Hi, and welcome to the new issue of NFT Matrix, where I review NFT Artists’ work. There is no presumption or judgement here, only exposure. The artist I am reviewing is criptocromo. Thought provoking and unique is how I would describe their work. I look at a couple of the artist’s pieces from their various platforms and provide my review. Hope you enjoy, I’m always open to feedback.
Piece: “Los Senderos”
This is an animated piece, worth viewing at the link. The artists write that the imagery is inspired by “a mysterious terracota dog with human mask found in Colima, state of Mexico, in front of "cempasúchil" paths that intersect”. I didn’t know what cempasúchil was, and found this news piece explaining the history (Link). Turns out it is a flower which blooms right around the Day of the Dead celebration. It also ties into concepts around bridges to the spirit world. This piece mixes Aztec imagery with one of the re-occuring characters in criptocromos work, a kinda creepy looking green character which reminds me of something from a horror film. But very creative. I also like his style - it’s reminiscent of 80s and early 90s video games.
Regarding the dog imagery, “In Aztec belief, dogs were associated with Xolotl, the god of lightning, sunset, and death, who was imagined as an enormous dog” link. They also evidently served as guardians of the dead. Either way, very interesting imagery.
Piece: “Pompadour Shrub”
This is an animated piece, worth viewing at the link. The artist has several ideas and themes in his work about humans and our relationship with plants. While not a common theme, it is interesting how often we take them for granted. They are bacckground for our walks in nature. He also has some humor around flowers and fruits, even humanizing squash. It’s true that plants form a bedrock for civilization, and yet how little we know and understand them (make up 80 percent of the food we eat, and produce 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe). He references that here. He also addresses mortality, and how eventually nourish the earth.
Piece: “Virgen Maria 1.0”
Another interesting animated piece. From what I’ve read over the years about the Virgin Mary in Mexican culture, I get the impression that she transcends the figure which I know from Catholicism - similar to the Italians and their mysticism around saints. It’s also telling that she acts as a cultural predecessor of sorts to another protection figure for cartels (Sante Muerte). I think this stylization as an anime style goddess encapsulates this well.
Easter egg piece - “Xiuhtecuhtli”
Link
I usually keep it to 4 pieces, but I thought this was such a well executed animation. This figure is an Aztec god, who is lord of fire.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this brief introduction to the artist! Find their links here.
See you next time!
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