Feature Artist - Phoenyx Rein
Artist: Phoenyx
X Profile: @phoenyxrein
Artwork: United we Stand, Divided we Fall
Artwork: Neon Elder #2
Artwork: Neon Elder #1
Artwork: Neon Elder #3
These artworks are available here: @objkt
The first thing that strikes the viewer when they see Phoenyx's work is the vibrant use of colour. The neon light effect makes his work visually very captivating. Coupled with his striking sense of composition, with the figures dominating the image in a majestic way, Phoenyx engages his experience in portrait photograph to tell his story. In the feature images, the figures represent Australian and New Zealand First Nation people. The artist portrays them in a way that speaks of their dignity and resilience in the face of discrimination and disadvantage. The pieces have a celebratory feeling to them as well as a reverential element. The viewer feels drawn to the life experiences etched into the elders faces. Phoenyx's work is compelling and evocative in a way that promotes respect and offers the viewer a sense of his subjects strengths and vulnerabilities. At the beginning of his journey in the NFT space, Phoenyx is an artist to watch and take note of.
What medium do you work in?
My basic workflow looks like this: I use AI programs such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion to bring my concepts to life and generate an image. I then import the image into Procreate, on my iPad, to paint/draw over it. Sometimes I will stitch multiple AI generated images together, taking my favourite elements from each image. I then refine the piece to my liking and export it as a JPG/PNG.
What inspired your featured pieces?
These pieces were inspired by the First Nations people of Australia and New Zealand. I was born in Australia and have a strong connection to its land and its peoples. I have been reflecting recently about what it means to be Australian. I created these pieces in respect to the traditional custodians of the land that we live on. I use neon lights in lots of my paintings. I really enjoy the way neon light permeates and shines upon human skin.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Funnily enough, my biggest artistic influence is my own photography. Many of my digital works are hyper-real portraits, imitating studio photography. In addition to digital art, I am a hobbyist photographer and have been taking photos of people and nature for over a decade now. Most of the skills I use to create my digital art, I taught myself, when editing my photographs. Some artists I admire, and aspire to be like, would be; 10 Hundred, Slew, Claire Silver and Icki.
How long have you been in the nft space?
I bought my first NFT in 2021. I have been following the space mostly through PFP releases on OpenSea. In 2022 I discovered Tezos, and objkt, through the public event TezAus. It was only in August 2022 when I decided to finally sell my own NFTs. I have sold many editions of my work on objkt- @phoenyxrein
What is your vision for your future in NFTs?
I hope to branch into other blockchains and continue to mint my work as NFTs. I will remain active in the space, learning, as we all do. I am enjoying being a part of the NFT community, meeting like-minded people and forming friendships with other artists and creatives. I have also dabbled in audio and video work, as well as still pictures. I imagine NFTs will only become more immersive as time goes on.
.jpg)
