Acquiring the Future: Conversations with Web 3 Art Collectors
Collecting, curating, and conversating with Papa MooMoo
Papa MooMoo……..that’s the headline
In the art world, there are various roles to play: artists, galleries, collectors, and curators. But what about those who embody a blend of these roles? They offer a unique service to the larger art ecosystem and their presence alone draws a significant amount of attention to the space. In the 1/1 Web3 art scene, these multifaceted individuals are as rare as sapphires.
One such individual who exemplifies this description is none other than Papa MooMoo. Not only has he supported the early development of numerous celebrated artists through his own collection, but he also holds the position of curator for arguably the largest gallery in the entire Solana art scene. But that’s not all, he shines an even brighter spotlight on this burgeoning scene through his podcast where he delves into the minds of other key artists and influential figures.
The trifecta, a savvy collector, a custodian, and a master of ceremonies. We’re honored to have Papa MooMoo with us, the legendary demon voxel Monke.
What sparked your interest in collecting 1/1 art?
I started collecting 1/1 art on Ethereum in the summer of 2021. As we approached fall, I quickly realized that I needed a chain that was a bit more affordable with gas fees. I started to dabble in Solana, primarily with generative collections, to see what the experience was like. I quickly fell in love with the speed, affordability, and community. As I had already started to collect on Ethereum, I was immediately interested in what the 1/1 scene would be like on Solana.
As someone with a background in the entertainment industry and the performing arts, one of the most exciting aspects was the idea that artists could independently release work, make money, and benefit from the potential upside due to royalties. As corny as it may sound, it felt like a digital renaissance, and those who participated early could also benefit from this. It seemed like a win-win. I knew I wanted to be involved as a collector and someone who championed the arts. It’s truly a part of my DNA.
How do you decide which pieces to add to your collection?
There are a few factors that go into it. They are all data points for me and I make a decision based on these. The first, and most important one, is: does this piece make me feel something? Essentially — do I like it? I want to collect pieces of work that I enjoy. Something I’d actually want to possibly see on a wall every day. After that, I often look into the artist themself. Who are they? Are they doxxed? If so, what’s their previous experience like? The reason I often harp on a website is that this information should be easily accessible. It also allows the artists to create and share their own narrative without a potential collector having to ask a bunch of back and forward questions.
Don’t get me wrong, I love connecting with artists — but our conversations can be much more fruitful if I’m already going in with some key context. And some collectors may not have the time to ask. It also comes off that they are taking this seriously. And a link tree is not a website. After this, I consider a few factors. Do I want a grail within the collection? A piece I think is the best of the best? Or do I simply want exposure, and focus more on getting a piece at a value? If a piece I’m interested in has just two people bidding against each other, I’m very comfortable stepping back and working to collect another piece at a more affordable price.
I also look at the artist’s involvement in the space. I’m much more excited to collect from someone who is active and shows up as that implies they may have a larger chance of being here in the long run. I truly want to collect from artists who are as excited about the space and want to be part of it.
Can you speak about a piece in your collection that has special meaning to you?
For Big Brain Gallery, it would be NV004_Existential by Neil Vilppu. This was the first piece we officially collected as Big Brain Gallery almost a year ago on January, 28 2022. That week we went on to collect some exceptional pieces, but this one being the first — it’s just super special to me. Neil Vilppu is an incredible artist with that we ended up doing a deep dive together
For myself, it’s probably my Voxel Monke by Adam Ape. I acquired it in the Winter of 2021 as I truly believed that this collection could be one of the most recognizable on Solana long-term. It also really made me appreciate voxel art, and I could see the growth of Adam with each week’s drop. 1/1 PFPs are interesting, and I honestly think there is an over-saturation of them at the moment, but at the time — it was conviction play for me and one I’m very proud of. Having met Adam in person and seeing what he’s doing now on — makes me very excited to follow his journey long-term. Check out his Malbec w MooMoo, it’s a banger
How do you go about researching and acquiring new pieces for your collection?
