The article discusses the inaugural edition of Art Basel's Zero 10 section, which focused on digital art. The section was presented in partnership with OpenSea, a crypto-native marketplace for digital collectibles, and featured works by over 100 artists. Sales were reported to be strong, with some exhibitors saying that cryptocurrency payments were used in transactions.
The article notes that digital art has officially emerged as a core acquisition category in the art market, with 51% of high-net-worth collectors reporting a purchase in 2025. Gen Z collectors represented 26% of respondents and a significant majority (63%) reported buying digital art in 2024 or 2025.
Some exhibitors reported that cryptocurrency payments were used in transactions, including Asprey Studio, which accepted ETH, Bitcoin, credit cards, and wire transfers. Art Blocks also accepted payments in both USD and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency payments were made with USDC and USD1 stablecoins, ranging from $25,000 to $45,000.
The article suggests that the strong sales at Zero 10 may be tied to the growing legitimacy of digital art, as well as renewed volatility in cryptocurrency markets following a sharp pre-Basel pullback. Beeple stated that he was surprised more galleries do not accept crypto payments and noted that it is not complicated and can be converted to fiat immediately.
The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing shift in how art is created, valued, and exchanged, particularly with the increasing use of cryptocurrency payments.
The article notes that digital art has officially emerged as a core acquisition category in the art market, with 51% of high-net-worth collectors reporting a purchase in 2025. Gen Z collectors represented 26% of respondents and a significant majority (63%) reported buying digital art in 2024 or 2025.
Some exhibitors reported that cryptocurrency payments were used in transactions, including Asprey Studio, which accepted ETH, Bitcoin, credit cards, and wire transfers. Art Blocks also accepted payments in both USD and cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency payments were made with USDC and USD1 stablecoins, ranging from $25,000 to $45,000.
The article suggests that the strong sales at Zero 10 may be tied to the growing legitimacy of digital art, as well as renewed volatility in cryptocurrency markets following a sharp pre-Basel pullback. Beeple stated that he was surprised more galleries do not accept crypto payments and noted that it is not complicated and can be converted to fiat immediately.
The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing shift in how art is created, valued, and exchanged, particularly with the increasing use of cryptocurrency payments.
Like, I get it, some ppl might want that flex, but 25k to 45k USD just for a digital art piece? That's wild 
. And Beeple is like "it's not complicated" lol, but what about the volatility? If crypto prices drop, does that mean ppl are gonna lose their money? 
Don't get me wrong, I think digital art has its place, but this whole crypto thing is a bit too much for me 
. Need some sources on this legit stuff before I start buying into it