- Popular photographer Jeremy Cowart has indicated plans to create 10,000 photo NFTs live in 20 minutes
- Cowart targets to take live photos each with distinct qualities instead of using computer programs to create generative artworks
- The event dubbed Auras will take place early next month in Nashville with the NFTs later finding a home on OpenSea
Popular photographer Jeremy Cowart has announced plans to create 10,000 photo NFTs live in 20 minutes. Cowart targets to shoot unique photos before a live audience and convert the same into digital collectibles instead of using computer programs to create generative artworks. The event dubbed Auras will take place early next month in Nashville and comes less than a week after camera giant Canon announced an Ethereum NFT marketplace dedicated to photographers.
Only Robotics and Layers of Projection
According to Cowart, the photos won’t go through post-production such as enhancement from artificial intelligence programs. In a Twitter thread, the photographer revealed that the process will involve advanced lighting techniques, “robotics and layers of projection.”
1/10 I’m excited to announce that on May 2nd, I will be creating the first IRL 10K NFT project. I will be creating 10,000 completely unique NFTs in 20 minutes (ish) start to finish without using generative code or AI. I’m calling it AURAS. (cont.)
— Jeremy Cowart (@jeremycowart) April 18, 2023
The photos will feature the photographer wearing white gear from head to toe, something he said depicts him as “the blank canvas.” He added that the rarity level will be baked into each photo during the shooting process.
3/10 The craziest part is that rarity traits are built into the performance. 6-8 trait categories. The lighting setups, the things I do, the robotics, the things that happen around me, the art being projected all around me and on me are all just part of the live rarity.
— Jeremy Cowart (@jeremycowart) April 18, 2023
Cowart will hold the event in partnership with NFT marketplace OpenSea and the creators of Kaleidoscope Transient Labs. Kaleidoscope is a program that analyzes photos for unique qualities to create an NFT collection’s metadata.
Don’t Forget the Human Processes
One week after the event, the created NFTs will be listed on the marketplace. Although the photographer said he has nothing against AI-generated artworks, he noted that the event aims to rejuvenate the focus on “human processes that have been built over the years.”
8/10 In an industry w/ recent bad headlines, FUD, anons, occasional scams and now an onslaught of AI, I wanted to bring some transparency. That is why I’ve chosen to dox my entire process. I’m not anti-AI but we can’t lose sight of human processes that have been built over years.
— Jeremy Cowart (@jeremycowart) April 18, 2023
Recently, generative and AI-based NFTs have taken center stage with Binance releasing an AI tool that created 10,000 artworks in 2.5 hours. Yuga Labs has also ventured into generative collectibles with its TwelveFold Bitcoin NFT collection.
With Cowart partnering with top names in the Web 3.0 space, it’s yet to be seen who wins between human and AI-created NFTs.
