Episode 09: Singapore in a Gif and Crypto Art with Javier Arrés
Award-winning illustrator and Gif artist, Javier Arrés talks about Visual Toys and his NFT journey.
Singapore Coconut Jam Factory Gif
“I think coconut jam is a very funny and friendly culinary product for a country, with a chance to conquer the world.”
In 2017, Javier was invited to Singapore by The Unusual Network to headline ‘Gif Fest’, a multi-media exhibition of over 100 art GIFs, supported by The National Arts Council. Javier spent five days in Singapore.
Javier’s first encounter with Coconut Jam was at hotel breakfast buffet, where he was intrigued by the jam’s unusual green colour. Curious he asked the waiter and learnt about this local delicacy. Known locally as ‘Kaya’, legend has it kaya is the creation of Hainanese galley hands who worked on British ships in Singapore. They used coconut, eggs and pandan leaves as a substitute when ingredients for fruit jam weren’t available, and the custard-like kaya was such a hit that it eventually made its way to the Hainanese-run Kopitiams (coffee houses).
Javier was intrigued by the idea of turning coconut into jam and the process behind it, so the first thing he did was imagine a factory that turns a coconut into jam. Enchanted by Singapore, Javier also incorporated other elements from his stay, including water, gardens, architecture, colours, the iconic Marina Bay Sands, chilli crab (another iconic dish) and small details such as the Singapore beach and even a futuristic idea of an airport on top of a building.
“It’s like a Singapore pill, by my imagination.”
The Singaporean Spicy Food Peddler
“You can learn a lot about a culture by the food.”
Following his evening walks around the street food stalls, and being a spicy food lover, Javier was inspired to create his own street food stall - The Singaporean Spicy Food Peddler.
“If I had a street food stall in Singapore, it would look like this.”
Spicy Curry Ice Cream with Döner Kebab Topping
“I like to play with food as I think it’s a really good theme to feed the imagination. I want viewers of the work to taste the flavour.”
Spicy Curry Ice Cream with Döner Kebab Topping was commissioned by the Museum of Crypto Art (MoCA). Javier reflected on fast food in a new way – fast food conquers the world, sometimes a country is known more for its fast food than its writers.
“The Kebab restaurant in my city looks like it doesn’t have a personality, just white without Arabic touches.”
Javier feels that a visit to a fast-food restaurant should be an opportunity to experience that culture and heritage.
Who is Satoshi Nakamoto
“An artistic photograph of this moment by my hands. A milestone in human history.”
‘Who is Satoshi Nakamoto’ is part of a collection of crypto inspired ‘Visual Toys’ created to honour and reflect on the enigma around the creator of bitcoin.
“I was invited to be part of this world and I began to study to learn and meet people. I was fascinated about cryptocurrency, a new world with more freedom. I think this is an optimistic moment.”
Crypto Combat
Crypto Combat was a collaboration between Javier and Katy Arrington.
“A new way to do art between artists because you can show in the blockchain contract that we are both creators.”
Crypto Art and NFTs
Crypto Art vs Traditional Art
“You’ve got your own gallery and you can make your own brand.”
Commissions
“The difference is huge between the traditional market and this market. For example, for commissions, the middleman earns a percentage of your final profit. The platform collects 10% - 15% of your final sale but many galleries take 40% or 50%.”
Global Reach
“Collectors from over the world may like your work, and you need to think in a global way. To be global, sometimes you need to be really personal and honest with your work. You have the chance to decide how many hours you want to work for your brand, and organise your own exhibitions, auctions, and marketing materials.”
Recommendations
“Being inspired isn’t always about looking at other artists and good art, but to build your own style you should read a book or watch a movie, or a documentary about the First World War.”
Javier watches documentaries, checks Pinterest and the crypto art community. He also recommends reading history, including Spanish history because “there are many weird things people don’t know” and “I think the history of the world is very interesting, sometimes more than future and present.” He also suggests going to “weird places that people don’t go.”
Others:
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