Filipino art has always been a global highlight as the Philippines continues to produce more and more artists and designers that take the global stage. Filipino art has always been focused on paintings, tattoos, and fashion made by talented Filipino artists. In the era where cryptocurrency and Web3 is rising, a new form of digital art called NFTs have also been the center of attention for tech and crypto enthusiasts. This coming NFT NYC 2024, two Filipino artists have yet again made headlines as their NFT art has been featured in the event, including the big screen of Times Square, New York. 

What is NFT NYC?

The NFT NYC is an annual event that covers a wide variety of topics from community engagement to entertainment within the NFT space. NFT builders all over the global congregate in New York City to interact, network, exhibit, and share all things NFT. The event’s speakers have a wide variety of backgrounds such as people in multimedia, arts, AI, legal, entertainment, and many more that all share a common interest in NFTs. The NFT NYC will be launching their 7th year in 2024 and have been building since before the NFT craze of 2021. This event has also been dubbed the pinnacle of all NFT-related events.

Who are the Filipino Artists?

There are numerous Filipino artists who have been granted the privilege to present their artwork in NFT NYC 2024. Amongst them, two Filipino artists share their story as they are given the prestigious privilege to showcase their NFT art on the grand stage. They have poured in their hard work, dedication, and creative energy to achieve this grand feat.

Allen Villaflor has been featured on the big screen in Times Square, New York City for NFT NYC 2024. As a self-taught artist from the Philippines, he never expected that his NFT journey would lead him to have his artwork be featured at NFT NYC 2024 for the first time. He looks to be a symbol of inspiration for Filipino artists to challenge the global NFT stage. He believes that Filipino artists now have an unprecedented opportunity to share their work with a global audience and contribute to cultural significance at an international scale.

Support Allen Villaflor by sharing his work on Objkt, minted in Tezos. His work includes collections of his Photography NFTs, AI, and Digital art along with 1 work minted on Foundation. For those who are curious to know more about artists thriving in Web3 and Web2, he has a podcast called "Di Na 'To Drowing" where he features creatives and dreamers in the space.

‍Sevi Agregado, an 11-year-old boy with autism from the Philippines, who has found a love for art. His art has been given a platform through NFTs to increase his reach and amplify his artistic expression. Having his work featured in Times Square for NFT NYC was a big accomplishment for Sevi as the first kid—and currently youngest—Filipino NFT artist. For 3 consecutive years since 2022, his artworks have been continuously featured on NFT NYC, with his artwork “Sevi’s Colorful Lion” being shown in Time Square back in 2022. When Sevi’s work began to surface online, it brought a positive impact to his therapy which helped him improve developmentally. By having his work showcased all over the world, collaborating with local and international artists, and having collectors purchase his work, Sevi has been an inspiration for other parents to support their children in their artistic pursuits. His works encourage other artists to go out of their comfort zone to try something new that has the potential to yield amazing results.

Support Sevi Agregado by checking out his work on Foundation, Objkt, and Mintoo. All proceeds from the sale of Sevi's work will go toward his continued therapy.

These Filipino artists have grabbed attention from international audiences by being one of the pioneering Filipinos to attend NFT NYC as artists. The NFT NYC has also given the opportunity for a small group of Filipino Web3 builders to speak at the event and share their expertise on select topics. These impressive feats are not only a testament to Filipino excellency but an open opportunity for Filipinos who are inspired to follow the footsteps of Allen and Sevi.

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