The Project

Metamorphosis Art: Unfolding History Through Art

 
  • DescriptionI’m excited to introduce you to the Metamorphosis project, a one-of-a-kind NFT project that blends art, history, and technology. Metamorphosis Art aims to offer a new life to forgotten characters of the past and provide a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to be part of a historical and artistic endeavor that blends the past and the present in a groundbreaking way.

    The Metamorphosis Art: Unfolding History Through Art, project is the brainchild of Sergis Adamos, based on an abandoned photographic archive that he discovered in his hometown of Paphos, Cyprus. This archive, created by the gifted photographer Spyros Haritou 1901-1991, contains glass negative plates from the 1900s to 1960s, with a wealth of historical significance.

    Metamorphosis aims to bring together a diverse group of institutions, artists, and creatives who can contribute to the collection’s growth and development.

    The project I propose is titled Metamorphosis Art: Unfolding History Through Art, a pioneering NFT initiative that merges art, history, and technology. This project aims to breathe new life into forgotten characters and moments from the past, offering a unique opportunity for institutions and individuals to engage in a transformative artistic journey that bridges historical narratives with contemporary digital art practices.

    Recently, the archive was carefully wrapped and relocated to ensure its preservation. During this process, bundles of glass plates were organized into independent parcels, each meticulously numbered to maintain a clear record of their original positions within the archive. This method of preservation allows us to uncover these parcels through a thoughtfully curated process, transforming the recovered images into compelling exhibitions.

    By sequentially unwrapping these parcels, we reveal not just the images they contain, but also the intricate layers of history they represent. Each parcel presents an opportunity for a new exhibition, where the recovered images—transformed through digital restoration and artistic reinterpretation—can be showcased. This approach not only preserves the original context of the archive but also reimagines its content, creating a dynamic and evolving narrative that captivates both historical scholars and contemporary art audiences. text goes here

 

One of 420 parcels

 
  • To generate profit, the project will sell parcels and sub-collections, with a revenue-sharing model that incentivizes growth and further success. An ethical preservation plan will be put in place to ensure the collection is protected for future generations.

    Metamorphosis could be seen as a digital online archaeological excavation project named after the transformation process the images captured in the glass plates go through. The archive contains approximately 17,000 such plates. For the need to relocate the archive, the boxes that contained glass plates were separated into unequal sizes and wrapped in paper, numbered, and stored in boxes. Some parcels contain more glass plates than others.

    To start the project, we will mint it on the blockchain and offer a randomly chosen parcel from the archive through an NFT auction to potential buyers. Each parcel will generate a new NFT collection and a physical art exhibition. To restructure the archive to its original condition, every parcel was given a code that traces back to its location in the archive. Therefore, every parcel will use its code as its title, and each collection will also be titled with the code. The parcel will be photographed and minted with its smart contracts on its web3 website.

    Once the parcel is bought, the team will record the whole process of unwrapping the parcel, up to the scanning process of each glass negative plate. A short trailer will be generated and offered to the new owner as an NFT. The parcels will reveal small boxes that contain stuck-together deteriorated glass negative plates. Once carefully separated, each plate will be scanned separately, and the process of each glass negative plate being scanned will also be recorded and offered as a Split NFT.

    The Metamorphosis Art project offers various options for the owners of the parcels. If an owner chooses to work with the Metamorphosis team to create art from the scanned images, they will agree to a partnership contract with a 70-30 ownership agreement. On the other hand, if the owner decides to create art themselves or hire another artist, a 10% royalty fee will be claimed from each smart contract.

    Additionally, each owner will agree on a specific time frame schedule to hand in their final art, and a penalty will be added each time the schedule is not achieved. This ensures that the project’s timeline remains on track and that the collections are developed and delivered on time. The Metamorphosis project is committed to creating a sustainable and responsible endeavor, and these guidelines and rules are in place to ensure the project’s success.

    Through an enigmatic process of scanning, the images on these, stuck-together, and deteriorated glass plates have been transformed into breathtaking works of art that transcend traditional notions of beauty. Each composition captures the essence of a metamorphosis that is both mysterious and awe-inspiring, challenging even the most sophisticated contemporary digital and physical artwork.

    Plans are underway to develop the collection into a digital archive that will serve as the foundation for a museum in the Metaverse. Here, the full historical context of these extraordinary works can be explored, and NFT collections can be showcased to a wider audience, further adding to the mystery and allure of these stunning pieces of art.

    Dear reader, I’d like to invite you to explore some of the incredible collections that have been inspired by the Metamorphosis project. While the archive itself is not currently available for public viewing, there are a few collections that artist, Sergis Adamos, has already created and turned into NFT collections. These include Metamorphosis 1, Almost Vanished Friends, and Strangers Forever. These collections have been physically exhibited and are now available as digital NFTs, offering a unique and immersive experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Keep in mind the glass plates used for all the above were found scattered on the floor and not on the shelves. Follow the links to explore these incredible collections and discover the magic of Metamorphosis for yourself.