Amar Singh On Bridging Art, Activism, and NFTs for Social Impact

by | Mar 2, 2022 | INTERVIEWS | 0 comments

In the kaleidoscopic realm of NFTs—a digital frontier that has exploded in visibility over the past 18 months—few voices shine as brightly as that of Amar Singh. A London-based art gallerist and fervent LGBTQ+ activist, Singh is at the nexus of revolutionizing art, advocacy, and activism. With a legacy steeped in pioneering women’s rights and a heart dedicated to dismantling the abhorrent practice of conversion therapy in India, Singh’s work transcends mere financial success; it’s an endeavor to sculpt a more inclusive and equitable world. As a member of Hillary Clinton’s Vital Voices council, Singh champions gender equality with unwavering resolve.

What Is an NFT?

Let’s start with the basics. For those scratching their heads about NFTs, Singh puts it simply: “An NFT is a non-fungible token, which basically is a digital certificate of authenticity. It can be attached to almost anything—property deeds, cars, you name it. My focus is mainly on NFTs related to digital art.” This digital certificate acts as proof of ownership and uniqueness, which is why it’s become such a hot topic in the art world.

Championing Women’s Rights

When it comes to his advocacy, Singh’s commitment runs deep. “I come from a long line of women’s rights activists,” he says. “My grandmother was involved in women’s education in India and campaigned alongside Nehru. My ancestor Rajkumar JioMeet Coal was India’s first health minister and a close friend of Gandhi.” Singh’s own gallery, which he opened years ago, was initially dedicated to highlighting overlooked female artists and LGBTQ+ voices. As the world has shifted towards NFTs, he’s embraced this new medium to continue his mission.

Favorite Artists

Singh’s admiration for certain artists is evident. “I have the honor of owning a painting by Jade Fadojutimi. She’s phenomenal and the youngest artist ever acquired by Tate’s permanent collection,” he shares. “Her work really reminds me of the New York Abstract Expressionists like Lee Krasner and Helen Frankenthaler. There’s something so alive and visceral about her canvases.”

Notable Women in Art

Singh is also enthusiastic about other women making waves in both traditional and NFT art. “In traditional art, I’d highlight Giselle McDaniel. She’s a sexual assault survivor and her paintings tackle critical issues around women’s rights,” he says. “Jenny Gribbin is another artist from the LGBTQ+ community whose work celebrates both LGBTQ+ and women’s themes.” In the NFT world, Singh praises the Rewind Collective, an anonymous feminist group creating impactful digital art, and World of Women, a project that’s gained notable endorsements. “Art with impact—that’s what really engages me,” Singh emphasizes.

The NFT Surge

As for the NFT boom, Singh sees it as a democratizing force in the art world. “There are probably fewer than 10,000 fine art collectors worldwide, but MetaMask, the largest digital wallet provider, has 25 million active wallets,” he notes. “The lower entry point for NFTs—sometimes as little as $200—means that this medium has become a widespread part of culture.”

Career Highlights

Singh’s career has seen some incredible milestones. “Opening my gallery was a beautiful experience. Thousands came through the doors, and we had 500 people on opening night,” he recalls with pride. “But working with LVMH on their first NFT project, which celebrated LGBTQ+ life, was a standout moment. We raised $120,000 for the National LGBT Youth Foundation in seconds. It showed the power of this new technology.”

The Role of Charity

Charity is close to Singh’s heart. “Every initiative I do has an element of impact,” he explains. “A portion of proceeds, if not all, goes to a selected charity. There’s no point in pledging millions after I’m gone. I’m alive and kicking now, and we need to make an impact immediately.” Singh’s approach ensures that his business’s success also benefits communities in need.

Male Dominance in NFTs

On the topic of the NFT sector’s male dominance, Singh is candid. “I was told women’s NFTs wouldn’t break through. Look at how well projects like Rewind Collective and World of Women are doing,” he says. “There’s a dynamic shift happening. Women and people of color are getting wealthier and making their mark in the NFT space.” Singh’s own efforts, including his involvement in successful female-driven NFT projects, demonstrate this positive change.

Favorite NFT

One NFT that particularly stands out for Singh is “Remembrance,” a project he did with Rewind Collective. “We did an NFT reinterpretation of Caravaggio’s ‘Judith Beheading Holofernes,’ which sold for $150,000 at Christie’s,” he says. “The powerful messaging behind that work, combined with the funds raised for Vital Voices, was truly striking.”

Vital Voices

Vital Voices, where Singh is actively involved, is a crucial platform for advancing gender equality. “The Solidarity Council at Vital Voices includes men fighting for women’s rights,” Singh explains. “We raise funds and support initiatives from domestic abuse in Mexico to women’s displacement in Afghanistan.”

 

Future of NFTs

Looking ahead, Singh is excited about the future of NFTs. “We’re launching projects with VeVe, the world’s largest set of tap. We’ve signed a $100 million deal with them, which is part of our $500 million in NFT contracts,” he reveals. “We’ll be releasing content that celebrates women and the LGBTQ+ community.”

Physical vs. Digital Art

While Singh is a passionate collector of traditional art, he acknowledges the growing influence of digital art. “Art is crucial, and I still love traditional art, but technology has become an incredibly valuable sector,” he says. “NFTs offer new ways to engage with art, but I hope physical art never loses its importance.”

Future Aspirations

Singh’s ambitions extend beyond his current successes. “I’m funding a Supreme Court case in India to abolish LGBT conversion therapy,” he shares. “I want to build a team of human rights lawyers to tackle global issues affecting women and LGBTQ+ communities. This is about effective giving and making a real impact.”

Amar Singh’s journey is a vibrant tapestry of art, activism, and innovation. As he continues to navigate and shape the world of NFTs, his efforts remain a beacon of hope and progress in both the art world and the broader quest for equality.

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