.ART

This is the sixth installment in .ART’s “Web3 Women’s Revolution” series, honoring Women’s History Month and exploring woman-identifying artists in the Web3 space. Zenavi (zenavi.art) is an NFT artist whose continued exploration of tech has brought her a variety of professional opportunities, from global showcases to fruitful collaborations. This interview was edited for length and clarity. 

Describe yourself in 3 words. Go: 

Adaptable, Experimental and Reflective

Let’s start with the basics: how did you get into art?

I’ve loved art since childhood. My father first introduced me to Photoshop, and I immediately fell in love with the freedom and endless possibilities that technology offered for creating visual stories. Initially, I learned to blend random images together, then moved on to designing patterns. Eventually, I wanted those patterns to move, which led me to animation.

However, coming from a semi-Asian household, where most of my family pursued careers in science or engineering, art wasn’t seen as a practical option. I instead became a lecturer in communication and public relations. During COVID, while waiting for my next online class to start, I began drawing again to pass the time and rediscovered my passion for art. That’s how I reconnected with art in 2020.

You use words like “whimsical”, “imagination”, “laughter”, and “magic” when describing the style of your art. How did you create your unique visual language? 

Much of my artwork is a personal exploration of how I understand the world around me—not necessarily through physical objects, but rather through relationships. I see some relationships as vibrant and full of growth, which is why flowers frequently appear in my work.

I see some relationships as vibrant and full of growth, which is why flowers frequently appear in my work.

Others feel magical and empowering, inspiring me to incorporate stars and cosmic elements. Certain relationships are sturdy, strong, and comforting, represented by cascading buildings. These various elements combine organically in my art, creating whimsical and magical worlds.

You’ve sold NFT’s for over $4,000, showcased your pieces from Paris to Dubai to NYC, and have partnered with brands like LG. What’s your secret?

Oh wow, I don’t think I have secrets, but I can definitely share what has worked for me! Firstly, I have an incredible support system. My family and friends constantly inspire and challenge me—I intentionally surround myself with amazing, inspiring people, learning and growing through our interactions.

Secondly, I prioritize making genuine connections with people from all backgrounds. Each person you meet opens doors to new insights, skills, and opportunities. 

Each person you meet opens doors to new insights, skills, and opportunities. 

Thirdly, I’m also someone who loves to play and experiment—be it with different digital mediums like animation, illustration or attempting 3d, alongside playing with interactive and dynamic artworks. I feel when I am creating I’m always in a state of play. This curiosity drives my creative process, leading me to explore and innovate constantly.

When I am creating, I’m always in a state of play.

Lastly, if you have the energy and time, participate in as many open calls as possible! Many of my international exhibitions resulted from opportunities offered by platforms like HUG—huge shoutout to the wonderful HUG family! 💖✨

How did you get into Web3?

I got into Web3 in late 2020 through Clubhouse, back when it was buzzing with excitement! I kept hearing artists talk about NFTs and quickly understood how revolutionary this technology was, especially for digital artists. Through Clubhouse, I found NFT Asia, a community that became my digital home. NFT Asia connected me with amazing artists globally and gave me a platform to showcase my art to the world.

Which artist in history would you have wished to see on blockchain?

I’d absolutely love to see Frida Kahlo’s artwork on the blockchain! Her deeply personal and symbolic art, exploring themes of identity, pain, and resilience, would be a sight to see as interactive and dynamic pieces. Imagine her iconic self-portraits shifting in response to viewers’ emotions or global events—colors gently evolving, expressions subtly changing, backgrounds slowly transforming. The idea of her art being forever alive and continuously adapting on the blockchain genuinely excites me!

Any advice for people looking to get into Web3? Any words for those who are hesitant?

Web3 is genuinely fun and rewarding, especially once you find the right community. For digital artists specifically, my advice would be to start building a strong online presence, engage authentically with communities, and experiment with different digital mediums and what integrating tech and the blockchain can do for your art. 

Keep creating and refining your skills, as the space is constantly evolving. Also, remain curious—learn as much as you can about blockchain technology, NFTs, and the platforms you’re interested in. And always prioritize your safety; the Web3 world is amazing, but it’s essential to stay informed and cautious to avoid potential scams.

What’s the one question you hate getting asked the most as an artist?

Actually, it’s less about being an artist and more about me personally. “Hate” feels too strong, but I feel uncomfortable when people ask, “Where are you from?” It’s difficult to answer concisely without explaining my entire family history, so I usually say it’s where I pay the most taxes, which is currently Indonesia, as I’ve lived here for quite a long time. 

What’s one benefit of having a .ART domain?

What I love about having a .ART domain is the ability to integrate with Web3 features. It simplifies transactions by allowing artists to directly receive cryptocurrency payments for their artworks to their .art wallets, which is something I’m particularly excited about as I rebuild my .ART website. I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how .ART domains continue to innovate, bridging the gap between the Web2 and Web3 art worlds!

Zenavi uses her domain to redirect to her HUG profile. Register your .ART domain and use it for your portfolio or connect it to your Web3 assets today: https://get.art