Mondoir, the esteemed art collector and NFT ethusiast, recently released a new book -- The Art of Connectivity: Unveiling the Magic of NFTs -- and it is a joyous read.
From the explanation of gm to seeing artists I adore featured, it was fun to dive in, so much so that I ordered a second copy to keep in my oncampus office to share with students and colleagues.
From the first pages, I was hooked. The explanation of gm pulled at my heartstrings with its capture of the daily sentiment.
"In the world of Web3, GM is a delightful abbreviation for "Good Morning". It has become a cherished and signature way for individuals to begin conversations. This friendly greeting encapsulates the spirit of connectivity and camaraderie that permeates the Web3 community, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to explore the fascinating possibilities of blockchain technology and NFTs. So, with a warm "GM" in tow, Web3 enthusiasts embark on their daily adventures, united by their shared passion for this transformative digital frontier."
prologue, The Art of Connectivty by Mondoir
It reminds me of TIMEpieces' @MissMayaD's pinned tweet and her love for gm.
And it may be all the TIMEpieces connections that really drew me into this book. But also the way in which Mondoir was able to capture the special art collector/artist connection that seems to only occur in this space; so much less so in the trad art world.
Although I've always appreciated art and studied it a bit, I did not collect physical pieces beyond works from my very talented child. I've spent many hours in museums and galleries but owned little of my own and wouldn't have called myself a collector. But now yes, I would. NFTs and digital art have allowed me to be just that and to even create my own galleries to display some of my most favorite pieces. (And I really need to start doing some fun events in these great spaces!)
But it's connecting with artists that has been my greatest joy! Meeting these amazing humans, getting to know their stories and understand their passion has been truly enhancing to my life. And much of that has been centered around TIMEpieces. So seeing Parin Heidari, Jake Andrew, Joanne Hollings, and MGOGLKTKO featured in this book was such a fun surprise - these amazing artists I've gotten to know over the past 2 years that I wouldn't have known if I hadn't started collecting.
Beyond this personal connection, The Art of Connectivity captures what's special about NFTs and explains it beautifully for those in the space as well as to a more traditional art audience.
"This book is the story of how a simple passion for collecting led me down an extraordinary path, where the boundaries of art, technology, and community merge to reshape the art landscape for future generations. Welcome to uncharted territories of NFTs and the digital art revolution."
Introduction, p. 14, The Art of Connectivity by Mondoir
Mondoir has also tied the tech to the physical book. Each artwork featured includes a qr code leading you to the piece on OpenSea and Mondoir has even included an NFT to collect at the end -- a Proof of Reading Collectible -- and in a way that doesn't require the reader to already have a wallet. Quite meta actually: connectivity in the art Mondoir created.
My brother once asked me "why would I bother buying NFT art?" I finally have an answer that he might actually appreciate articulated in a way I just couldn't quite do. Guess what he'll be getting for Christmas this year.
Thanks Mondoir for taking the time to share your passion with the world and for connecting the traditional art world with our new adventure.