"I think there's an element of social consensus of how things are more accessible right now that we didn't back then. It just shows that there are a lot more nuances of how we evolve as a society." - Micol Ap

Introduction

‍The panel titled "The Art of Spotting Grails" at NFT Paris brought together prominent figures from the art and crypto community to delve into the elusive concept of what constitutes a "Grail" in the world of NFTs. Moderated by Jeremy Le Bescont, the discussion featured insights from Lukas Amacher, Edward Zipco, Rahim Mahtab, Micol Ap, and Caitlin Cruickshank.

Panelists:

1. Lukas Amacher (Managing Director, 10F1)
2. Edward Zipco (Co-Founder & Director, SuperchiefGallery)
3. Rahim Mahtab (Co-Founder, ArtsDAO)
4. Micol Ap (Curator, Founder & ex-CEO, Vertical)
5. Caitlin Cruickshank (Senior Director, MakersPlace)
6. Moderated by Jeremy Le Bescont (Crypto/Web3, Capital Magazine)

Key Points:

1. Defining Grails: The panelists explored the notion of "Grails" in the context of NFTs, emphasizing its historical significance, influence, and ability to encapsulate a particular time or movement. They agreed that Grails are not solely defined by financial value but by their impact on the discourse and trajectory of art.
2. Artistic Evolution: The discussion touched upon the evolution of art in the digital space, highlighting the importance of artists pushing boundaries, challenging narratives, and experimenting with technology. Grails, according to the panelists, emerge from artists who disrupt norms and pioneer new approaches to art creation.
3. Contextualizing Grails: Panelists emphasized the need to consider the context surrounding an artwork and its creator when determining its status as a Grail. They cautioned against overemphasizing monetary value and urged a deeper examination of an artist's body of work, their contribution to the art world, and their potential for future innovation.
4. Long-Term Perspective: Rejecting the notion that all Grails have already emerged, the panelists expressed optimism about the future of NFT art and the emergence of new Grails. They emphasized the importance of time in recognizing the true significance of artworks and the need to avoid premature categorization.
5. Spotting Grails: While acknowledging the difficulty in identifying Grails in real-time, panelists suggested that a deep understanding of artists and their evolution over time is key. By actively engaging with the artistic community and observing artists' growth, one can potentially identify future Grails as they emerge.

Conclusion

‍The panel on "The Art of Spotting Grails" provided valuable insights into the elusive nature of Grails in the NFT space. Through thoughtful discourse, the panelists emphasized the multifaceted criteria for defining Grails, including historical importance, artistic innovation, and long-term impact. They encouraged a nuanced approach to evaluating artworks and stressed the importance of considering an artist's journey and potential for future contributions. As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, the discussion underscored the ongoing quest to uncover and appreciate the Grails of tomorrow.

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Watch the full talk