Last week, we talked about Blockchain as a general concept; this week, it is time to dig a bit deeper. As mentioned in "Blockchain Explained" (Article Link), there is not one Blockchain but, in fact, many different ones. Not all of them follow the same rules, and not all of them are publicly accessible. This time, let’s use some art 🎨 metaphors to examine different types and properties of Blockchains.
When it comes to the different kinds of Blockchains, we can differentiate between four main types. This is not about deciding which is the better type but rather understanding that each type of Blockchain meets different requirements:
Public Blockchains = Open Galleries
Public Blockchains are like open art galleries where anyone can enter, view, and participate. Their structure aims to be fully decentralized, allowing anyone to join and contribute. Great examples of those types of chains would be Bitcoin and, for example, Ethereum. Some pros of this type are transparency, decentralization, and global accessibility.
Private Blockchains = Exclusive Exhibitions
Private blockchains are like exclusive art exhibitions, where only selected or specifically invited individuals can enter and view the artwork. Access is controlled, and participants are known entities. An interesting example here is Hyperledger Fabric, which is a private chain used by Walmart for supply chain transparency and traceability. Positive elements here are the efficiency and control of these Blockchains.
Consortium Blockchains = Collaborative Installations
Consortium blockchains resemble collaborative art installations, where a group of artists/ organizations works together to manage the exhibition. This type offers a balance between public and private. Energy Web Chain is a good example of a consortium Blockchain, as it allows multiple stakeholders in the energy sector to collaborate on energy trading and management. What stands out positively here are the shared governance and security aspects.
Hybrid Blockchains = Versatile Art Forms
Hybrid blockchains are like versatile art forms that combine elements of both public and private art. They allow for a mix of open and controlled access, enabling flexibility. Dragonchain is a good example here since it allows businesses to maintain control over their data while leveraging public blockchain features for transparency. Flexibility and controlled access are the main pro factors here.
Blockchains can be seen as distinct artistic mediums, each with unique properties and applications. Each has its own unique purpose and forms of application. Let’s take a look at different public Blockchains and how as well as why they could be described through distinct art mediums:
Bitcoin = SculptureBitcoin is like a classic sculpture: solid and enduring, it represents the foundational piece of the digital and decentralized economy.
Ethereum = Oil PaintEthereum is akin to oil painting—rich, versatile, and capable of intricate details, allowing for complex dApps and smart contracts.
Tezos = Mixed MediaTezos is like a mixed-media artist, combining different techniques and styles while focusing on self-amendment and formal verification.
Cardano = WatercolorCardano is like watercolor art—delicate and methodical, emphasizing research and gradual development.
Solana = Digital ArtSolana is like digital art—fast, innovative, and designed for the digital age, appealing to a tech-savvy audience.
Polkadot = CollagePolkadot is like a collage artist, combining various elements to create a cohesive whole, allowing different blockchains to interoperate.
Avalanche = 3D PrintingAvalanche is like 3D printing—innovative and capable of rapid prototyping, allowing for the creation of custom applications and assets.
All of the named Blockchains have their distinct communities and their respective pros and cons. When deciding which is the “right” Blockchain for you or your project, there is usually not just one simple answer. Instead, you are in for a longer and deeper investigation in correspondence to your needs.
Knowing what you want/ need is key and will help a lot when making a decision. But especially as artists, we have the liberty to test out many different Blockchains and their respective layer 2 builds (e.g., Optimism, Zora, Base, etc.). But more about that in the next article.
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