Ralph Steadman, the former Rolling Stone illustrator best known for his work with Hunter S. Thompson, is selling a collection of animated and still pieces as non-fungible tokens on the digital asset marketplace Niftygateway. The sale — fittingly dubbed Fear and Loathing at Niftygateway — will launch next Wednesday, April 28th.
The collection features illustrations that celebrate pivotal moments in Steadman’s career, including two pieces tied to his work with Thompson. There’s an animated illustration of “Dr. Gonzo,” a character fromFear and Loathing and Las Vegas, and another illustration, “Winner’s Circle,” from Thompson’s groundbreaking essay, “The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved.” Other items in the collection include still images of U.S. presidents — some of which have never been released to the public — and a 1996 illustration about the rise of a new digital age.
“When I started out, I wanted to change the world, and I have — it’s worse now than it was when I started,” Steadman said in a statement. “I hope that the NFT space can help make it better for the creatives out there. It’s fascinating after nearly 70 years to discover an entirely new space to present my work.”
For the pieces in the NFT sale, Steadman worked with the creative team at MTAPHR as well as Oscar-nominated animation director Dave Mullins, who handled the animated illustrations. Original music was provided by Grammy-winning producer Matt Winegar.
A portion of the proceeds from Steadman’s NFT sale will be donated to WildAid, an environmental organization dedicated to reducing the demand for animal products.
From Rolling Stone