An art that uses computer code to help create unique images is called Generative Art. Instead of making each piece by hand, artists give the computer a set of rules, like colors, patterns, and shapes, and let it create something new on its own.
This kind of art has been around for decades, with the likes of Harold Cohen, one of the first to use computers to make paintings in the 1960s.
Today, generative art is becoming more popular, especially with digital collectibles called NFTs (non-fungible tokens). So, Generative art NFTs are digital artworks that are one-of-a-kind and live on the blockchain.
In this article, we’ll look at what generative art NFTs are, how they’re made, and why they matter in today’s digital world.
Read Also: What Are NFTs?
Key Takeaways
- Generative art uses computer code to create unique images based on rules set by artists, rather than being manually created piece by piece.
- When combined with blockchain technology, generative art becomes NFTs that are one-of-a-kind digital collectibles with verifiable ownership.
- The history of generative art dates back to the 1950s and 60s with pioneers like Harold Cohen and Vera Molnár.
- Popular software tools for creating generative art include Processing, p5.js, OpenFrameworks, Cinder, and C4, each with different programming requirements and capabilities.
- Notable generative art NFT collections include Autoglyphs, Fidenza, Ringers, Solvency, and Grifters, some selling for millions of dollars.
What Are Generative Art NFTs?
Generative art NFTs are digital artworks created using algorithms or code. Instead of an artist drawing every detail, they set rules, and then the computer randomly generates the final image. Each piece is unique and often can’t be exactly recreated.
This art style isn’t brand new, it goes back to the 1950s and 60s, when early pioneers like Harold Cohen and Vera Molnár used machines to help make art.
When tied to an NFT, each generative artwork becomes a one-of-a-kind collectible. Some projects even let the blockchain itself help create the art, so when you mint an NFT, the image is generated in real time, just for you.
What Software Is Used to Create Generative Art?
Creating generative art usually involves using code, and there are tons of tools out there to help artists get started.
Processing
Source: Processing.com
This is one of the most popular tools for beginners. It was designed to help artists and designers learn how to code visually. It uses its programming language, which is based on Java, and makes it easy to draw shapes, animate things, and create interactive art.
p5.js
Source: p5.js
A close cousin to Processing is p5.js, which is a version of Processing that works in your web browser using JavaScript. This means you can write code and see the results right away on a webpage. It’s perfect for artists who want to make digital artwork that lives online or who are already familiar with JavaScript.
OpenFrameworks
Source: Openframeworks
This is another powerful tool. It’s for people who are more experienced with coding, especially in the C++ language. This tool gives artists more control and flexibility to create complex, interactive, and fast-performing art, often used in large installations or performances.
Cinder
Source: Cinder
This is also based on C++ and is used by artists and creative developers to build professional-grade visuals, including apps and interactive art. Cinder is especially good for working with 3D graphics and smooth animations.
C4
Source: C4
If you want to make generative art on Apple devices, there’s C4. This tool is built for iOS and lets artists create interactive, visual art directly on iPhones or iPads. It’s more focused on mobile-based art projects.
Notable Generative Artists and Collections in NFT
These artists and collections exemplify the diverse approaches in generative art, from AI collaborations to reinterpretations of classical themes.
Autoglyphs by Larva Labs
Not the Owner of this Glyph
Source: Larva Labs
Larva Labs is famous for their earlier project, CryptoPunks, but Autoglyphs took things even further.
This project is considered the first fully on-chain generative art NFT, meaning the art was created and stored directly on the Ethereum blockchain.
That’s a big deal because it makes the art permanent and decentralized. Autoglyphs were created using code, with each piece being unique, and the entire process is part of the blockchain itself.
This collection made about $41 million in total sales.
Fidenza by Tyler Hobbs
Not the Owner of this Fidenza
Source: Fidenza
Each Fidenza artwork is generated by an algorithm using structured, flowing curves and colored blocks.
When someone bought a piece, they didn’t know exactly what they’d get until the system ran the algorithm using the buyer’s transaction data, producing a random but beautifully organized result.
The uniqueness and unpredictability made it incredibly valuable. This collection made about $35.9 million in sales.
Ringers by Dmitri Cherniak
Not the Owner of this Ringer’s
Source: Ringers
This is another major collection on Art Blocks. This collection features simple but elegant art made up of strings wrapped around pegs.
