Welcome to the vibrant and often-mispronounced world of hicetnunc art. If you’ve heard whispers of a more accessible, eco-conscious, and artist-centric corner of the NFT universe, you’ve likely stumbled upon the legacy of Hic et Nunc. Though the original platform has evolved, its impact on digital art and the blockchain community is undeniable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from its humble beginnings to its lasting influence on the way we create, collect, and think about digital ownership. We’ll explore what makes hicetnunc art unique, how it championed an eco-friendly approach using the Tezos blockchain, and what its future looks like.
This journey is for everyone, whether you’re an artist curious about minting your first NFT, a collector searching for the next great piece, or just an enthusiast trying to understand this digital art movement. We’ll break down complex ideas into simple, understandable terms.
Key Takeaways
- Eco-Friendly Foundation: Hicetnunc art is primarily associated with the Tezos blockchain, which is known for its low energy consumption compared to Ethereum, making it an environmentally friendlier choice for NFTs.
- Artist-Centric Model: The platform was built with a focus on accessibility, low minting costs, and putting creative control back into the hands of artists.
- Community and Culture: Hic et Nunc fostered a strong, collaborative community that valued experimentation and mutual support over speculative hype.
- Decentralization in Action: The platform’s history, including its unexpected shutdown and subsequent revival by the community, is a powerful example of decentralized principles at work.
- Lasting Legacy: Although the original site is gone, its open-source code and community-first ethos live on through various platforms and mirror sites, continuing to shape the world of clean NFTs.
What Exactly Is Hicetnunc Art?
At its core, hicetnunc art refers to the digital artworks, or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), that were created and traded on the Hic et Nunc platform. The name, Latin for “here and now,” perfectly captured the platform’s spirit: a space for immediate, accessible, and often experimental creation. Unlike the high-stakes auction houses of the early NFT boom, Hic et Nunc offered a minimalist, almost anti-corporate interface. It was less about multi-million dollar sales and more about artists sharing their work directly with a community of collectors.
The art itself is incredibly diverse, ranging from generative code art and glitchy GIFs to digital paintings, 3D models, and even poetry. This diversity was a direct result of the platform’s low barrier to entry, which encouraged artists from all backgrounds and disciplines to participate without needing a large financial investment. The term now broadly represents the art and ethos that originated from this specific ecosystem on the Tezos blockchain.
The Origins and History of a Digital Art Phenomenon
The story of Hic et Nunc is a fascinating chapter in blockchain history. Launched in March 2021 by Brazilian developer Rafael Lima, the platform emerged as a direct response to the criticisms leveled against the mainstream NFT market. At the time, most NFTs were minted on the Ethereum blockchain, a process notorious for its high energy consumption and expensive “gas fees.” Hic et Nunc was built on Tezos, a Proof-of-Stake blockchain that offered a greener and far more affordable alternative. This single choice dramatically lowered the barrier to entry. Artists who were priced out of Ethereum could now mint their work for a fraction of a dollar.
The platform’s growth was explosive. It quickly became the largest NFT marketplace on Tezos, attracting a global community of creators and collectors drawn to its DIY aesthetic and community-first principles. However, in November 2021, its founder unexpectedly shut down the website. In a true display of decentralization, the community rallied. Because the underlying smart contracts were on the blockchain and the code was open-source, community members were able to create “mirrors” and new platforms, ensuring the hicetnunc art ecosystem survived and continued to thrive under new, community-led governance.
The Role of Tezos and Eco-Friendly Blockchain
The choice of the Tezos blockchain was fundamental to the identity of hicetnunc art. While early NFT platforms on Ethereum used a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, which requires immense computational power, Tezos uses Proof-of-Stake (PoS). In a PoS system, network security is maintained by users who “stake” their own cryptocurrency as collateral.
This process is thousands of times more energy-efficient. For many artists and collectors, the environmental impact of PoW was a major ethical concern. Tezos provided a solution, earning the nickname “the blockchain for artists” and giving rise to the #CleanNFT movement. This eco-conscious decision wasn’t just a technical detail; it became a core part of the platform’s cultural identity, attracting a community that valued sustainability as much as artistic expression.
