Once upon a time in the digital world, there was a special place for artists. It was called Hic et Nunc, which is Latin for “Here and Now.” This platform changed the game for creators, especially those who felt left out of the traditional art scene. This article explores the world of hicetnunc art, a movement that showed everyone how powerful a community can be. It was a unique space on the internet where anyone could create and sell digital art without high costs or gatekeepers.
The platform was built on the Tezos blockchain, known for being more environmentally friendly. This made it possible for artists from all over the world, especially from the Global South and queer communities, to share their work. Even though the original site suddenly shut down, its spirit lives on. We will dive into what made hicetnunc art so special, what happened to the original platform, and where you can find its legacy today. This story is about more than just technology; it’s about creativity, community, and the ongoing quest for a more open and inclusive art world.
Table of Contents
The Vision Behind Hicetnunc Art
Hicetnunc was launched in March 2021 by a Brazilian developer named Rafael Lima. His vision was simple yet powerful: create a truly open and democratic marketplace for digital artists. At the time, the NFT world was dominated by expensive platforms built on the Ethereum blockchain. This created a high barrier to entry for many creators. Lima wanted to build something different. He chose the Tezos blockchain because of its low energy consumption and minimal transaction fees, often called “gas fees.” This choice made it incredibly cheap to “mint,” or create, an NFT. Artists could mint their work for just a few cents, opening the door for countless people who had been previously excluded.
The platform was designed to be radically inclusive. There were no curators deciding whose art was worthy. Anyone with a creative idea could mint and sell their work. This permissionless system attracted a diverse global community. Artists who felt marginalized by the mainstream art world found a home at Hicetnunc. The focus was on the hicetnunc art itself, not on hype or high prices. This grassroots approach fostered a supportive and experimental environment where creativity flourished. The name “Here and Now” perfectly captured the platform’s ethos of immediate, unfiltered artistic expression.
What Made Hicetnunc Different?
Hicetnunc stood out from the crowded NFT space for several key reasons. Its core philosophy was accessibility for all. While other platforms felt exclusive, Hicetnunc was open and welcoming. The ultra-low minting costs on the Tezos blockchain were a major draw. Artists no longer needed to spend hundreds of dollars just to put their work on the blockchain. This feature alone democratized the creation of hicetnunc art nft pieces, making it a viable option for artists in developing countries or those with limited financial resources. The platform’s minimalist design also put the art front and center, creating a clean, gallery-like experience for both creators and collectors.
Another unique aspect was its decentralized nature. Artworks were stored on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a distributed network for storing and sharing data. This meant that even if the main website went down, the art itself would remain safe and accessible on the blockchain. This security gave artists peace of mind. The community culture was also special. Events like #OBJKT4OBJKT encouraged artists to trade their works with each other, fostering connections and mutual support. This was a stark contrast to the speculative, profit-driven nature of many other NFT marketplaces.
The Tezos Blockchain: An Eco-Friendly Choice
One of the biggest criticisms of early NFTs was their environmental impact. The Ethereum blockchain, which powered most major NFT platforms at the time, used a Proof-of-Work (PoW) system. This system required massive amounts of computational power, leading to a significant carbon footprint. The team behind hicetnunc art made a conscious decision to use the Tezos blockchain instead. Tezos operates on a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. This method is vastly more energy-efficient, using over two million times less energy than PoW blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum at that time.
This eco-friendly approach was a huge selling point for many artists and collectors. They could participate in the NFT revolution without feeling guilty about harming the planet. The choice of Tezos aligned perfectly with the platform’s inclusive and forward-thinking values. It showed that it was possible to build a thriving digital art ecosystem that was also sustainable. This commitment to the environment helped attract a community that was not just interested in making money, but also in building a better, more responsible future for digital art. The low energy use made the hicetnunc art movement feel more ethical and accessible.
Understanding Proof-of-Stake vs. Proof-of-Work
To understand why Tezos was a game-changer, it helps to know the difference between Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake. Proof-of-Work, used by Bitcoin and early Ethereum, involves “miners” solving complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and create new blocks. This process is a race that requires immense electrical power. The first miner to solve the puzzle gets rewarded. This competitive system is secure but incredibly wasteful.