As more and more collectors come into the space, word of mouth has become huge. Collectors & artists sharing work, making introductions to artists, and working to elevate the space have been huge and super helpful. Scrolling through Collector.sh, ExchangeArt, and FormFunction and identifying work that catches my eye is also a big part of it. From there, I’ll always go into researching the artist, going to their website, googling them, etc. to learn as much as I can. With more artists being doxxed now, this is much easier than it used to be. When most were anon, I had to ask a lot of questions as I always want to make sure I’m collecting from someone creating their own work and who has potentially been creating longer than their few-month-old Twitter account. Talking to the artist can always be wonderful, whether it’s before or after acquisition.
How do you balance your personal taste with the investment potential of a piece of art?
It sort of depends on my thesis for a piece. If I’m buying long term, then I often go based on the quality of the art, who the artist is, and their potential of longevity in the space. Making a bet on the artist essentially. Sometimes, I may not fully love a piece or a collection, but I recognize that the market values it for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s provenance. Maybe it’s a different taste. Maybe it’s something I don’t understand. In some cases, I push my own taste aside and will acquire this, but only if it’s at a price I feel comfortable with. I don’t want to be buying into a collection when it’s super hyped because that means I likely missed the chance of acquiring it at a better value.
I’m very comfortable accepting I “missed the wave” as I can always appreciate the work from a distance. If everyone’s tagging me to look into acquiring a piece, I’ve probably already missed my opportunity. That’s why I typically try to focus on more up-and-coming/emerging artists vs. those who are super established. Ideally, I’m already a collector by the time they are super established. I do sometimes find that my taste can be different than others and that’s totally okay. Taste can be subjective. If you’re buying for a “flip,” then sure look at the market trends.
When people are shouting “[fill in the blank] season is coming” then maybe you go acquire because you’re trying to catch a wave. If you’re buying to enjoy, then collect a piece that makes you feel something. And ideally, that feeling isn’t “why did I collect this?”
It’s of course an honor to have Papa MooMoo (PMM) as a collector. PMM’s support for digital art early on has helped develop the art eco on Solana to where it is today and where it will continue to grow in the future. His curation work for Big Brain Gallery has been a treat to see!
I think the connection with your collectors it’s really important, especially because we’re all human and have different approaches to communication, collecting, supporting artists etc. I’m fairly quiet with most of my collectors — but I value those first discussions or brief DM’s along the way a lot. Just checking in with most of them over the holidays was great to be able to thank them again and feel that mutual respect for what was a crazy 2022.
‘Flower Bird’ is a pretty special piece because as a whole it is an early representation of my experimental style, always eager to try different techniques and find energy through new methods of expressing myself and different aspects of the mind. The piece was made by acrylic dipping a large flower, with a bird's head and beak appearing in the center among the depth and texture. I love that it is one piece of nature reflecting another.
Having only DM’d with PMM I think it’s just his constant positive energy and all-caps vibes that are really memorable. His energy and support have allowed for a collector-artist connection that is and feels more like a friendship. I was also lucky enough for him to cover a deep dive thread about me — which was an honor to open up a bit and share more about my story so far as an artist.
- Archie Morley
Trailblazers that remain steadfast end up as masters in their field
In the realm of on-chain art, Papa MooMoo stands tall as a true visionary, seamlessly blending the major roles of the larger digital renaissance we’re all witnessing. His unwavering support for established and emerging artists alike plus his curatorial expertise have cemented his place as a trailblazer in this burgeoning field.
Papa MooMoo’s influence is felt throughout the 1/1 art community, his name spoken with reverence and admiration as a true asset to the scene. The on-chain art world is fortunate to have such a multifaceted and dedicated individual like Papa MooMoo, whose contributions are likely to remain in high reverence for a long time to come.
🎙️Check out Malbec with MooMoo and follow him on Twitter 🎧
🖼️Check out the Big Brain Gallery by following on Twitter🖼️
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🕊️❤️Veritas en Arte 🕊️❤️