From Hic et Nunc to Teia: The Community Takeover
The abrupt discontinuation of the original Hic et Nunc site could have been the end of the story. Instead, it became its most defining moment. Because all the art and transaction data was stored immutably on the Tezos blockchain, nothing was truly lost. Developers from the community quickly used the platform’s open-source code to launch new front-ends, or “mirrors,” that could interact with the existing smart contracts.
This ensured that artists’ creations and collectors’ holdings remained accessible. Over time, the community consolidated its efforts around a new platform called Teia. Teia is not just a replacement but an evolution, governed by its community members through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). This transition demonstrated the power of decentralization and proved that a community-owned art ecosystem could not only survive but flourish without a central leader.
How to Create and Collect Hicetnunc Art
Getting started in the world of hicetnunc art is more accessible than you might think. For both artists and collectors, the first step is setting up a Tezos wallet and acquiring some Tezos (XTZ), the native cryptocurrency.
For Artists: Minting, Listing, and Pricing Your Work
Minting, the process of turning a digital file into an NFT on the blockchain, is straightforward on Tezos platforms.
- Set Up a Wallet: You’ll need a Tezos-compatible wallet, such as Temple Wallet or Kukai, to interact with the blockchain.
- Get Some Tezos (XTZ): You can purchase XTZ on most major cryptocurrency exchanges. You only need a small amount for transaction fees, which are often less than a dollar.
- Connect to a Marketplace: Connect your wallet to a Tezos-based NFT marketplace like Teia, Objkt.com, or Fxhash (for generative art).
- Upload and Mint: Follow the platform’s instructions to upload your artwork file, add a title and description, and set the number of editions. Minting is the act of publishing the token to the blockchain.
- List and Price: After minting, you can list your NFT for sale. You decide the price and how many editions are available. The low cost means you can experiment with pricing, from offering pieces for 1 XTZ to setting higher values for 1-of-1 editions.
For Collectors: Tips for Finding and Buying Art
Collecting hicetnunc art is an adventure in discovery. The sheer volume of work can be overwhelming, but finding pieces you love is incredibly rewarding.
- Explore and Discover: Spend time browsing marketplaces. Use tags, follow artists you like, and see who other collectors are buying from.
- Engage with the Community: Twitter (now X) is the main social hub for the Tezos art community. Follow the #tezos and #CleanNFT hashtags to discover new artists and see what’s trending.
- Understand Editions: Artworks can be minted as a single edition (a 1/1) or multiple editions (e.g., 10, 50, 100). The number of editions affects rarity and often the price.
- Check the Artist’s History: Look at an artist’s profile to see their body of work. Consistency and a strong artistic voice are often good signs.
- Buy What You Love: While some art may increase in value, the best approach is to collect pieces that you genuinely connect with. This ensures your collection has personal meaning regardless of market fluctuations.
The Cultural Impact of the “Here and Now” Movement
The influence of hicetnunc art extends far beyond its technical foundation. It sparked a cultural shift within the NFT space. By prioritizing accessibility and community over hype and speculation, it fostered an environment where experimentation thrived. Artists felt free to create and share work that might not have fit into the polished, high-production-value aesthetic of other platforms. This led to a wave of creativity in generative art, glitch art, and other digital-native forms.
The platform became a haven for artists from diverse geographical and economic backgrounds, creating a truly global art scene. It championed a different set of values: mutual support, collaboration, and a genuine appreciation for the art itself. This ethos continues to influence new platforms and artists entering the Web3 space, proving that a more equitable and community-driven model is possible.
Notable Collections and Emerging Trends
While the hicetnunc art ecosystem is less focused on “blue-chip” collections, several artists and styles have gained significant recognition. Generative art, where algorithms create unique visual outputs, found a natural home on Tezos thanks to platforms like Fxhash that built on the Hic et Nunc foundation. Artists like Zancan and William Mapan became celebrated for their intricate and beautiful code-based creations. Another trend is the rise of “OBJKTs for All,” where artists mint large editions at very low prices, making art collecting accessible to nearly everyone.
