Controversy Surrounds Super Punk World NFTs for Emphasis on Race and Gender
Yuga Labs, the company known for the iconic CryptoPunks NFT collection, has just unveiled a new project titled Super Punk World. This collection, curated by artist Nina Chanel Abney, offers a fresh perspective on CryptoPunks by centering on themes of race and gender. Abney carefully selected 500 avatars from a pool of over 10,000, infusing them with her unique style and vision.
The announcement of Nina Chanel Abney’s Super Punks World NFT collection has garnered significant attention, with some enthusiasts and crypto experts expressing disapproval of the artwork, labeling it as “woke,” and even launching personal attacks against the artist.
In response to the negative reception, Yuga Labs CEO Greg Solano declared that the company will no longer be involved with CryptoPunks and that the NFTs will instead be distributed to Super Cool World NFT holders. Abney supported Solano’s decision and condemned the hateful comments directed at her on social media following the project’s unveiling.
Despite the controversy, sales of CryptoPunks have reached unprecedented levels, with an Alien Punk selling for a staggering $12.38 million in Ethereum. Nevertheless, the debut of Super Punk World has been met with swift backlash from collectors and crypto experts alike, who have criticized the art style and the concept of reimagining a beloved project. Furthermore, some have expressed concerns that the new collection may diminish the value of the original Punks, which are highly regarded as a “blue chip” Ethereum NFT set.
In light of the backlash, Yuga Labs has pledged to support museums and institutions in acquiring CryptoPunks and educating their audiences about the collection. Meanwhile, Nina Chanel Abney has emphasized her commitment to fostering an inclusive community where all individuals are welcome and where ideas that promote constructive dialogue are embraced.
Despite the controversy surrounding Super Punk World, CryptoPunks continue to see remarkable sales. In April, an ultra-rare Alien Punk fetched a price of $12.38 million in Ethereum, marking one of the largest NFT sales to date. This sale follows closely on the heels of another CryptoPunk selling for nearly $8 million, underscoring the enduring value and appeal of the collection.