Proof-of-Stake, on the other hand, works differently. Instead of miners competing, network participants called “validators” are chosen to create new blocks based on the number of coins they “stake,” or lock up, as collateral. This system removes the need for energy-intensive computations. Because of this, PoS is much kinder to the environment. The decision to build hicetnunc.art on Tezos was a pioneering move that set a new standard for sustainability in the NFT space. It proved that blockchain technology could evolve to address its environmental shortcomings.
The Sudden Shutdown and Community Response
In November 2021, the Hicetnunc community received a shock. The founder, Rafael Lima, abruptly shut down the website. The homepage was replaced with a cryptic message, and the platform that had become a vibrant hub for thousands of artists was suddenly gone. The reason for the shutdown was never fully clarified, but it was rumored to be related to the stress of managing such a rapidly growing platform. Without any warning, the central point of access for the hicetnunc art community disappeared, leaving many artists and collectors in a state of confusion and panic.
What happened next was a powerful demonstration of community strength. Because the art and transaction data were stored on the decentralized Tezos blockchain and IPFS, nothing was truly lost. The community quickly rallied together. Developers and artists worked to create “mirrors” of the original site, preserving the data and functionality. Within days, several new platforms emerged, built on the same smart contract and community spirit. This event highlighted the resilience of a decentralized system. The hicetnunc art movement was never just about a single website; it was about the people and the principles behind it. The shutdown proved that the community could survive and thrive even without its original leader.
The Legacy Lives On: Successor Platforms
The spirit of Hicetnunc did not die with the original website. It evolved. The community-led effort to preserve the platform gave rise to several successors that carry on its legacy. These new platforms are often referred to as part of the “Hic et Nunc ecosystem.” They are built on the same open-source code and connect to the same blockchain data, ensuring a seamless transition for artists and collectors. Many of these platforms are governed by the community itself, fulfilling the original vision of a truly decentralized art marketplace.
These successors continue to champion the values of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. They offer low-cost minting on the Tezos blockchain and support a wide range of creative expressions. The community remains active and supportive, with artists collaborating and sharing their work across social media. The story of hicetnunc art became a powerful lesson in Web3 resilience. It showed that when a community is truly empowered, it can overcome any obstacle and continue to build the future it believes in.
| Feature | Hicetnunc (Original) | Successor Platforms (e.g., Teia) |
|---|---|---|
| Blockchain | Tezos (Proof-of-Stake) | Tezos (Proof-of-Stake) |
| Minting Cost | Very Low (often <$1) | Very Low (often <$1) |
| Governance | Founder-led | Community-governed (DAOs) |
| Ethos | Inclusive, Accessible, Experimental | Inclusive, Accessible, Community-driven |
| Storage | IPFS (Decentralized) | IPFS (Decentralized) |
| Status | Discontinued (Nov 2021) | Active and Evolving |
How to Get Started in the Hicetnunc Ecosystem
Are you an artist or collector inspired by the story of hicetnunc art? Getting involved in its successor platforms is easy. The process is similar to how it worked on the original site. The first step is to get a digital wallet that supports the Tezos blockchain. These wallets act like your bank account and digital identity in the Web3 world. They allow you to store cryptocurrency and interact with decentralized applications, including NFT marketplaces. You will use your wallet to buy, sell, and mint NFTs.
Once your wallet is set up, you’ll need to buy some Tezos (XTZ), the native cryptocurrency of the Tezos blockchain. XTZ is used to pay for transaction fees, which are very low on Tezos. You can purchase XTZ on most major cryptocurrency exchanges. After buying XTZ, you’ll transfer it to your personal Tezos wallet. With your wallet funded, you are ready to connect to a marketplace and start your journey. The community is known for being friendly and helpful to newcomers, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Step 1: Set Up a Tezos Wallet
The first thing you need is a Tezos-compatible wallet. There are several great options available, each with its own features. Some popular choices include:
- Temple Wallet: A user-friendly browser extension wallet, similar to MetaMask for Ethereum. It’s easy to install and use.
- Kukai Wallet: A web-based wallet that allows you to log in with your social media accounts, making it very accessible for beginners.
- AirGap Wallet: A mobile-first wallet that offers enhanced security by allowing you to use an old smartphone as an offline storage device.
When you create your wallet, you will be given a “seed phrase” or “recovery phrase.” This is a list of 12 or 24 words. It is extremely important to write this down and store it in a safe, offline location. This phrase is the only way to recover your wallet if you forget your password or lose access to your device.
