Christie’s is organizing a new non-fungible token (NFT) art auction called “Bridging Worlds: Digital Art Beyond Borders,” set to run from October 23 to 30. This auction, in collaboration with Web3 bank Sygnum, will support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which aids those displaced by conflict and persecution.
The theme of the auction is inspired by the 60th Biennale’s theme, “Stranieri Ovunque” — “Foreigners Everywhere.” It will feature digital artworks from multiple prominent artists, each interpreting the concept of borders — both literal and metaphorical.
One highlight of the event will be the inclusion of Vinnie Hager’s artwork, “Handle With Care.” This piece was selected from over 200 submissions in a contest led by Erick Calderon, founder of Art Blocks and the Chromie Squiggle project. The contest invited artists to reinterpret the Chromie Squiggle, an iconic digital art piece, valued between 4 and 6 ETH (approximately $10,000 to $15,000).
A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit UNHCR. Cristina Davies, Executive Director, Switzerland for UNHCR, stated, “Through this initiative, digital artists are not only challenging the concept of borders but also helping to bridge the gap between those forced to flee and the global community.”
This auction reinforces Christie’s ongoing involvement in the Web3 and NFT art space. The auction house has been actively hosting similar auctions since it launched its NFT platform, Christie’s 3.0, in 2022, allowing fine art auctions to take place entirely on the blockchain.
Earlier this year, in May, Christie’s held another NFT auction, “Beyond the Screen,” featuring CryptoPunks and Bitcoin-themed artworks. The event followed the success of its first Bitcoin-based NFT auction, “Ordinal Maxi Biz (OMB),” which raised over $730,000.
According to a 2022 report, Christie’s sold 87 NFT lots that year, generating $5.9 million. Artists like Diana Sinclair, Mad Dog Jones, and Fewocious were among those featured in these sales.