The algorithm behind Ringers decides the layout and complexity for each piece, and with 1,000 different variations, the designs can be intricate or minimal.
One of the most famous Ringers, #879, sold for an astonishing $5.9 million, showing how generative art can command high value.
Solvency by Ezra Miller
Not the Owner of this Solvency
Source: Solvency
This collection is special because it includes WebGL simulations, interactive visuals you can view in a web browser.
Each piece is shaped by random values generated by the NFT’s token data. That randomness controls traits like texture and color.
Because of this, every artwork is different and has a sense of motion, making it feel alive.
Grifters by XCOPY
Not the Owner of this Gifters
Source: Grifter
XCOPY’s style is unique, he uses a chaotic, almost punk aesthetic with flashing colors and jagged lines.
The Grifters series includes 666 pieces and reflects themes of identity, anonymity, and internet culture.
XCOPY is also the artist behind the meme-worthy Right-Click and Save As Guy, which critiques how some people misunderstand NFTs.
Where Can I Buy Generative NFT Art?
If you want to buy generative NFT art, there are many places where you can do it easily online. Some are big, general marketplaces where you can find all kinds of NFTs, while others are more focused on just generative art.
OpenSea
Source: OpenSea
OpenSea is the biggest and most popular NFT marketplace. You can find all kinds of NFTs here, including generative art. It’s easy to use, and it supports many Ethereum-based NFTs. Many well-known projects, like Autoglyphs or Chromie Squiggle, are listed here for buying and selling.
Rarible
Source: Rarible
Rarible is another large NFT platform. It works similarly to OpenSea, where people can buy, sell, and create NFTs. Generative art projects are available here too, and it support multiple blockchains like Ethereum, Flow, and Tezos.
Art Blocks
Source: Art Blocks
Art Blocks is a platform made just for generative art. It was launched in 2020 by an artist known as Snowfro. The art on Art Blocks is created using code, and every piece is unique.
Most famous generative NFT projects like Fidenza, Ringers, and Chromie Squiggle were launched here. Art Blocks is built on the Ethereum blockchain.
Fxhash
Source: Fxhash
Fxhash is a special platform made for generative NFTs, but it runs on the Tezos blockchain instead of Ethereum. Artists use it to create and share algorithm-based art.
Collectors can explore a wide variety of generative pieces, often for lower prices than Ethereum-based platforms.
It’s open for anyone to use, which makes it popular with new artists and collectors.
Why Are Generative Art NFTs Unique?
Generative art NFTs are unique because they are created by code, not by hand. Here are more reasons they stand out:
Created by Code
Each artwork is made by a computer following a special set of instructions written by the artist. This process can create hundreds or even thousands of different pieces, all from the same code but with different results.
Each Piece Is One of a Kind
Even though they come from the same algorithm, the computer changes little details, like color, shape, or layout, in every output. This randomness makes every artwork unique.
Many Are Created at the Time of Purchase
On platforms like Art Blocks or fxhash, the artwork isn’t even made until someone buys it. The buyer’s transaction triggers the code, which creates and stores the final piece. It’s like opening a surprise box, you don’t know what your art will look like until you mint it.
Stored on the Blockchain
Some generative NFTs are fully on-chain, meaning the code and the image live directly on the blockchain. This makes them extra special because they will always exist as long as the blockchain does. It also means they can’t be changed or deleted.
They Mix Art and Technology
Generative NFTs show how art and programming can come together. Artists aren’t just painters, they’re also coders who use math, randomness, and logic to create beauty.
Conclusion
This concept not only makes collecting art more exciting but also changes how we think about creativity itself.
Generative art NFTs freshly mix technology and creativity. Instead of making each piece by hand, artists set the rules, and computers create the artwork based on those rules.
As more artists and collectors get into this space and blockchain keeps growing, generative art will likely keep getting more popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Uniqueness of NFT?
NFTs are unique digital assets with proof of ownership stored on a blockchain. Each one is different and can’t be copied or replaced.
What Is a Generative NFT?
A generative NFT is created using code or algorithms, often combining random traits to make each one different.
What Makes an NFT Special?
NFTs are special because they prove ownership of digital items, are limited in supply, and can have value based on rarity and demand.
How Does Generative Art Work?
Generative art uses computer programs to create visuals. Artists set rules, and the software generates random or semi-random outcomes within those rules.