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Announcement of a David Bowie NFT launch sparks outrage online

The late David Bowie is one of the most influential figures to enter and create an impact in the music and entertainment industry.

As an influential figure, Bowie’s name is not easily forgotten, and now his legacy tries to commemorate him in the digital world, especially with Bowie-inspired NFTs.

The announcement

Recently, the David Bowie Estate announced that it will launch Bowie-inspired NFTs using OpenSea next week.

NFTs will be part of the NFT Bowie on the Blockchain launch featuring works by nine different visual artists.

Proceeds from the collection will be donated to CARE, a non-profit organization whose mission is to end hunger and poverty in the world.

Before his death, Bowie was married to Somali model Iman, a global advocate for CARE.

OpenSea also shared the news on Twitter, writing:

“On September 13th, David Bowie’s undying influence will impact yet another new frontier as nine of the world’s leading crypto-artists come together to celebrate his legacy and put #BowieOnTheChain.”

Ryan Foutty, Vice President of Business Development at OpenSea, also released a statement stating:

“This incredible collection brings together some of the most groundbreaking NFT artists with Bowie artifacts to bring a new generation of fans together in Web3.”

The project will feature works by well-known artists, including filmmaker Joaquin Acrich’s We Love the Arts company and artist manager Andrew D. Keller.

The reception

Since the NFT boom early last year, many have criticized the function of digital assets.

Despite the criticism, many projects paying homage to pop culture have emerged, including Netflix’s Stranger Things NFT.

NFT’s release prompted fans to share their disdain for the technology.

When it comes to Bowie NFTs, people have taken to social media to express the legendary artist’s likeness in the context of blockchain tokens.

A Twitter user named Bashmore responded to the announcement on David Bowie’s official account saying:

“How about we just don’t with the NFT guff and just raise money for charity without using a pyramid scheme?”

Duncan Jones, Bowie’s son, is also critical of NFTs.

In December 2021, he tweeted a photo of Beeple’s “The First 5,000 Days” and wrote:

“I just saw this online and posted it without having the NFT .. do you think the guy who bought it has lost it? I feel kind of guilty and like I should probably return it to them.”

Despite the negative response, others shared their enthusiasm for the project, especially the artists working on the project.

Fewocious, 19, shared a photo of her sculpture on Twitter, writhing, “I can’t wait to show you the rest of the piece when it’s unveiled this Thursday.”

References:

David Bowie Ethereum NFTs trigger Twitter backlash

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