Highlights from the Voices Inspiring Women Rise NFT Residents Program – COOL HUNTING®
Carbon neutral NFT design platform Voice aims to equip and empower creators, a mission that sets it apart from many in the metaverse. Their user-friendly embossing system has already opened the door to web3 for an impressive list of fine artists. Now, in collaboration with guest curator Maliha Abidi (co-founder of the hugely successful Women Rise NFT collection), Voice has launched the Women Rise NFT Resident Program – complete with powerful, thought-provoking works by a range of extraordinary artists. It’s yet another reason to be excited about a platform that continues to find new ways to support digital creators.
“The residency came about as part of a long-standing relationship between Voice and Women Rise, inspired by our shared mission to empower female artists from underrepresented and marginalized communities in web3,” Eliza Fish, Voice’s director of partnerships and artist relations, tells COOL HUNTING . “We first worked with founder Maliha Abidi for a gallery curation project during NFT.NYC 2021 and knew there would be more opportunities to work together.” Fish adds that establishing the residence together has been a dream project.
“We ran an open call,” she continues, “ensuring that women all over the world knew about the opportunity, emphasizing that no previous NFT or crypto experience was needed to participate. Maliha acted as curator, and it was a difficult task given the hundreds of talented artists who applied.” The select group – which we’ve highlighted below – “represent countries all over the world, work in different mediums, varying levels of NFT experience and all have incredibly strong stories behind their collections,” says Fish. “For such a new industry as NFTs are critical for artists to see themselves represented, and the Voice x Women Rise residency program is one attempt to create equitable digital spaces.”
Shaunte Lewis
Bright, bold colors and sharp lines define the contributions of Indiana-based visual artist and illustrator Shaunte Lewis. Her digital illustration “Queen’s Presence: Queen of Spades” (above) presents “Power, femininity, intelligence. She achieves what she sets her mind to achieve. She overcomes all challenges that come her way. She is a thinker, planner and doer, » according to the artist, whose work often explores black culture, femininity, gender and identity.
Nneka Iwunna Ezemezue
Lagos, Nigeria-based visual artist and documentary photographer Nneka Iwunna Ezemezue weaves distinctly human moments into her work. With “I Waited For You: The Sun Will Rise” (above) is part of a series Ezemezue contributed during the stay. «I waited for you The series addresses the invisible struggles and social stigma of infertility experienced, often silently or quietly, by millions of women from different cultures around the world, she says. “Many people experience infertility problems, but no one talks about it. I think we need more dialogue and open conversation about this. Through this project, I hope that people can start to lift the veil on these topics, as well as get others who have gone or are going through infertility to not feel so isolated and to destigmatize a universal experience.”
Sua Agape
With nuance and splendor, Guatemala City-based artist and illustrator Sua Agape fills her images with colorful contrast as she explores nature and the cosmos—usually with women playing a central role. In “Solstice” (above), Agape sets a heavenly scene with a reflective central figure amidst surreal flowers. The otherworldly image is as calm as it is surprising and vivid.
Senaida
Brooklyn-based interdisciplinary artist and sound architect Senaida featured her astonishing three-part experimental sonic series, THE NOTHING IN BETWEEN, on Voice (with “THE NOTHING IN BTWEEN: III. I’M LEFT HERE IN MY AURA OF LIGHT” featured above). Within, Senaida pairs fascinating, moving geometric shapes with a soaring soundscape. The artist’s work is a prime example of the depth of NFTs and the capabilities of the craft.
Hero Image”Queen’s Presence: Queen of Hearts” courtesy of Shaunte Lewis
