Zurich — In a collaboration aimed at uniting digital art and humanitarian support, Sygnum is backing Christie’s 3.0 auction, “Bridging Worlds: Digital Art Beyond Borders,” an event benefiting the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The online auction will run from October 23rd to 30th, showcasing a curated selection of digital artwork that crosses both creative and geopolitical borders.
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A Global Art Initiative for a Vital Cause
“Bridging Worlds” reflects the 60th Biennale’s theme, “Stranieri Ovunque” – “Foreigners Everywhere,” exploring the transformative potential of digital art to connect communities and transcend national boundaries. The auction will feature contributions from renowned digital artists including Andreas Gysin, Deafbeef, Emi Kusano, Erick Calderon (aka Snowfro), IX Shells, Iskra Velitchkova, Mario Klingemann, Niceaunties, OONA, and Sasha Stiles.
In a unique initiative, Erick Calderon, founder of Art Blocks and the Chromie Squiggle, invited artists worldwide to reinterpret his iconic Chromie Squiggle, challenging the concept of borders. The open call resulted in 200 submissions, with Vinnie Hager’s “Handle With Care” chosen as the winning piece. This work will be auctioned alongside other entries, contributing to a broader conversation about art’s ability to transcend boundaries while directly supporting refugees.
A significant portion of the auction’s proceeds will benefit UNHCR’s global mission. The UN Refugee Agency works in over 130 countries, protecting and assisting millions of displaced people who have fled conflict and persecution. Funds raised through this auction will help UNHCR provide critical resources, safeguard human rights, and support refugees in rebuilding their lives.
Sygnum and Blockchain-Backed Philanthropy
Sygnum, a digital asset banking leader, is partnering with Christie’s and Switzerland for UNHCR to support this initiative. By combining blockchain technology with philanthropy, the auction highlights the role of innovation in addressing global challenges. On October 24th, an event in Geneva will gather organizations, artists, and collectors to emphasize the power of digital art and cryptophilanthropy in driving positive change.
Aliya DasGupta, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Ecosystem Outreach at Sygnum, expressed the bank’s pride in supporting this cause:
“Sygnum is honoured to collaborate with Switzerland for UNHCR and Christie’s and support both innovative digital artists to create value and impact and the UNHCR’s efforts to deliver assistance and safeguard human rights.”
Aliya DasGupta, Senior VP of Business Development & Ecosystem Outreach at Sygnum
Auction Highlights
Key works to be featured include:
Snowfro (Chromie Squiggle #9755): Estimate 4-6 ETH
Mario Klingemann (YOU ARE (T)HERE): Estimate 4-6 ETH
Niceaunties (Niceburg): Estimate 5-7 ETH
Sasha Stiles (SEVEN GENERATIONS): Estimate 2-4 ETH
IX Shells (Rompeolas): Estimate 6-8 ETH
The auction was initiated by Leila Khazaneh, a prominent digital art collector and Innovation Advisor for Switzerland for UNHCR, and curated by Micol Ap, founder and CEO of VerticalCrypto Art, known for her work in blending blockchain with art and culture.
Sebastian Sanchez, Digital Art Sales Manager at Christie’s, highlighted the event’s significance:
“We are thrilled to be hosting this auction and artist open call to benefit the UNHCR. The selection of artists and the works they each contributed speak to the importance of fostering a sense of unity across diverse artistic practices.”
Sebastian Sanchez, Digital Art Sales Manager at Christie’s
Cristina Davies, Executive Director of Switzerland for UNHCR, added, “For millions of refugees and displaced people around the world, crossing borders has meant a lot of uncertainty and separation from their loved ones. Through this initiative, digital artists are not only challenging the concept of borders but also helping to bridge the gap between those forced to flee and the global community.”
With the backing of organizations like Sygnum, “Bridging Worlds” is set to showcase the immense potential of digital art and blockchain technology in supporting displaced communities. As digital and physical worlds continue to converge, this auction stands as a testament to art’s power to inspire unity and change.
