1) Tell us more about yourself.
Hi, my name is Zahidi, and I work as a 3D illustrator and fine artist. My artwork is primarily surreal, and it is intended to elicit feelings that are associated with a future dystopia. I use digital art as my main medium, particularly using 3D to create computer generated imagery (CGI).
2) How did you start your NFT journey?
I may have tried NFT after hearing good things from others. I first explored NFT on Ethereum blockchain. I ventured into their marketplace and minted my first artworks there. Unfortunately, I did not do well with Ethereum and eventually gave up on it. In late 2021, I eventually found my way to the Tezos blockchain, where I made many new friends through Discord, particularly among the local NFT artists who are actively advocating for their fellow creatives. Having no prior experience with NFT, I leapt headfirst into it on Tezos by sharing a number of artworks there. I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response to my first NFT on that marketplace.
3) What are the successes and challenges you face as an NFT artist?
Early on, I struggled to build an audience and collector base. The NFT market is competitive, making it hard to build a network of artists and collectors. One of the first pieces of art I ever posted on hic et nunc received zero reactions. Unfortunately, this means I haven't been able to attract much of an audience.
One of my successes in NFT is selling works to collectors. Sometimes NFT moves so quickly that some of my works sold out in less than an hour. Another one of my achievements in NFT is that my artwork was featured on the website of the Center for Global Art. Through NFT, I've made some wonderful new friends who have commissioned me to create art for them.
4) What are your thoughts on the NFT art scene in Asia?
The NFT art scene in Asia has been growing since I got involved. When I found Tezos, I was surprised to see so many Asian artists. They were mostly from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Thailand. Asia's NFT art scene has so much untapped potential; the artists produce some of the highest quality works anywhere, and their innovative techniques are far ahead of the rest of the world. That includes Brunei as well. I hope that more local artists will participate in the NFT art community and reveal the incredible talent that exists here.
5) Tell us more about your work, past and current, especially those that you have made as NFTs.
I started dabbling in 3D art during my 2016–17 school break. I only worked on it occasionally until 2020, when I committed to making daily artworks. My art style began with simple motion graphics and animations and evolved into semi-realistic surreal art. Since then, my surrealist artistic style has been influenced by Simon Stålenhag and Mike Winklemann's work. My recent works are social satires that sometimes incorporate pop culture references. I have a tendency to make even the most uninteresting or mundane subject matter seem extraordinary by amplifying its surroundings.
6) Name some of your favorite NFT artists and pieces that you have collected
One of my favorite collections is by the Dutch artist Francien Kreig. Her work is centered on a profound message about aging and the fragility of life at both ends of the timeline. I have collected a number of her works, but "Next Generations" is my favorite because it is such a powerful piece. I have a number of pieces by Rashidah Yusof as well; my favorites are the storefront series and the compilation of 100 drawings she made between 2017 and 2021. Her use of digital technology and a consistent drawing style is fascinating. I also have a small collection of works by Asyran Hazwan, whose series of moody, atmospheric renders are unearthly and of astounding quality.
7) How do you see the future of NFTs.
It seems to me that the NFT art world will only get better from here on out. In spite of all the obstacles they've had to overcome, the NFT art community has persisted and even thrived over the years. Since NFTs are associated with cryptocurrencies, they are subject to uncertainty, as the value of the currency may be the deciding factor in whether or not a given NFT community survives. Despite the many challenges posed by the ever-changing art market, the NFT art community appears to be doing quite well and the community is growing stronger.