Artvisor’s Nico Epstein is featured in the first episode of the podcast, “Who is that?” created by the production studio Storm and creative anonymous social network Anon. Epstein discussed the pros and cons of anonymity in the art world and how e-commerce and digital marketing have changed the art landscape for both traditional artists and artists working on NFT projects.

In the traditional art world, which values tangible artworks and ideas that are tied to art history, anonymity is seldom sought after. However, in the digital space, artists with anonymous brand names that hide their true identity are increasing, especially in the growing space for digital art. Unlike many painters, sculptors and photographers who have been forgotten over time, some artists intentionally pursue anonymity. This means they purposely choose to hide their identity.  One such artist, discussed in the podcast, is Tom Poeet. In pursuing this path, he removes social and political parameters from the experience of engaging with his art. Free from preconceived notions of individuality, the artist forces audiences to return their focus to the creative process and its product, the artwork itself.

Establishing credibility and garnering a livelihood as an artist while maintaining anonymity is no easy task. Because anonymous artists are faceless, it is not easy to work with a direct connection to a gallery in the traditional art world. The market —and the public— want the artist’s personality. This limitation, imposed by the conventional market, might be the reason why anonymous artists are attracted to online platforms. Online formats allow them to shield their identity and display their work.

The online growth of the fine art market and the digital art market has inalterably changed the significance of what it means to be an anonymous artist, to find out how, listen to the podcast using the link below.