Backlash Follows Release of ‘Woke’ Artwork

The unveiling of a new Punks-branded NFT collection by CryptoPunks sparked quick reactions from collectors. The collection named “Super Punk World” created by artist Nina Chanel Abney under the Punk in Residence program, faced criticism, leading to a pivot by Yuga Labs.

Nina Chanel Abney (center) with original CryptoPunks creators John Watkinson (left) and Matt Hall (right) of Larva Labs. Photo: Yuga Labs

The Collaboration “Super Punk World” by Nina Chanel Abney

Nina Chanel Abney, known for her bold artistic style, was chosen for the Punk in Residence program to create a limited-series digital collectibles collection. Her work reimagined the iconic traits of CryptoPunks through her unique vision, aiming to explore the intersection of art, technology, and culture.

A photo from the “Super Punks World” exhibition. Photo: Yuga Labs

Abney’s collection, comprising 500 avatars, showcased her distinctive style, hand-selecting each avatar from thousands of outputs. Drawing inspiration from CryptoPunks traits and her previous works, the collection featured 3D-sculpted attributes set against vibrant backgrounds, embodying Abney’s style and paid attention to the project’s early Web3 origins.

Abney’s work focused on pricing differences related to gender and skin tone in NFT collections. Her art sought to tackle latent prejudices in digital spaces by questioning traditional assumptions of inherent value and blurring the distinctions between masculine and feminine identities.

The Backlash: Artistic Freedom vs. Traditional Values

The project faced substantial backlash across social media platforms, with criticism directed at both the aesthetic and the attempt to reinvent an iconic project. Debates about technology, identity, and art were triggered by accusations that it was “woke” because of its focus on race and gender.

Some collectors who thought of the new collection as a valuable Ethereum NFT set were dissatisfied because they felt it diluted the original Punks collection. Yuga Labs responded by announcing a shift away from further involvement with the Punks collection, opting for decentralized preservation on the blockchain.

Abney and Yuga Labs addressed the controversy, expressing disappointment at the hateful comments directed toward the project. Abney reaffirmed her commitment to fostering an inclusive community and promoting dialogue while condemning any form of discrimination or hate speech.

Final Thoughts

Despite the backlash, the controversy sparked discussions about the role of art, identity, and inclusivity in digital spaces. As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, artists and platforms navigate the delicate balance between creative expression and community acceptance.