Interview with Godxxembodied: Challenging the NFT Status Quo

Godxxembodied is a black non-binary person who seeks to increase visibility for the beauty of queer black people around the world. This incredible artist believes that the lack of visibility is due to the status quo systems which only finds certain people beautiful. Read the interview below:

What is your background?

My background in art is photography. As a photographer of 11 years and counting, my style in photography has developed from urban grunge, to landscape, to portraiture, to editorial. I appreciated the journey of expanding my craft that has crystalized who I am as a visual artist, as well as witnessing how it still continues to expand and refine.

Your alias “Godxxembodied” is interesting, could you explain whether that means something?

Godxxembodied means embodying the divinity in one’s self regardless of the gender binary. ‘Goddexx/Godxx’ (and using X for gender related words) is used to name God that lies outside of the gender binary.

How were you introduced to the world of NFTs?

I was introduced to the world of NFTs by way of learning more about cryptocurrency and how it will be significant as the value of the dollar is decreasing. Then I started researching Youtube videos on NFTs for months and how to make one. I also knew people who were making NFTs and was asking them for more information. After realizing that your own art can also be an NFT, I was very curious how to make my photos as NFTs, and the rest was history. I met someone who is a financial influencer and she held a class on how to mint an NFT on OpenSea. In doing so it got me more inspired and also revitalized my passion for art because I saw a new beginning for artists on many levels to expose their work, create more work and become widely seen.

Is there anything you’re trying to achieve in your art?

What I want to achieve in my art is to increase the visibility in the beauty of queer Black people. I believe that there is a stigma around the global majority who is also not visible because they do not look like what is accepted as the societal status quo. I want people to see themselves in my work, authentically in their reflection and power.

How do you believe your identity influences your work?

I believe my identity drives my work. My identity as a multidimensional, Black, queer, fat, non-binary person proves my existence of who I am, how I navigate through the world and how the world sees and navigates me as I empower myself. I believe that work empowers the resilience of people who are devalued, discriminated against and overlooked simply because of their existence.

If you could bring one change to the landscape of NFTs, what would it be?

One change that I will bring to the landscape of NFTs, would be to increase the onboarding of Black queer artists to the metaverse, which would in result bridging the gap of artists finding a platform to widely expose and expand their work, building a community through connection and seeking knowledge of financial empowerment. That’s a journey within itself I feel committed to.

Check out Godxxemodied’s Twitter page: https://twitter.com/godxxxembodied