Crossing boundaries FT. Pablo Lucker

NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS ISSUE 6

When art, fashion, and NFTs meet; in conversation with contemporary artist Pablo and NFT/Web3 advocate Niels Lücker By Lara Oliveri

We all have a certain image in our heads of what art should look like; the first thing that pops in mind is most likely a painting, sculpture, or installation. But who decides where the boundaries of art and creativity end? In the era of digitization and innovation, brothers and business partners Pablo and Niels Lücker prove that the possibilities are endless. With Pablo’s unique NFT-art, they are shaking up the art world proving that crossing boundaries will create numerous new visions for the future of art. 

The artist and the tech-guy
Born in a family of artists, contemporary artist Pablo Lücker (36) is the 7^th generation creative in his family. Known for his unique dream writing to tell stories, and collaborations with international brands like Uber, Samsung, and Rayban, he recently opened his gallery “The house of Pablo” in the heart of Amsterdam. ‘Pencils have been in my hands since I was born,’ Pablo says. ‘When other kids were playing football outside, I was documenting my world through painting and drawing at home.’ His brother Niels Lücker (33) on the other hand, used his inherited creativity in tech; the world of blockchain, NFT, and digital innovation. ‘I was truly intrigued by how these elements can change the world of information and identity,’ he states. 

NFT art
It was this fascination for digital innovation that brought Pablo and Niels together. ‘When I became more familiar with the concept of NFTs, I knew we had to combine it with Pablo’s art,’ states Niels. An NFT – a non-fungible token – is a unique object that works within a blockchain and is based on the idea of having official proof of ownership. ‘When you consider that almost 80% of artworks are seen through a screen, it made sense to incorporate the digital field,’ states Pablo. ‘I have never looked at art, design, or fashion in a traditional way; as a creator, I move within all fields which is why the digital world suits me.’

Their first project together was an NFT Lamborghini covered with Pablo’s art, that beside the NFT, included the physical car as well. Pablo: ‘An indispensable element for me is to incorporate additional value in the creation of the art itself; a physical element, access to exclusive events or creating a unique personal experience. What many people don’t know is that classic NFTs like Bored Ape have a utility element. Owning a Bored Ape gives you access to the Yacht Club, an exclusive social club. This way an NFT object becomes bigger than just an online image.’

When fashion, art, and NFTs meet
Especially for this issue, Pablo created the first-ever Dutch magazine cover that incorporates NFTs. A unique project that blurs the lines between art, fashion, and the digital world. ‘This project is based on the concept of crossing boundaries; where fashion, art, and NFTs meet. It’s super cool to work with people from different creative disciplines; we teamed up with producer and director Laura Mendera – together with creative director and stylist Oumayma El Boumeshouli the founder of the visual art and production company COLLIDE – and photographer Aicha Abdoun. It will be a magazine, yet an NFT at the same time,’ states Pablo. Niels: ‘This project is here to show that NFTs have a future within fashion and the art world. It shows that the physical world, i.e. magazines, can perfectly collaborate with the digital world, i.e. NFTs. For us, it’s not an either-or situation, but a valuable addition. It doesn’t mean we will value physical things less, but we will value digital assets much more.’ Pablo: ‘It’s not about creating the most innovative project; we want to show that different worlds can work together and the possibilities the future holds.’

The democratic value of NFT
One big possibility is to make the art world a fairer place, explains Niels. ‘Why are certain artworks worth a large amount and others not? Who decides that and why? Through NFTs people can more directly determine who to value for their work. The art world has had the same systems for a very long time, which makes it difficult for new talent to find a way in. With digitization and NFTs, you are directly in control and more connected to your audience. Especially in the creative industry digitalization can create more democratization. You only need a computer, and you can take on the world. The largest part of the sales now doesn’t go to the middle men but to the creator instead.’

The future of the digital identity 
Throughout the years, online communication and therefore identification is becoming more and more important. ‘This includes the increasing development and importance of the metaverse, a digital world where people communicate with each other,’ states Niels. ‘Fashion and art are by definition related to expressing one’s true self. They are two powerful communication tools that shape your identity, and works like this contribute to that.’

‘With this project, we tell the story of what the future can look like. An inspiring story that makes people feel they don’t have to stay inside the box.’ It’s exactly this that inspires Pablo too. ‘There is a whole digital landscape that can be shaped – it’s like having a blank page where anything is still possible. I hope we encourage people to dream and fascinate them to explore new things. Only this way you create new possibilities which is exactly what makes both the digital and physical world a truly inspiring place.’

Find Pablo Lücker’s art at

https://www.pablolucker.com
https://www.instagram.com/houseofpablolucker/

CREDITS

Artist PABLO LUCKER
Concept NIELS LUCKER
Creative director & producer LAURA MENDERA | COLLIDE
Art directors PABLO LUCKER & AICHA ABDOUN
Photographer AICHA ABDOUN
Stylist OUMAYMA EL BOUMESHOULI | COLLIDE
Hair and makeup KATO FIERKENS | HOUSE OF ORANGE AGENCY
Retoucher ABRAHAM FERNANDEZ
Photo assistant MARIA MOTA | NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS
Fashion assistant PAULA DURAN MARTIN | COLLIDE
Production assistant CAMILLE CHAPELS | COLLIDE
Journalist LARA OLIVERI
Editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA | NUMÉRO NETHERLANDS