The 36 Shaolin NFT collection is inspired by my love of 80’s era kung-fu movies and the underlying message found in the classic movie The 36th Chambers of Shaolin. The protagonist petitioned the Temple to dedicate a ’36th Chamber’ that would have allowed laymen to learn kung fu and empower themselves to fight back against oppressive regimes and to give power back to the people. Web 3,DAO and the NFT space represents a similar ideology that has given artists and photographers alike the confidence to reinvent oneself and empower themselves to make a living through their art.
Kung Fu is rooted in the philosophy of TAOISM (pronounced as ‘DAOism’) first practiced by Chinese Monks who eventually founded the Shaolin Temple. The TAO which translates as ‘The way’ is considered to be a transcendent force and the source of all creation.
I am minting 36 unique 1 of 1 photographs I made while in Zhengzhou Henan Province, China in 2016, aiming to create a body of work focused on discipline, strength and mindfulness. By collecting one of these pieces called chambers you are ultimately participating in a transfer of energy formed between artist and collector.
Keep pushing & don’t forget to Protect ya net!
