NFT artwork inspired by Calvino’s “Invisible Cities” explores visions of urbanism; real and imagined

2021-04-15T10:53:00-04:00

Recently, we took a closer look at how architecture and design may be affected by the rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and the underlying blockchain technology supporting them. In the latest intriguing development on the subject, the digital art marketplace SuperRare has announced the launch of Invisible Cities; a ground-breaking digital exhibition showcasing a range of real and imagined cityscapes, inspired by Italo Calvino’s seminal book of the same name.

Mari.k, Emiris, 2021, Unique Non- Fungible Token

The exhibition, on display from April 2-30, 2021, features the work of 10 artists who have used Calvino’s Invisible Cities as the basis for an exploration into the relationship between real and imagined cities, and the visible and invisible entities that allow them to operate. The captivating images are also available to purchase as NFTs throughout April, where interest in the subject has been spurred by Christie’s recent NFT sale of Beeple’s Everydays for $69 million.

Karisman...

Calvino's Invisible Cities Made Visible: The Drawings of Karina Puente

2016-11-05T16:23:00-04:00

Karina Puente, an architect and urbanist based in Lima, Peru, who has worked on plans for the Lima of the future, has also begun illustrating each of Calvino’s 55 cities. The drawings capture much from the text, but they also have a magic of their own.

Anastasia has concentric canals and much in it streets that captures our senses and feeds our desires.

We draw sources for inspiration wherever we can. This post reviews three illustrations for Italo Calvino's novel Invisible Cities, a project by Karina Puente. It has has links to her site—and her other drawings. The novel itself contains much to consider when we think about the life of our cities, past and present.

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NFT artwork inspired by Calvino’s “Invisible Cities” explores visions of urbanism; real and imagined

Calvino's Invisible Cities Made Visible: The Drawings of Karina Puente