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“In the future, the ‘crypto art space’ will just be the art space.”[1] -XCOPY, 2021
In the world of Crypto Art, few names stand out like XCOPY. As NFT Now once put it, “When it comes to crypto art, there’s XCOPY, and there’s everyone else.”[2] The London-based anonymous artist is a pioneer in the NFT space, known for his glitch aesthetic and dystopian themes. His work challenges the boundaries of digital art and continues to shape the cultural and technological evolution of the art world.
From Tumblr to NFTs
XCOPY began his journey in digital art on Tumblr in 2010. He was among the first artists to mint his works as NFTs, helping to establish a market for digital ownership. His first NFT, Echoes of a Dead Earth (2018), was minted on SuperRare in 2018, marking a milestone in crypto art history. In 2022, he took a radical step by releasing his work under a CC0 license, allowing free derivative use and increasing its cultural reach.
A Distinctive Style and Dark Themes
XCOPY’s artistic style is unmistakable. His works feature raw, stencil-like lines combined with neon pinks, turquoise, and violets, flashing like a dystopian cyberpunk fever dream. His subjects—often humanoid figures—embody suffering, monotony, and the existential dread of modern life. Pieces like Coin for the Ferryman (2018) and A Sea of Motherfuckers on Platform 24 (2019) critique the repetitive grind of the 9-to-5 work cycle, while In the Hole (2019) explores themes of debt and financial struggle. His works also touch on power and freedom (Truth or Power 2019), smartphone addiction (Doom 2019, God is Tipping 2022), and the ups and downs in the crypto space in general (Right Click and Save as Guy 2018, When Airdrop 2019, The FUD 2022).
Art Historical Parallels: Dystopia, Death, and Simulacrum
XCOPY’s work aligns with a long tradition of artists exploring existential and dystopian themes. Pieces like All Time High in the City (2018), Last Selfie (2019), and Simulacrum contain clear references to art history.
All Time High in the City (2018) is a work depicting a boat floating on a river, carrying two figures—one a hooded figure with a skull face, the other a businessman wearing a tie. On the horizon, we see buildings resembling office towers, their reflections shimmering on the water. The entire image is rendered in red, black, and white. The title All Time High in the City refers to the term “all-time high” (ATH), which describes the highest price or value an asset (stock, cryptocurrencies, NFTs) has ever reached in its trading history.
The subject of the artwork alludes to Charon, the ferryman from Greek mythology who transports souls across the river Styx into the underworld of Hades. The figure of Charon has been a recurring subject in art history, depicted by numerous artists. One notable example is Eugène Delacroix’s The Barque of Dante (1822), which is inspired by a scene from The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. In this painting, Charon transports the early Renaissance poet Dante, who is guided by Virgil, across the river Styx into the depths of the underworld. Other significant representations include Joachim Patinir’s Crossing into the Underworld (1515–1524) and Arnold Böcklin’s Isle of the Dead (1880).
Another historical reference can be found in Böcklin’s Death Playing the Fiddle (1872), where the artist portrays himself alongside Death. Similarly, in Last Selfie (2019), XCOPY plays with the juxtaposition of humans and skeletal death figures. This composition follows the classic memento mori tradition, serving as a reminder of human mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
paint and oil stick on canvas, 1/1 1982.
With his memento mori themes, XCOPY follows in the tradition of numerous artists. His style also bears a strong resemblance to that of Jean-Michel Basquiat, particularly in his use of skull imagery. Not only does XCOPY incorporate the skull motif—much like Basquiat did in his famous 1982 work—but his rough, stencil-like aesthetic also draws clear parallels to Basquiat’s expressive and raw artistic approach.
The theme of authenticity versus illusion is central to Simulacrum (2023), which questions the relationship between the original and the simulation, as also explored in the famous work Simulacra and Simulation by the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard.[3] XCOPY’s own reflections on these themes further emphasize his deep engagement with existential and philosophical inquiries.
“I like contrasting everyday problems with death; it takes away their power for a moment. Dystopia creeps in further every day, it’s hard not to talk about it.”[4] -XCOPY, 2021
Cultural Impact and Market Success
XCOPY’s influence extends far beyond the Crypto Art space—his work has played a crucial role in bringing digital art and NFTs into mainstream cultural discussions. He gained widespread recognition in 2021 when his iconic piece Right-Click and Save As Guy (2018) was featured in a BBC World News article, thrusting the NFT debate into the global spotlight. The artwork, which critiques skepticism toward digital ownership and the perceived lack of value in NFTs, resonated deeply within and beyond the crypto community. Its record-breaking sale for $7 million cemented XCOPY’s status as one of the most commercially successful digital artists.
Despite the volatility of the NFT market, XCOPY’s work continues to command high prices, underscoring his lasting impact. His distinct glitch aesthetics, dystopian themes, and bold artistic statements have created a loyal collector base willing to pay significant sums for his creations. His pieces remain highly sought-after, both in primary sales and on the secondary market, where they frequently resell for thousands of dollars.
