In an engaging discussion titled 'Crypto Artist Ting Song Discusses the Role of NFTs and AI in the Art World,' the nuances of modern art are explored.

Ting Song possesses a rich background that includes organizing various hackathons and delving into groundbreaking technologies. Ting Song She has fostered a passion for merging the realms of art and humanities with technology, emphasizing the importance of blending different art forms in a digitally focused world. Drawing heavily from traditional Chinese motifs and artistry, she utilizes AI as a medium to convey her thoughts on technological philosophy, meta-existence, and the heritage of Chinese arts.

After completing her studies at Tsinghua University, Ting concentrated on cryptocurrency art and quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading figure in AI and blockchain art auctions in China within the past year. Her achievements have garnered significant attention, landing her a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

At the Hong Kong Web3 Festival 2023, Sergei Medvedev, co-founder of Metaverse Post, had the opportunity to engage with Ting Song, gaining insights into her path as a crypto artist and her aspirations for marrying art with advanced technologies.

Sergei Medvedev: It's a pleasure to meet you. Can you share some details about yourself and the notable projects you’ve worked on?

I’m Ting Song, a graduate of Tsinghua University. At the age of 19, I began organizing blockchain hackathons globally. I’m proud to say that I was behind China’s first AI artwork and the inaugural NFT piece sold at traditional art auctions.

I have also created pioneering NFTs for major brands such as Tencent, WWF, and KFC, which are household names in mainland China. Additionally, I hold the distinction of being the only artist ever interviewed by the United Nations. Recently, my AIGC-themed projects triumphed at over 19 film festivals across 11 countries, and one of my NFTs was curated by the National Museum of Venezuela, marking a historic milestone as the first crypto artist to have her work included in a national collection.

I identify as a hacker. During my time at a prominent blockchain coding hackathon in San Francisco, I stood out as the sole female team leader among the top 10 contenders.

Sergei Medvedev: That sounds amazing. In your view, does Web3 open up more opportunities for women in this sector?

Absolutely! It has equipped us with powerful tools to challenge long-standing norms and hierarchies. NFTs, in particular, provide me with a platform to narrate my own artistic and technological experiences, allowing industry stakeholders to take notice—this is crucial.

Sergei Medvedev: What do you envision will happen in the traditional art scene or the entertainment industry with the advent of NFTs? What do you think poses the biggest challenge for this sector? 

I believe we're currently navigating a space that combines the digital realm with tangible entities. I've realized that the foundational principles required to cultivate a robust digital civilization are still underdeveloped. The majority of the public lacks a clear understanding of NFTs—they’re mostly looking for avenues to invest and educate themselves about this new landscape. Thus, educational initiatives are vital. The flourishing interest in AIGC, blockchain, and IoT underscores their essential role in forming a stable market. We simply need to bide our time for a more balanced ecosystem to emerge.

Furthermore, we should discuss the future: 'Will my offspring and the next generations be able to decide what kind of art embodies the spirit of 2023?' I doubt it will be a traditional oil painting since that technique has been around for over a millennium. Instead, it may manifest as an NFT, a game, or something entirely different. There’s no definitive answer yet, and it’s a question we must collectively address. 

Regarding traditional art markets, we have to consider the implications of a demographic shift; today’s buyers are significantly younger than they were a decade ago. Ten years ago, only older individuals could afford art, as traditional pieces tend to be pricey. A significant number of DeFi enthusiasts are born post-2000, and they have every right to shape their identity and consequently define what art looks like a century from now for future generations.

Sergei Medvedev: I notice that you incorporate AI into your art. Do you believe it will be essential for artists to adopt AI going forward, or will it function more like a traditional tool, such as paintbrushes or computers?

I engage with coding and innovation. If something doesn’t resonate with me, I’ll dismantle it and create a new system from scratch. For me, AI is akin to my paintbrushes. However, I can’t say it's an essential tool for every artist. Honestly, traditional crafters, particularly painters in both the gaming and commercial photography sectors, might find their roles significantly altered by AI advancements.

Historically, two centuries ago, affluent families would immortalize their images through paintings alone. Then the Industrial Revolution occurred, giving rise to photography, fundamentally transforming the landscape. So for me, as an artist, it seems more prudent to excel in creating art rather than competing as a mere machine devoid of humanity against the evolving capabilities of AI. 

The surge of AI prompts essential reflections for humanity versus machines it may replace. I refer to this concept as 'mechanity,' and there's a fear that what defines human essence—with independent thought and creativity—could become obsolete as we lean towards automation.

The pertinent question we must all contend with is this: If someone lacks independent thought and a personal interpretation of art, do they risk becoming a mere robot confined within a biological vessel? That scenario is increasingly alarming.

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