When NFTs noticed their reputation explode in 2021, a rush of newcomers started to gather NFT artwork. A number of of those people have been praised as NFT artwork curators – however just one turned referred to as the grand patron of the digital arts. That individual is Cozomo de’ Medici.
Taking their title from a number one member of the fifteenth century Medici household, their actions, acquisitions and donations have been praised far and extensive, leaving an enduring legacy on the artwork world.
NFT artwork is stronger right this moment due to them – however what precisely has Cozomo de’ Medici achieved, why are they so revered, and what might we see from Cozomo in future?
Right here’s our full information to Cozomo de’ Medici.
Key Insights
A pseudonymous digital artwork collector, named after fifteenth century artwork patron Cosimo de’ MediciEmerged in July 2021 by buying CryptoPunk #3831Has acquired many 1-of-1 NFTs from the likes of XCOPY, Sam Spratt, Claire Silver and moreDonated 22 influential works to LACMA in February 2023Widely thought of to be one of many world’s main NFT artwork patrons
Who’s Cozomo de’ Medici?
Cozomo de’ Medici is a digital artwork collector, angel investor, and widespread determine within the NFT neighborhood.
Named after fifteenth century Florentine banker Cosimo de’ Medici, they regard themselves as a patron of digital artwork. Medici has constructed a notable assortment of blockchain-based artworks – referred to as the Cozomo de’ Medici Assortment – which options works from most of the most celebrated NFT artists on this planet.
Cozomo shares their insights on digital artwork, upcoming artists and life experiences with over 300,000 followers on X – sharing much more through the Medici Minutes e-newsletter. These updates supply a peek into the world of digital artwork, protecting market developments, breakthrough artists, and their journey as a collector.
On high of buying artwork, Medici promotes digital artwork by means of each digital and bodily exhibitions. Utilizing main platforms akin to Deca and OnCyber, Cozomo shows their assortment to artwork followers internationally, serving to to carry digital artwork to the lots.
Medici is an advocate for the concept that anybody can change into an artwork collector, irrespective of your disposable earnings. They champion the thought of bringing digital artwork into the house, and have invested in applied sciences that assist to do that in an effort to make high quality artwork one thing that’s inside attain for a wider viewers.
What has Cozomo de’ Medici performed to date?
Cozomo de’ Medici emerged within the NFT trade by means of the acquisition CryptoPunk #3831 – referred to as ‘CoZom’ – in July 2021. That nickname impressed the adoption of the Cozomo de’ Medici alias, and the naming of their purchases as The Medici Assortment – which shortly turned a infamous assortment in NFT artwork circles.
Rumours over Medici’s true id shortly started to swirl. In response, Medici posted a tweet stating that they’d reveal themselves on their private account. Shortly after, Snoop Dogg tweeted “I’m @CozomoMedici“.
This appeared to substantiate their id – however subsequent investigations instructed that this was a publicity stunt, with Snoop getting concerned to develop his personal presence within the trade. To today, Medici is but to disclose their true id, and has remained as an alias ever since.
Although Medici initially supposed to solely make a single NFT buy, they quickly discovered themselves buying extra. Impressed by different collectors and digital artwork galleries, Medici started to curate a group of NFTs that spanned quite a lot of kinds and mediums. This included a number of CryptoPunks, Fidenza by Tyler Hobbs, and notable works from XCOPY, DeeKay, Claire Silver and extra.
By constructing this assortment – and in flip supporting a lot of high-profile artists – Medici not solely turned a key determine within the rising NFT artwork motion, but additionally one of many world’s main NFT artwork collectors.
Medici has used this standing to assist promote digital artwork to mass market viewers. They’ve helped to organise many bodily exhibitions internationally, in addition to investing into corporations that develop digital artwork shows for the house.
What NFTs has Cozomo de’ Medici bought?
Medici has acquired a wide selection of NFT artwork from among the greatest names within the trade. This consists of works from the likes of:
XCOPY: Identified for punk-inspired works, XCOPY‘s artwork embodies the extra outspoken facet of crypto artSam Spratt: Found by means of FEWOCiOUS, Medici owns “I. Delivery of Luci”, “VII. Wormfood” and plenty of othersDeeKay: A movement graphics specialist, DeeKay’s NFTs are dynamic, polished and fluidClaire Silver: An AI artwork pioneer, Silver’s work blends human enter with breakthrough machine studying conceptsYam Karkai: Co-founder of World of Girls, her work promotes range and inclusivity – a trigger that’s near Medici’s heartVissyarts: A Malaysian artist who moved from conventional artwork to the NFT house, Medici’s assist has been very important in her work discovering a brand new legion of followers
Along with supporting artists, Medici invests in corporations that improve the digital artwork expertise – together with PIP Labs, Fountain, Spaceport and extra.
What NFTs has Cozomo de’ Medici donated?
In February 2023, Cozomo de’ Medici introduced a donation of twenty-two NFT artworks to the Los Angeles County Museum of Artwork (LACMA). This was each “the primary donation of on-chain artwork from a collector to a museum,” and “the most important [tokenized] digital superb artwork assortment to enter a museum.”
These 22 items represented the work of 13 separate artists, with all items created between 2017 and 2022. Kinds ranged from AI and generative artwork to books, movies, sculptures, images and extra, and the donation was shortly seen as a major second in NFT artwork historical past.
Medici’s intentions with this donation was for this NFT artwork to “sit in one of many best artwork collections in human historical past” – with LACMA additionally in possession of world-renowned artworks from Rembrant, Picasso, Monet and plenty of extra.
Moreover, Medici desired for this donation to “eternally cement the on-chain artwork motion within the canon of artwork historical past,” and serve to advertise his hope that world-renowned museums might “maintain the best digital works alongside the best bodily [works].”
What’s subsequent for Cozomo de’ Medici?
Cozomo de’ Medici continues to be a significant title in NFT artwork, gathering notable items on a weekly foundation, persevering with to organise and promote digital artwork, and supporting worthwhile causes.
Their assist of not simply particular person artists, however NFT artwork as a complete, has been important in each NFT artwork and digital artwork discovering elevated acceptance within the conventional artwork world as a priceless type of creative expression, and one that’s worthy of equal advantage in some ways.
Medici has made an unbelievable influence on digital artwork to date – and as their actions proceed, count on Medici to play a key position in the way forward for digital artwork too.
