The average idea on an NFT is a pixelated piece of digital art. That originates from some of the pioneers like CryptoPunks. We have seen a mixture of different creative visionaries jump on the NFT stage to see what they can do with it. From musicians, writers and classically trained artists, the NFT community is hustling with a creative buzz. Obscura has now paved the way for photographers whilst sprinkling a healthy amount of NFTs.
What is Obscura?
Firstly, Obscura saw a flaw in how the system works with photographers and artists, grants. It has always been notoriously difficult to receive money for creative projects. A usual common thread- a second ‘normal’ job if one wants to financially survive. Following this, Obscura allows creative possibilities and to tell the untold stories of photographers. Their new WHO WE ARE campaign has been a game-changer.
Brandon Espeleta photographed by Brandon Espeleta in Los Angeles, CA, USA
WHO WE ARE and why it’s important
Secondly, when trying to understand how to support artists, give them creative freedom and financial backing, the team behind Obscura decided to use technology to their advantage. This project is an opportunity to bring back the photographic commission. Supporting photographers pursuing their projects through the sales of their NFTs. WHO WE ARE is the first grant given by Obscura via PaisanoDAO, distributing $100,000 to 100 photographers across the globe. The project currently encompasses 6 continents, 33 countries, 93 cities, and over 170 portraits and will be an ongoing project with Obscura as it continues over time.
What is the commission for the photographers?
The photographers working with Obscura on the WHO WE ARE campaign have a set topic to base their photography around. They have asked them to document humans participating, building, and creating in Web3 and the NFT space in 2021, the year NFTs took the world by storm. In addition, the photographers can take this idea and make it as abstract as they can, but it should still relate to Web3 and the NFT space. Obscura has funded 100 photographers, $1000 each to create a body of work that tells the story of the new creators, collectors, and builders of the web3 metaverse.
Mario Klingemann photographed by Priscillia Grubo in Munich, Germany
“I can’t stress how grateful I am for Obscura and the possibilities they’re opening up for photographers through this.” – Kamau Kamau, Who We Are grant recipient, from Nairobi, Kenya.
“Incredibly proud to be involved with this historic project.” – Felix Denomme, Who We Are grant recipient, from Ottawa, Canada.
Frince Ruhffert de la Cruz photographed by Jake Verzosa in San Mateo, Rizal, the Philippines
Launching with the WHO WE ARE campaign, Obscura is a new kind of funding collective. In conclusion, they endeavour to build community and empower photographers. Creating dream projects by bringing back the concept of the photographic commission. Similarly, Obscura has the mission to provide grants, commissions, leadership, education, and partnerships. Seasoned photographers to photographers in the NFT Photography space.
