The article discusses the recent Art Basel & UBS Survey of Global Collecting, which shows that digital art is now a core acquisition category in the art market. The survey found that 51% of high-net-worth collectors reported buying digital art in 2025, and 26% of Gen Z collectors reported buying digital art in 2024 or 2025.
The article also reports on the successful inaugural edition of Art Basel Zero 10, which featured a variety of approaches to digital creativity, including code-based work, algorithmic systems, immersive installations, and robotics. The fair saw strong sales, with many artists selling out of their works.
Cryptocurrency played a role in some of the transactions at the fair, with some collectors paying for digital artworks using ETH (Ethereum) or other cryptocurrencies. However, it's worth noting that most transactions were still executed in USD.
The article also quotes several exhibitors about the structure of their sales and whether cryptocurrency played any role in the transactions. For example, Asprey Studio reported that one collector paid for a work in ETH, while the rest paid by card. AOTM Gallery's Berman noted that they priced Dmitri Cherniak's works in ETH to align with the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain on which his works are minted.
The article suggests that the art market still has untapped liquidity that could be activated by accepting crypto payments more broadly, and that recognizing the different profile of buyers that crypto can bring into the fold is important.
Some key quotes from exhibitors include:
* Beeple: "It really is not that big of a deal and I am honestly surprised more galleries do not do this. It really isn’t very complicated and can, of course, be converted to fiat immediately, so I really am honestly a bit puzzled as to why this has not been adopted more generally."
* Berman (AOTM Gallery): "We were adamant about pricing Dmitri Cherniak's works in ETH, the native currency for the Ethereum blockchain on which his works are minted."
* Fakhr (Solos Gallery): "We accept both crypto and fiat. We're very geared toward new buyers."
Overall, the article suggests that digital art is becoming increasingly mainstream and that galleries should consider accepting cryptocurrency payments to tap into a growing pool of liquidity and attract new buyers.
The article also reports on the successful inaugural edition of Art Basel Zero 10, which featured a variety of approaches to digital creativity, including code-based work, algorithmic systems, immersive installations, and robotics. The fair saw strong sales, with many artists selling out of their works.
Cryptocurrency played a role in some of the transactions at the fair, with some collectors paying for digital artworks using ETH (Ethereum) or other cryptocurrencies. However, it's worth noting that most transactions were still executed in USD.
The article also quotes several exhibitors about the structure of their sales and whether cryptocurrency played any role in the transactions. For example, Asprey Studio reported that one collector paid for a work in ETH, while the rest paid by card. AOTM Gallery's Berman noted that they priced Dmitri Cherniak's works in ETH to align with the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain on which his works are minted.
The article suggests that the art market still has untapped liquidity that could be activated by accepting crypto payments more broadly, and that recognizing the different profile of buyers that crypto can bring into the fold is important.
Some key quotes from exhibitors include:
* Beeple: "It really is not that big of a deal and I am honestly surprised more galleries do not do this. It really isn’t very complicated and can, of course, be converted to fiat immediately, so I really am honestly a bit puzzled as to why this has not been adopted more generally."
* Berman (AOTM Gallery): "We were adamant about pricing Dmitri Cherniak's works in ETH, the native currency for the Ethereum blockchain on which his works are minted."
* Fakhr (Solos Gallery): "We accept both crypto and fiat. We're very geared toward new buyers."
Overall, the article suggests that digital art is becoming increasingly mainstream and that galleries should consider accepting cryptocurrency payments to tap into a growing pool of liquidity and attract new buyers.
i mean, 51% of high-net-worth collectors buying digital art is crazy talk! and gen z collectors are already on it too 
it's like the art world is catching up with the times you know? and the fact that some galleries are pricing their works in crypto is genius 
i mean, why not? it's a new way to connect with buyers and tap into that liquidity. and the fact that beeple is saying "it really isn't that big of a deal" just proves he gets it 
maybe we'll see more galleries jumping on board soon? 
! It's crazy to see how digital art has become a core acquisition category in the art market - I mean, 51% of high-net-worth collectors are buying digital art? That's wild 
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. I'm not surprised, though - Beeple's right on the money when he says that accepting crypto payments isn't that complicated and can be converted to fiat immediately 
. It's just about recognizing the value of this new market and adapting to it.
. And hey, who knows, maybe we'll see even more digital art being created with crypto in mind 
. The possibilities are endless! 
. But seriously, 51% of high-net-worth collectors buying digital art? That's some next level stuff! It's all about the tech and the blockchain, you know? And those galleries that are already accepting crypto payments? They're ahead of the game, big time 
. It's exciting to see the mainstreaming of digital art and how it can open up new opportunities for collectors and galleries alike 
.
I mean, it's 2025, people have been buying digital art with crypto for ages now 
. Art Basel Zero was lit tho, the code-based work and algorithmic systems were straight fire 
? 
and I feel like some of these artists are killing it with their code-based work and algorithmic systems, it's like sci-fi come to life 
! Who needs traditional paintings when you can buy algorithmic art that's totally lit 
. Beeple is hella right, why ain't no galleries adopting this tech already? 
51% of high-net-worth collectors buying digital art in 2025? that's like, totally changing the game! 
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OMG I'm not surprised at all that digital art is getting so popular! I mean think about it, with everyone having these fancy smartphones and computers, it's like anyone can create their own artwork now 
. I mean, its not rocket science, right? It just makes sense to be open to new payment methods.
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. We should definitely give crypto more cred in the art world - it could bring in new buyers and shake things up for galleries. Who knows, maybe we'll see more digital art pieces being created with crypto in mind 
digital art has gone legit! i mean 51% of high-net-worth collectors r buying digital art now?! thats crazy!! 
- "why hasn't this been adopted more generally?" is a great question. And let's give props to AOTM Gallery for pricing Dmitri Cherniak's works in ETH - it's all about alignment and authenticity 
. For Solos Gallery, I'm feeling the vibes with accepting both crypto and fiat - they're totally on top of their game 
.
. Like, Beeple's saying, why not make it easy for collectors to buy and sell? And AOTM Gallery's got this one collector who paid in ETH for a work by Dmitri Cherniak