This practice reinforces the community-first ethos. The trends here are less about PFPs (Profile Pictures) and more about artistic innovation, from interactive art and 3D sculpting to AI-collaborative works. The focus remains on the artist’s craft and vision rather than a speculative road map.
Curation and Discovery in a Decentralized World
How do you find the good stuff when there are millions of artworks? This is where community curation comes in. Unlike platforms with centralized curation teams, discovery in the hicetnunc art world is a grassroots effort. On Twitter, collectors and artists share their favorite finds. Community-built tools and galleries emerged to help filter and showcase art.
Platforms like Teia have implemented tag-based systems and community-curated galleries. Some DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) have formed specifically to collect and promote emerging artists. This decentralized approach means that trends can bubble up organically from the community rather than being dictated from the top down. It requires more effort from the collector but leads to a more personal and rewarding discovery process. You become your own curator, building a collection that reflects your unique taste.
Understanding the Practicalities of Hicetnunc Art
Navigating the world of NFTs involves more than just appreciating the art. It’s important to understand the basics of security, ownership, and the value system that underpins the ecosystem. This knowledge empowers you to participate confidently and safely.
A Comparison of Tezos Art Marketplaces
|
Feature |
Teia |
Objkt.com |
Fxhash |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Primary Focus |
Community-governed, diverse art |
Secondary market aggregator, auctions |
Generative art, code-based NFTs |
|
Art Style |
Everything; experimental, illustration, 3D |
All Tezos NFTs, broad range |
Algorithmic, interactive, generative |
|
Minting Cost |
Very Low (sub-$1) |
Varies, but generally low |
Low (for the artist) |
|
Community |
Strong, artist-focused, collaborative |
Broad, collector and trader-focused |
Niche, developer and artist-focused |
|
Best For |
Artists and collectors who value community |
Finding specific works, auctions, analytics |
Artists who code, collectors of gen-art |
Evaluating Authenticity and Provenance on the Blockchain
One of the most powerful features of NFTs is their ability to provide a transparent record of ownership. This is called provenance. When you consider buying a piece of hicetnunc art, you can view its entire history on the blockchain. You can see which wallet minted it, who has owned it since, and for how much it was sold.
This makes it easy to verify that the art is coming from the actual artist and not an imposter. To check authenticity, always verify that the artist’s wallet address (their “creator wallet”) matches the one listed on their official social media profiles, like their Twitter bio. Reputable marketplaces also have verification systems for established artists. This digital ledger provides a level of provenance that is often difficult and expensive to establish in the traditional art world.
Security and Wallet Basics: Protecting Your Digital Assets
Your Tezos wallet is the key to your entire collection. Protecting it is your number one priority. The most important rule is to never, ever share your seed phrase (also called a recovery phrase). This is a 12- or 24-word phrase that can restore your wallet on any device. Anyone with this phrase has full control of your assets. Be wary of unsolicited DMs or suspicious links asking you to connect your wallet.
Use a hardware wallet (like a Ledger or Trezor) for an extra layer of security, especially if your collection grows in value. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline, making it nearly impossible for hackers to access them through the internet. Practicing good digital hygiene is essential for safely enjoying your hicetnunc art collection.
The Future of Hicetnunc Art and the Tezos Ecosystem
The hicetnunc art movement started a revolution that is still unfolding. Its legacy is not just in the art that was created but in the principles it championed: decentralization, community ownership, and environmental responsibility. The ecosystem continues to evolve, with new tools, platforms, and artistic innovations emerging all the time. Platforms like Teia are exploring new models of governance and curation, putting more power into the hands of the community. The focus on accessibility and low costs continues to make Tezos a fertile ground for new artists.
