Vaulted is a series where prominent collectors in the Tezos ecosystem are interviewed and highlighted.

Vaulted #19 with iki-jima

Unknown Collector: Can you tell us how your Web3 collecting journey began?

iki-jima: I was a late starter to collecting on Tezos. I thought there was enough good art on Ethereum at the time that I didn’t need to overcomplicate things by creating a wallet on another chain. Then I discovered Iskra Velitchkova and Kim Asendorf. I was borderline obsessed with their work, and they’re ultimately responsible for me setting up a wallet and collecting on Tezos.

*horizon(te)s #330 by Iskra Velitchkova & Zach Lieberman*

Can you share a story about acquiring one of your favorite pieces or any interesting moment in your collecting journey?

iki-jima: I’ve always been a collector. Collecting music and art was a big part of my life even before discovering this space. Even with that background, though, this space has been an incredible, wild ride! Every day is an interesting moment, and it’s amazing to me that I get to do this.

What sets Art on Tezos apart in your eyes compared to other NFT ecosystems?

iki-jima: Community and accessibility are Tezos’ strong points. It’s very passionate, organic, and art-focused. It has world-class art but is still very accessible. It’s also a great place for discovery. If I were to introduce an artist into this space, I’d totally recommend they start on Tezos.

Who are your three favorite artists on Tezos from your collection, and what makes their work stand out to you?

iki-jima:

My favourite artist is Lorna Mills. Lorna is such a renegade and an absolute queen! Her bold, digital collage style stands out in a class of its own. It’s really hard to choose a favourite of Lorna’s, but Missrule on Coolmine was probably one of the first pieces of hers that stood out to me. I’ve recently been on a mission to try and collect as many of her Tezos pieces as I can. One day I might complete the collection.

Another favourite is Kim Asendorf. He doesn’t just create art, he creates alternative digital universes. A pixel whisperer, stretching the boundaries of what’s possible. Monogrid is an iconic series that serves as a great starting point to Kim’s digital domain.

Finally, I have to give a shout-out to Mark Webster. I love everything he does. A poet as much as a visual artist. It’s a different kind of poetry, reinterpreting language through abstraction. Cosmic Signs is one of my all-time favourite fx(hash) releases.

*Cosmic Signs #47 (still) by Mark Webster*

Which three emerging artists on Tezos do you think are worth keeping an eye on, and why?

iki-jima:

Three artists that are more recent discoveries and that I absolutely love are Salawaki, RJ, and Dribnet.

Mirjam Daljire aka Salawaki is amazing and definitely deserves more attention. She has an incredible sense of humour, nuanced with emotional depth and witty observation. Her pieces for the recent “We Emotional Cyborgs” exhibition are exceptional!

*Watching It All Unfold by Salawaki (Gif of GLB)*

RJ has been getting some attention lately but still deserves more eyes on his work. His chaotic, digitally painted style exploring the human condition is compelling. His piece “The Stairs” is one of my all-time favourites.

The Stairs by RJ

Dribnet is an AI pioneer who goes beyond typical AI expression. He uses a technical, conceptual approach that creates unique and masterful art. “Blood” is a piece I keep coming back to.