Aesthetes Launches Phygital NFTs Bridging Physical Art and Blockchain
Italian startup Aesthetes has launched to connect physical artworks with blockchain through Phygital NFTs, which represent both a digital work and fractional ownership of a physical piece. Founded by Claudia Cimaglia and Luca Bertolani, the platform uses the XRP Ledger for low energy consumption and minimal minting fees. The goal is to democratize art access by lowering conceptual, economic, and logistical barriers. Phygital NFTs are unique and created using G.A.N. artificial intelligence for independent but related digital works. Aesthetes plans to open a metaverse gallery for virtual events and viewing of digital assets backed by physical works curated in Milan. The startup targets artists, collectors, and investors globally, leveraging Italy's art reputation in the US, China, and Japan.
Key facts
- Aesthetes is an Italian startup founded by Claudia Cimaglia and Luca Bertolani.
- It creates Phygital NFTs linked to both a digital and a physical artwork.
- Phygital NFTs represent fractional ownership of the physical piece.
- The platform uses the XRP Ledger blockchain for low energy consumption.
- XRP Ledger consumes 158,000 kWh for 20 million transactions vs. 857.27M kWh for Ethereum.
- Aesthetes uses G.A.N. artificial intelligence to generate independent digital works tied to physical art.
- The startup aims to democratize art by reducing barriers of cost, access, and logistics.
- Aesthetes plans a metaverse gallery for virtual events and viewing of Phygital NFTs.
- Target customers include artists, collectors, and investors worldwide.
- The company emphasizes Italy's strong art brand in the US, China, and Japan.
Entities
Artists
- Claudia Cimaglia
- Luca Bertolani
- Giorgia Basili
Institutions
- Aesthetes
- Artribune
- XRP Ledger
- Ripple
Locations
- Italy
- Milan
- United States
- China
- Japan
- Rome