Yet, XCOPY’s legacy is not just about financial success—it’s about shaping how people understand and engage with Crypto Art. He has consistently positioned NFTs as more than just speculative assets, but rather as a revolutionary force in digital culture. His statement,
“Jpegs (NFTs) are the Trojan horse to take crypto mainstream,”[5] -XCOPY, 2021
emphasizes his belief that digital art serves as a gateway to broader blockchain adoption. By making blockchain technology more accessible and culturally relevant through art, XCOPY has helped bridge the gap between the crypto world and the traditional art market.
His work has been exhibited at major NFT and digital art events, further reinforcing its artistic significance. Many regard him as a pioneer whose influence extends far beyond his own sales, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore blockchain-based art. Whether through his high-profile sales, philosophical takes on digital ownership, or his role in pushing NFTs into mainstream consciousness, XCOPY remains at the forefront of the Crypto Art movement.
Pushing Boundaries with Cope Salada
XCOPY continues to innovate, as demonstrated by his 2024 project Cope Salada, launched on the Shape chain. Describing his approach, he explains:
“I developed my process to use vector forms that are small enough to store and render on-chain. The works scale infinitely and are responsive to the canvas. I’ve been working towards this for quite some time.”[6] – XCOPY, 2024
Beyond its technical achievement, the piece also plays with dark humor and irony, capturing the prevailing sentiment within the NFT space:
“The work reflects my experience of reality, not just my timeline. Cope is all around us. We all have individual universes to navigate; I navigate mine by making self-deprecating art.”[7] -XCOPY, 2024
XCOPY not only continues to refine his visual language but also pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible on the blockchain, further evolving his art in both conceptual depth and technical execution.
This commitment to innovation is also evident in his latest work, ICXN 2024, his first generative artwork released on Art Blocks.
The Future of Crypto Art
Looking ahead, XCOPY envisions the Crypto Art world merging seamlessly with the broader art market.
“In the future, the ‘crypto art space’ will just be the art space. But we shouldn’t expect decentralized money to fix everything.”[8] -XCOPY 2021
Beyond his technical innovations, XCOPY’s influence on digital art and Crypto Art is profound. His signature glitch aesthetic, raw visual language, and dystopian themes have become defining elements of the Crypto Art movement. His approach to distortion, flickering animations, and neon-infused compositions have not only set new artistic standards but have also inspired a wave of digital artists who emulate his style. Numerous creators have adopted his signature aesthetic, cementing his role as one of the most influential figures in the space.
XCOPY’s work is not just visually striking—it is conceptually disruptive. His art challenges traditional power structures, financial systems, and the broader societal status quo. As he puts it:
“The ultimate power is to be able to tell the truth. Power wants you to tell their truth.”[9] -XCOPY, 2021
His impact on glitch art extends beyond the NFT space, shaping how digital art is perceived and collected. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with blockchain technology and digital ownership, he continues to redefine the landscape of contemporary art.
Sources:
https://nftnow.com/features/exclusive-xcopy-lifts-the-veil-on-remnants-rarepass-project/
https://nftnow.com/features/exclusive-xcopy-unpacks-his-cope-salada-collection-on-shape/
https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
https://www.redlion.news/article/the-lost-xcopies
[1] https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
[2] https://nftnow.com/features/exclusive-xcopy-lifts-the-veil-on-remnants-rarepass-project/
[3] https://0ducks.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/simulacra-and-simulation-by-jean-baudrillard.pdf
[4] https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
[5] https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
[6] https://nftnow.com/features/exclusive-xcopy-unpacks-his-cope-salada-collection-on-shape/
[7] https://nftnow.com/features/exclusive-xcopy-unpacks-his-cope-salada-collection-on-shape/
[8] https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
[9] https://www.artsy.net/article/breezy-nice-talk-xcopy
Elisabeth Mühlbacher is an Art Manager at Validvent, specializing in guiding collectors in building meaningful CryptoArt collections. With a deep passion for the CryptoArt space as a pioneering force within the traditional art world, she is dedicated to contextualizing digital art and its cultural significance.
Elisabeth curates innovative pop-up exhibitions that bridge the gap between digital and physical art experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of CryptoArt. She closely observes the evolving CryptoArt market, providing insights into its trends and developments. Additionally, she organizes informative workshops to educate collectors, artists, and institutions about the dynamics of the CryptoArt space.
Holding a master’s degree in art history and Image Science, Elisabeth has extensive experience in the art sector, having worked in both galleries and auction houses. She is also the initiator of Frame It, a physical pop-up gallery exhibiting upcoming Austrian CryptoArtists. She drives innovation at the intersection of art and technology.
Through her work, Elisabeth continues to push the boundaries of how we experience, collect, and engage with art in the digital age.