VAULTED Art Collector Profile #14 - Tinoch Chan
Vaulted is a series where prominent collectors in the Tezos ecosystem are interviewed and highlighted.
Vaulted #14 with Tinoch Chan
Unknown Collector: Can you tell us how your Web3 collecting journey began?
Tinoch Chan: I guess the collecting mentality has always been in my blood, whether it’s tattoos, physical artworks, or even digital art. For me, art collecting isn’t just about the medium, it’s about capturing memories and moments that truly shape who I am.
My serious collecting journey really kicked off in 2019 when I started my art curation company. Back then, Instagram was a goldmine for discovering emerging artists. That’s how I connected with Oh De Laval, the first artist I collected from. Her piece, “The Stealer II,” was my very first artwork, and it really ignited my passion for collecting.
From 2019 to 2022, I dove into physical artworks. But in early 2022, I stumbled upon digital art & NFTs and I was instantly hooked! Now, I’m all in on digital art. Each piece I collect tells a part of my story and I love that!
The Stealer II by Oh De Laval
Can you share a story about acquiring one of your favorite pieces or any interesting moment in your collecting journey?
TC: One of my absolute favorite pieces is “charge it to the game” by bhare. It was my very first acquisition from an auction house, Sotheby’s. The whole experience was thrilling. When it arrived, it came in this gigantic crate and I’ll never forget my wife’s reaction, she was definitely not impressed.
What makes this piece special is its vibrant color compositions and the energy it radiates, all tied to its baseball theme. Shortly after I bought it, the pitch right downstairs from my home transformed into a baseball field. It felt like a magical coincidence, showcasing the power of art to connect us to our lives and passions in unexpected ways. Moments like these remind me why I love collecting!
charge it to the game by bhare
What sets Art on Tezos apart in your eyes compared to other NFT ecosystems?
TC: In my opinion, no other chain can match Tezos' OG status in the digital art space. We celebrate Tezos Tuesdays every week, whether in bull or bear markets, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of its community. This consistency speaks volumes about Tezos' prominence in the space.
Tezos not only boasts a vibrant culture but also provides clear provenance for artworks. Many renowned artists launched their careers by minting on Tezos and this history is securely recorded on the blockchain - an undeniable part of art's evolution.
Platforms like Objkt are at the forefront of advancing digital art, continuously supporting artists through curated exhibitions, X Spaces and the Guest Collector series. This dedicated support exemplifies how the Objkt team champions both collectors and creators within this thriving ecosystem.
Finally, Tezos stands out as the ideal chain for artists and collectors embarking on their creative journeys. With low barriers to entry in terms of cost, it serves as a welcoming home for exploration and innovation.
Who are your three favorite artists on Tezos from your collection, and what makes their work stand out to you?
TC:
1. Goldcat “Nuru”
I have always been a big fan of goldcat’s work and am eagerly waiting for the perfect moment to collect one of her 1/1s. This piece holds special significance for me, as it embodies a sense of hope, especially during times when I’ve felt lost. Coincidentally, I acquired it during one of goldcat’s toughest moments, when her beloved cat was critically ill. That sale provided her with much-needed uplift, making the artwork even more meaningful.
Nuru by goldcat
2. RJ “The Man in the Mirror”
Oh man, acquiring RJ’s works is quite the challenge! You really have to set notifications on his account and slide into his DMs the moment he posts a new art. I love RJ’s art because it resonates with our everyday lives, often infused with a touch of dark humor. There have been a few times when I had to stop RJ from minting until my funds were ready. Thanks for being so thoughtful, RJ!
The Man in the Mirror by RJ
3. Zanardi “Basquiat por fumar un Camel”
Gregorio Zanardi is an incredibly talented artist with a vision that really shines through in his work. Basquiat has always inspired my love for art, so when I saw that Zanardi was creating a series of icons, I couldn’t resist DMing him to ask if Basquiat would be part of it. Thankfully, he said yes, and we ended up collaborating on this piece!
What I appreciate about working with Gregorio is how well he understands my ideas. He’s open to feedback and genuinely humble. There were moments when we were completely in sync, which makes art collecting so enjoyable. It’s a special experience to collaborate with an artist and help shape the final piece together.
Basquiat por fumar un Camel. by Zanardi
Which three emerging artists on Tezos do you think are worth keeping an eye on, and why?
TC:
Frank is definitely at the top of my list and deserves more attention. I love his art style and the way he controls color & lighting has absolutely blown my mind. Thanks to Rob for the intro and for bringing this artist to my attention. After learning more about Frank’s practice, I found out that his works are done by hand and that he has built his own custom painting app! How incredible is that? I’m still longing to collect his 1/1 artworks!
Ilya is another artist I’m really keeping an eye on. I’m obsessed with the flow in Ilya’s art. The abstract elements bring a sense of chaos, but there’s also a balance and harmony to it. You can easily spot Ilya’s work in the timeline. It’s not easy for artists to stay consistent and find their signature style, but I think Ilya has really nailed it.
Kandro is definitely on my radar! I love his practice. You can really feel the emotions in every brushstroke. His unique approach to figurative portraits is a delight, blending fine art with digital techniques beautifully. This artist deserves way more followers, so go give him a follow!