Step 2: Buy Tezos (XTZ)
After setting up your wallet, you need to acquire some Tezos (XTZ). You can buy XTZ from a reputable cryptocurrency exchange. Some well-known exchanges where you can purchase Tezos are:
- Coinbase
- Kraken
- Binance
You will need to create an account on one of these exchanges and complete their verification process. Once your account is ready, you can buy XTZ using your local currency. After purchasing the XTZ, you will withdraw it from the exchange and send it to your personal Tezos wallet address. Your wallet address is a long string of letters and numbers that acts as your public identifier on the blockchain.
Step 3: Choose a Marketplace
With your wallet funded, it’s time to explore the marketplaces that inherited the hicetnunc art spirit. These platforms are the modern-day hubs for the community. Some of the most popular successors include:
- Teia.art: One of the most direct and community-governed successors to the original Hicetnunc.
- Objkt.com: The largest and most comprehensive NFT marketplace on Tezos, which also aggregates listings from other platforms.
- hicetnunc.art: The original domain is now back online and points to a community-run version of the platform.
Visit these sites and connect your wallet. This is usually done by clicking a “Connect Wallet” or “Sync” button on the website. Once connected, you can browse art, mint your own creations, and interact with the community.
Conclusion
The story of hicetnunc art is a remarkable chapter in the history of digital creativity. It began with a vision for a more open, inclusive, and sustainable art world. It quickly grew into a global movement, empowering thousands of artists to share their work without barriers. The platform’s sudden shutdown could have been the end, but instead, it became a testament to the power of a decentralized community. The artists, developers, and collectors rallied together, proving that the spirit of Hicetnunc was not tied to a single website but lived in the hearts of its members.
Today, the legacy of hicetnunc art continues to thrive through its successor platforms. The core values of accessibility, sustainability, and community governance remain strong. For anyone looking to enter the world of NFTs, the Tezos ecosystem that grew from Hicetnunc offers a welcoming and authentic starting point. It’s a space where art is celebrated for its creativity and where connections between people matter more than profits. The “Here and Now” movement showed that when you give people the tools to create and connect, they will build something beautiful and resilient.
A list of Important points
- Hicetnunc was a groundbreaking NFT art platform launched in 2021 on the Tezos blockchain.
- It prioritized accessibility with very low minting fees, opening doors for global artists.
- The platform was built on the energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake Tezos blockchain.
- The community was known for being inclusive, experimental, and supportive.
- The original site was abruptly shut down by its founder in November 2021.
- Due to its decentralized nature, the community quickly created successor platforms.
- The legacy of Hicetnunc lives on through community-governed marketplaces like Teia.art.
Different Style Bullet Points
- ► The name “Hic et Nunc” is Latin for “Here and Now.”
- ► It championed artists from the Global South and marginalized communities.
- ► The platform’s minimalist design put the focus squarely on the artwork.
- ► Community events like #OBJKT4OBJKT fostered a culture of trading and collaboration.
- ► The choice of Tezos was a deliberate move towards environmental sustainability in the NFT space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is hicetnunc art?
Hicetnunc art refers to the digital artwork and the cultural movement that originated on the Hic et Nunc NFT platform. It is known for its diversity, accessibility, and focus on community over commercialism. The art was minted on the eco-friendly Tezos blockchain, making it affordable for creators worldwide.
Is hicetnunc.art still active?
The original hicetnunc.art website was shut down by its founder in late 2021. However, the domain has since been revived by the community and now directs users to a community-run mirror of the platform. The broader ecosystem is very active, with several successor platforms carrying on the original mission.
Why was Hicetnunc so popular?
Hicetnunc’s popularity came from its radically inclusive and low-cost model. It removed the financial and curatorial barriers that existed on other NFT platforms. This attracted a diverse, global community of artists and collectors who valued creativity, experimentation, and mutual support. Its use of the green Tezos blockchain was also a major draw.
How do I buy a hicetnunc art nft?
To buy a hicetnunc art nft, you need a Tezos wallet (like Temple or Kukai) and some Tezos (XTZ) cryptocurrency. You can then visit a successor marketplace like Teia.art or Objkt.com, connect your wallet, browse for art, and purchase the pieces you like. The process is straightforward and the transaction fees are minimal.
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