Exhibition Review: Enter the Inclusiverse

May 12

Written By DAB

Exhibition on view:
April 12 – May 25, 2023
10:00am – 8:00pm daily

Curated By:
HUG

Location:
0x.17 Gallery
Ground Floor, Pier 17
89 South Street
New York, NY

*Enter the Inclusiverse by HUG is on view at 0x.17 Gallery at The Seaport, NYC*

Watch our Wes-Anderson-style reel from the exhibition!

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Watch our Wes-Anderson-style reel from the exhibition! 〰️

While Web3 offers a decentralized approach to systems, economies, and organizations, we are most excited about its potential for building an inclusive and equitable future for digital arts. One of the organizations that knows the power of inclusion and works towards a diverse Web3 is HUG.

HUG’s debut exhibition, Enter the Inclusiverse, transcends boundaries and challenges the status quo by being the “inclusiverse” in the Metaverse. From the representation of underrepresented communities to the empowerment of marginalized voices, the exhibition provides a holistic view of the ongoing efforts to create a Web3 ecosystem that values and embraces the richness of human diversity.

This collection is curated by their global community of art collectors and features works of all mediums from diverse creators across continents and backgrounds. The exhibition celebrates the global community of artists in the evolving and growing world of digital art and NFTs while connecting them with collectors and enthusiasts in New York City.

0x.17 is a community-focused NFT gallery where art and technology meets in The Seaport, a beautiful neighborhood by the East River. The gallery showcases digital works of art, from Bored Ape Yacht Club to Moonbirds, bringing awareness to the works and to the creators as hundreds of people feel curious to drop by to see the art as they walk by.

We love it when a gallery physically gestures the meaning of the exhibition — as you walk into The Seaport, 0x.17 Gallery welcomes you with open doors. Anyone is welcome, no tickets or gatekeepers. Inclusive, just like the collection suggests.

The HUG curated 35 works of art by 35 different artists from 17 countries to be showcased for the exhibition.

With thoughtfully curated artists and artworks, HUG explores the potential for a more inclusive and all-embracing NFT landscape — one that truly harnesses the power of diversity and empowers artists from all experiences to shape our digital future.

In line with HUG’s efforts to bringing awareness to the diverse creators of Web3, the curators included brief descriptions of the artists alongside QR codes that link to their HUG artist profiles. Through the profile the viewer can learn more about the artists, find their featured collections, and more.

“Our mission is to ensure artists and art lovers around the world feel seen and valued through the work they collect and create. HUG is committed to promoting DEI in Web3, and spotlighting creators from all walks of life.”

— HUG mission statement

Founded by Randi Zuckerberg and Debbie Soon, HUG is a global community dedicated to artist discovery in the world of NFTs. They provide tools and education programs to help creators grow and build meaningful connections with their audience. They are working towards creating “an uplifting, inclusive universe where everyone is welcomed with open arms.”

*Artworks featured in Enter the Inclusiverse: The Long Kiss by Ned | Giraffitii, Love Birds by Laura Santiago, Searching For Freedom by Raquel Casilda*

As digital arts become more popular with the help of NFTs, decentralized organizations, and smart contracts, it becomes crucial to examine the fundamental principles that underpin this transformative technology.

At the forefront of this new paradigm lies the topic of diversity and inclusion, which has gained substantial attention and significance within the Web3 community. The major auction house Sotheby’s recently faced controversy for their NFT show “Natively Digital: Glitch-ism,” which featured 17 artists from the glitch art world, but not a single woman. The auction house paused the show and relaunched it as “Glitch: Beyond Binary,” with a more inclusive artist lineup.

We are shaping and governing the ever-evolving digital landscape by actively participating as creators, collectors, and organizations; we are shifting the paradigm. With the contribution of individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and cultures, Web3 has the power to create an all-inclusive art world.

Enter the Inclusiverse is a beautiful exhibition that celebrates humanity with all its colors. See the collection through May 25, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily at The Seaport’s 0x.17 Gallery in New York City.

Here’s a list of the featured art and artists:

Dangerous Kiss by Alix Bache

A Modern Warhol by Anne Zanne Silver

Inspiration Renewed by Kallenia

Glow by Bstract

Of Faith by WanjiGallery

✧ Solstice ✧ by Súa Agapé

splashing in puddles by Caroline Harroe Arts

✦ The Wizard ✦ by Diela Maharanie

Finally Home by Saphera (Saf) Peters

Embrace You – #03 by RILart

BOY OF MANY COLORS by Silas Abrifor