16/06/2021 ‘Tiger King’ Star Joe Exotic Jumps On NFT Bandwagon From Behind Prison Bars
TOPLINE Joseph Maldonado-Passage—more commonly known as the star of Netflix’s “Tiger King,” Joe Exotic—is the latest viral sensation to cash in on the non-fungible token (NFT) craze, auctioning off a suite of digital and physical assets from federal prison, including autographed photos, an adult film star’s bikini and his Smith & Weston pistol.
KEY FACTS
Exotic, a former zoo operator and big cat collector serving a 22-year sentence for numerous wildlife violations and plotting to kill his rival Carole Baskin, is launching his first NFT collection from his cell in Fort Worth, Texas.
The digital tokens are due to go under the hammer Friday on NFT marketplace Mintable, with winners of some auctions set to receive physical items along with the digital artwork.
PROMOTED
Exotic’s pistol, a fringed leather jacket and a bikini worn by adult film actress Rachel Starr on the “Tiger King” show are all set to be posted to the auction winner.
Some NFT’s will also feature audio recordings of Exotic from prison.
In a press release, Exotic said being able to auction off his collectibles makes him “feel connected with the outside world, especially without my cats by my side.”
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“Whether you love me or hate me for what you think I’ve done, there’s no doubt that everyone wants a piece of The Tiger King!” Exotic said.
KEY BACKGROUND
NFTs have exploded in popularity in recent years and have become a lucrative source of income for viral stars. “Tiger King,” in which Exotic starred, was undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of the early pandemic, drawing in millions of housebound viewers around the world. Exotic is not the only “Tiger King” star to cash in on the fame: Carole Baskin, the rival Exotic is in prison for plotting to kill, has appeared on Dancing With The Stars and launched her own cryptocurrency and NFTs.
SURPRISING FACT
Exotic reportedly sent Jeff Lowe, another person who appeared on “Tiger King,” a cease and desist over plans to host an “official” “Tiger King” NFT auction.
BIG NUMBER
$4 million. This is how much an NFT of the original Shiba Inu dog meme Doge—the inspiration for the cryptocurrency—sold for in June. One of Exotic’s digital artworks features him with a cartoon version of the dog.
KEY FACTS
Exotic, a former zoo operator and big cat collector serving a 22-year sentence for numerous wildlife violations and plotting to kill his rival Carole Baskin, is launching his first NFT collection from his cell in Fort Worth, Texas.
The digital tokens are due to go under the hammer Friday on NFT marketplace Mintable, with winners of some auctions set to receive physical items along with the digital artwork.
PROMOTED
Exotic’s pistol, a fringed leather jacket and a bikini worn by adult film actress Rachel Starr on the “Tiger King” show are all set to be posted to the auction winner.
Some NFT’s will also feature audio recordings of Exotic from prison.
In a press release, Exotic said being able to auction off his collectibles makes him “feel connected with the outside world, especially without my cats by my side.”
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“Whether you love me or hate me for what you think I’ve done, there’s no doubt that everyone wants a piece of The Tiger King!” Exotic said.
KEY BACKGROUND
NFTs have exploded in popularity in recent years and have become a lucrative source of income for viral stars. “Tiger King,” in which Exotic starred, was undoubtedly one of the biggest hits of the early pandemic, drawing in millions of housebound viewers around the world. Exotic is not the only “Tiger King” star to cash in on the fame: Carole Baskin, the rival Exotic is in prison for plotting to kill, has appeared on Dancing With The Stars and launched her own cryptocurrency and NFTs.
SURPRISING FACT
Exotic reportedly sent Jeff Lowe, another person who appeared on “Tiger King,” a cease and desist over plans to host an “official” “Tiger King” NFT auction.
BIG NUMBER
$4 million. This is how much an NFT of the original Shiba Inu dog meme Doge—the inspiration for the cryptocurrency—sold for in June. One of Exotic’s digital artworks features him with a cartoon version of the dog.
Arts
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Interesting NFTs
Genesis
José Delbo sent me his striking pencil sketch and powerful inked work, which I then interpreted in oil on canvas. I wanted to create a very painterly piece with obvious brush marks etc, but I was also aiming for a nostalgic feel, a kind of 1980’s superhero comic book look, the kind I grew up with. My goal with this animation was to try to recreate, in part, the creative process that both artists went through with the visual information I had. I was able to showcase my painting process more accurately as I could take photographs of my progress throughout. Consecutive images could then be layered like brush strokes over José’s drawing to create the impression that this was one continuous artwork from pencil, to ink, to completed painting. The representation of the line sketch at the beginning, then pencil/ink and lastly the paint layers being applied demonstrate both artists’ struggle for the right lines, tone, form, and colour until the work is finally completed. As the oil was still wet with each photograph the glare of my studio lights can be seen in the brush strokes. Eventually, the figure emerges and as it does, our hero comes to life, looking directly at the viewer -- but is he grimacing in approval or disgust? We will never know for sure as just before he can say anything, white paint is brushed across the canvas entirely and the process begins again. Only the bat is quick enough to escape.
Iconic Crypto Queen
(Virtual) blondes have more fun, right? #iconic ICONIC (Adj.): of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon. Widely recognized and well-established.
Chronicles 2018 - HODL
HODL illustrates the legendary rise and fall of crypto in 2018 by charting the 90 day moving average price of BTC into the physical rail path of an out of control roller coaster. Four hodlers hang on for the ride. Some lost their shirt, some lost their pants.
Animation and music by Nick DenBoer.
Coffin Dance (Dancing Pallbearers)
The most famous global meme of 2020, which has become a true symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic era.
The token is issued with the support of the Ukrainian PR community, by Benjamin Aidoo team in collaboration with Matthew “DigiNeko” Ordrick, who in late March 2020 uploaded the video to YouTube which started a trend on the Internet.
The owner of this token is going to get good luck for eternity.
Format: 690 x 388 GIF
Bloody Monkey
Artist notes: straight up side ya head + VERY valuable RED CIRCLE!! WOW.!!