Bitcoin Ordinals poem, “Cord,” by Ana Maria Caballero, signals a transformative shift in the world of art and poetry.
- The use of blockchain technology, specifically Bitcoin Ordinals, to authenticate and sell a unique piece of literary work highlights the growing acceptance and integration of digital assets in the art industry.
In a groundbreaking move, Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, achieved a historic milestone with the sale of an Ordinals-inscribed poem titled “Cord” by Ana Maria Caballero for 0.28 Bitcoin or $11,430. This landmark sale occurred within the Natively Digital auction, an online event dedicated to Bitcoin Ordinals inscriptions, showcasing significant early inscriptions in the NFT space.
Michael Bouhanna, Sotheby’s Vice President and Head of Digital Art, shared on Twitter that the sale of “Cord” marked the auction house’s first-ever individual poem sale, excluding manuscripts and books. Ana Maria Caballero expressed the significance of this sale, emphasizing that it validates the intrinsic value of written poetry. Notably, “Cord” was sold solely based on the power of its language and text, without additional visuals, sound, or experiences attached. The buyer of the poem will also receive a signed print of the poetic work.
The Natively Digital collection aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of NFT-like Ordinals on Bitcoin, featuring inscriptions from various artists, including FAR, XCPinata, Nullish, Rudxane, Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, Popoki, Shroomtoshi, Des Lucréce, and Claudia Hart. During the auction, an inscription associated with the “Quantum Cats” collection fetched over $250,000, demonstrating the growing market interest in digital art and NFTs.
Ana Maria Caballero, co-founder of theVerseverse, a digital poetry and NFT gallery, has been actively involved in the digital asset industry. In collaboration with the Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles, theVerseverse presented an exhibition combining Allen Ginsberg’s photographs with AI-generated poetry, exploring the intersection of art and technology. “Cord” being featured in Caballero’s upcoming book, titled “Mammal,” further adds to the poem’s significance.
This sale reflects Sotheby’s continued commitment to embracing the digital art landscape. Caballero’s exploration of biology’s influence on societal and cultural rituals, particularly in the context of motherhood, has garnered attention and accolades. The auction for “Cord” received over 40 bids, showcasing the demand for unique and innovative digital assets.
Sotheby’s reported remarkable success in digital art sales in 2023, with close to $35 million in revenue, highlighting the growing prominence of the digital art sector. As NFTs gain traction, Sotheby’s groundbreaking sale of the first Bitcoin Ordinals poem further cements its position as a pioneer in adapting to the evolving landscape of art and collectibles.
Sotheby’s Historic Sale: Pioneering the NFT Frontier with First Bitcoin Ordinals Poem
Sotheby’s groundbreaking sale of the first Bitcoin Ordinals poem, “Cord” by Ana Maria Caballero, marks a significant milestone in the world of NFTs and digital art. The auction house’s foray into individual poem sales reflects the evolving landscape of artistic expression in the digital era. The success of the Natively Digital auction and the enthusiastic response to Caballero’s work underscore the growing demand for unique and innovative digital assets. Sotheby’s continuous adaptation to the digital art space, coupled with the significant revenue generated in 2023, reaffirms its status as a trailblazer in navigating the intersection of traditional art and emerging technologies.
Disclaimer : This article was created for informational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice. An asset’s past performance does not predict its future returns. Before making an investment, please conduct your own research, as digital assets like cryptocurrencies are highly risky and volatile financial instruments.