As the broader digital world continues to grapple with questions of ownership and value, the lessons from Hic et Nunc are more relevant than ever. This ecosystem has shown that it’s possible to build a thriving art market that is more equitable and sustainable. For those interested in the cutting edge of digital trends, resources like the tech news site Silicon Valley Time often cover developments in blockchain and Web3, providing context on how these movements fit into the larger technological landscape. The future of hicetnunc art is being built “here and now” by its passionate global community.
Best Practices for Marketing Your Hicetnunc Art
For artists, creating the work is only half the battle. Getting it seen requires active participation.
- Be Active on X (Twitter): This is the town square for the Tezos art community. Share your work (and the work of others!), use relevant hashtags like
#tezosartand#CleanNFT, and engage in conversations. - Tell a Story: Don’t just post an image. Share the story behind your art. What was your inspiration? What techniques did you use? People connect with stories.
- Build Relationships: The community is not just a broadcast channel. Follow other artists, support their work by collecting it if you can, and participate in community discussions. Genuine connections are your most powerful marketing tool.
- Consistency is Key: Try to mint and share work regularly. This keeps you visible and shows your commitment to your practice.
- Collaborate: Collaborating with another artist is a great way to cross-promote your work to new audiences.
Conclusion
The story of hicetnunc art is a powerful testament to the potential of decentralized technology to empower creators and build vibrant communities. What began as a simple, minimalist platform on an eco-friendly blockchain blossomed into a global movement that redefined who could participate in the NFT world.
It championed accessibility over exclusivity, community over corporatism, and artistic expression over speculative hype. Its legacy lives on not in a single website, but in the distributed network of artists, collectors, and developers who carry its ethos forward on platforms like Teia. Whether you are an artist seeking a more sustainable and supportive place to share your work or a collector looking for art with soul, the world that Hic et Nunc helped build offers a compelling and inspiring vision for the future of digital creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Hic et Nunc still active?
The original website hicetnunc.xyz was discontinued by its founder in November 2021. However, the art and smart contracts still exist on the Tezos blockchain. The community now primarily uses mirror sites and community-run platforms like Teia (teia.art) to interact with the art.
2. Why is hicetnunc art considered “eco-friendly”?
It is considered eco-friendly or a “clean NFT” because it was built on the Tezos blockchain, which uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. PoS is significantly more energy-efficient than the Proof-of-Work (PoW) model used by Ethereum during the early NFT boom.
3. What kind of wallet do I need for hicetnunc art?
You need a Tezos-compatible wallet. Popular choices include Temple Wallet (a browser extension), Kukai (a web-based wallet), and mobile wallets like AirGap. For higher security, it’s recommended to use a hardware wallet like a Ledger or Trezor.
4. What does “minting” mean?
Minting is the process of creating an NFT. It involves publishing a digital file (like a JPEG, GIF, or MP3) to the blockchain as a unique token. This creates a permanent, verifiable record of the artwork and its creator.
5. How is the price of hicetnunc art determined?
The price is set by the artist when they first list the piece for sale. They decide the price in Tezos (XTZ) and the number of editions available. On the secondary market, the price is determined by supply and demand, with collectors listing their pieces for sale at a price of their choosing.
6. Is hicetnunc art a good investment?
Like all art, its financial value can be unpredictable. While some pieces have significantly increased in value, it’s best to approach collecting with a “collect what you love” mindset. The primary value for most participants is in supporting artists and owning a piece of a unique cultural movement.
7. What is a “1/1” versus an “edition”?
A “1/1” (one-of-one) is a unique NFT where only a single token of that artwork exists, making it the rarest form. An “edition” means the artist has minted multiple copies of the same artwork (e.g., 10, 50, or 100). Editions are more accessible and affordable, while 1/1s are typically more valuable.
8. Where does the community for hicetnunc art hang out?
The primary social hub for the Tezos and hicetnunc art community is X (formerly Twitter). Following artists and using hashtags like #hicetnunc, #tezos, #CleanNFT, and #tezosart is the best way to connect and discover new work. Discord servers for specific platforms like Teia are also popular.
