Artist Interview: Roadside Lake World
Hakan Can Kinik, also known as Roadside Lake, is a graphic designer and illustrator from Türkiye. He is also the founder and curator of Roadside Lake World, a digital art gallery that highlights the work of over 102 artists through curated solo and group exhibitions. With a strong presence in the NFT space, Roadside Lake has helped build an inclusive and innovative art community, one NFT at a time.
Offering a platform for both emerging and established artists to thrive in the ever-evolving digital art world, Roadside Lake World has already made its mark, with more than 60 collectors acquiring pieces from the gallery and over 3.65 ETH in sales within its first year.
We asked Roadside Lake about his art, creative process, and inspirations.
Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?
In 2013, I took my first step into the world of art by obtaining an Advanced Photoshop certificate. From that moment, I immersed myself in various courses and workshops in Graphic Design and Illustration, earning numerous certifications. For the past five years, I've been actively involved in the NFT space, with two of my works exhibited at one of the biggest NFT events, NFT NYC, in both 2023 and 2024. Graphic design and illustration are my true passions, and I thrive on creating innovative and creative projects in these fields.
Can you tell us about your online art gallery, Roadside Lake World?
Roadside Lake World is a digital art gallery hosting the works of over 102 artists. The gallery, known for building strong connections with artists, has so far organized 13 solo exhibitions and curated special shows in 3 different themes. Showcasing emerging talent through solo and themed exhibitions, while spotlighting future stars, Roadside Lake World has seen more than 60 collectors acquire the works of the artists featured in the gallery. In its first year, the gallery achieved over 3.65 ETH in sales and continues to expand its influence in the NFT art world. Roadside Lake World is currently showcasing artists' works on the NFT ETH platform Foundation, with Roadside Lake serving as the founder and curator of the gallery.
What inspired you to create Roadside Lake World, and how did the idea evolve into a digital art gallery?
The idea for Roadside Lake World originated from my desire to highlight the creative work of artists within the NFT ecosystem. The concept evolved when I first imagined SOLOS exhibitions, which would allow a single artist to showcase not just their art, but also the story and inspiration behind it, offering a more personal and immersive experience.
What truly sparked the creation of this digital art gallery, however, was my experience publishing seven issues of Art Share Magazine. Through that, I received invaluable feedback about the importance of increasing the visibility and prominence of artists' work. This insight pushed me to create a platform where artists could gain greater exposure and recognition, eventually shaping Roadside Lake World into a curated space for emerging talent in the NFT art scene.
With over 102 artists in your gallery, how do you select and connect with the artists you feature?
With over 102 artists featured across two separate galleries — Roadside Lake World on the ETH network and Roadside Lake World (Base) on the Base network — I carefully select and connect with artists based on the unique focus of each gallery. In the ETH network gallery, I primarily curate SOLOS exhibitions that allow individual artists to share the deeper narratives behind their art, while also including other artists whose work I admire.
On the Base network, I focus on themed exhibitions, where I actively explore the NFT ecosystem to discover emerging talent that aligns with each exhibition’s concept. This hands-on approach allows me to continuously showcase new and compelling artists.
You've organized 13 solo exhibitions and several themed exhibitions — how do you come up with your curatorial themes?
I select artists for solo exhibitions based on their exceptional talent and the impact their artistic journey has on me. My interest in their creative processes and stories greatly influences my choices.
For themed exhibitions, I consider various production categories such as AI, 3D, Digital, Physical, Collage, Photography, Animation, and Mixed. Each category helps shape specific curatorial themes, which are initially introduced as 'Genesis' exhibitions. These themes then evolve and continue in subsequent sections, allowing for a diverse and dynamic exploration of different artistic approaches.
What has been your most memorable exhibition so far, and why?
One of my most memorable exhibitions has been SOLOS: Jesperish. This exhibition stands out because Jesperish is an exceptional artist whose work and artistic journey have deeply inspired me. Working closely with him and exploring the intricate details of his art was a valuable learning experience. Jesperish's reputation in both the NFT and broader art scenes made this collaboration particularly significant, and the insights gained from his creative process have had a profound impact on my own artistic journey.
Roadside Lake World (Base) listings on Foundation
How do you see NFTs shaping the future of digital arts and curation?
I don’t have enough experience to answer this question fully, but I can offer a brief thought: NFTs are driving a more inclusive and dynamic art world where innovation and creativity are at the forefront, allowing artists to be recognized and to improve themselves in groundbreaking ways.
Are there any exciting collaborations or new initiatives on the horizon for Roadside Lake World?
Yes, there are exciting developments on the horizon for Roadside Lake World. We have a new exhibition, Mixed: Genesis, opened on September 29th, and we'll follow with a series of themed exhibitions. Additionally, Roadside Lake World is expanding to new networks, including Solana and Tezos, with showcases on leading platforms like Exchange Art, Mallow, and Objkt. This expansion will allow Roadside Lake World to grow and reach even more audiences.
What advice would you give to artists looking to break into the NFT space?
Breaking into the NFT space can be more challenging now than a few years ago, as it takes time to integrate into an already established ecosystem. However, my advice to artists is to continue developing their artistic process and actively engage with their communities. Joining a digital art gallery that is active and well-established can be a great way to gain visibility and connect with a supportive network. Persistence and community involvement are key to making a meaningful impact in the NFT space.
