Yuga Labs, a prominent leader in the Web3 space known for launching and acquiring major NFT projects, has announced a collaboration with Zak Group, the renowned design office behind Virgil Abloh’s ICONS, to create an official book that will serve as the definitive documentation of CryptoPunks.
CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 unique generative collectible avatars, gained popularity as one of the pioneering NFT collections on the Ethereum blockchain. It has since become one of the most influential and iconic PFP (Profile Picture) collections of all time. Created by Canadian software developers Matt Hall and John Watkinson of Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks played a crucial role in shaping the CryptoArt movement.
The collaboration between Yuga Labs, which acquired the collection in 2022, and Zak Group aims to uncover the untold stories behind the CryptoPunks collection. However, the book is not solely intended for the Web3 community.
“CryptoPunks is an iconic collection that has transcended crypto into broader culture,” stated Greg Solano, Co-Founder of Yuga Labs. “This book is a documentation of that rich history, presented with the highest quality rendering, which we hope will serve as a source of inspiration for the Punks community and beyond.”
The ambitious project will meticulously detail each individual Punk pixel by pixel, incorporating contributions from influential figures in the Web3, digital art, design, and technology spheres. Notable individuals such as SnowFro, Beeple, 6529, Deafbeef, and the founders of Larva Labs will lend their expertise and insights to the project. Additionally, content sourced from the vibrant CryptoPunks community Discord and Twitter will be included in the book.
“CryptoPunks represents the collision between art, design, and the internet in the 21st century,” explained Zak Kyes, Creative Director of Zak Group. “This book is an opportunity to give shape to culture in real-time. Together with Yuga Labs, we have invited artists, technologists, curators — and, of course, the Punks themselves — to create an all-in-one DIY user manual, archive, and catalogue raisonné.”
In a departure from traditional publishing methods, CryptoPunks is embracing a unique approach for this book, actively involving the community in the creative process. The input from token holders will be crucial in evolving the brand and shaping the project’s outcome. By engaging the passionate community that has propelled CryptoPunks to cultural prominence, the project aims to capture and reflect their experiences.
The first book dedicated to archiving CryptoPunks is coming Fall 2023 published in partnership with @zakgroup. The book unveils untold stories of the collection by tapping the passionate community to contribute to the written record of Punks. https://t.co/tEGoATXRR2 pic.twitter.com/cjHtKV2y1s
— CryptoPunks (@cryptopunksnfts) June 23, 2023
Pre-sales for the book are scheduled to begin in the fall of 2023, with the completed book expected to be released this winter.
