Ana Maria Caballero’s poem, “Cord,” recently gained attention for its sale at Sotheby’s, fetching 0.28 Bitcoin or $11,430. This unique event took place as part of the Natively Digital online auction, specifically focusing on Bitcoin Ordinals inscriptions. Notably, this marked a historic moment for Sotheby’s as it marked the first-ever auction of an individual poem, excluding manuscripts and books.
Bitcoin ordinal-inscribed poem sells for $11,430
The participating artists included notable names like FAR, XCPinata, Nullish, Rudxane, Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, Popoki, Shroomtoshi, Des Lucréce, and Claudia Hart. The centerpiece of the auction, “Cord,” is a villanelle—a poetic form characterized by 19 lines and five stanzas. Known for its repeated rhymes and lines, this particular poem delves into profound themes of motherhood, pregnancy, and the intricacies of the human body. Beyond its literary value, the buyer of “Cord” also receives a signed print of the poem, turning the acquisition into a unique and multifaceted piece.
Michael Bouhanna, Vice President and Head of Digital Art at Sotheby’s, underscored the historical significance of this sale, emphasizing its affirmation of the inherent value of written poetry. Caballero echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the standalone value of language and poetry, devoid of additional visuals or sensory experiences. For Caballero, the auction represented a statement on the intrinsic worth of words. She expressed that not with anything else attached, not with visuals, not with sound, not with any other kind of experience.
Sotheby’s and the art of digital expression
Caballero also noted just the language of the poem, just the text of it, is what was sold.” Sotheby’s venture into the Natively Digital auction aligns with a broader trend in the art world’s exploration of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and blockchain technology. The auction house’s foray into the realm of Bitcoin Ordinals inscriptions demonstrates a willingness to engage with innovative forms of artistic expression and digital collectibles. The collaboration between Caballero and Sotheby’s originated from a concept by Michael Bouhanna, aiming to curate a sale for Ordinals with an archaeological theme on the blockchain.
The inclusion of a poem in the auction was a captivating choice, and Caballero’s invitation to participate speaks to the uniqueness of her contribution. The decision to present a villanelle adds an extra layer of complexity, paying homage to the intricate chain that is Bitcoin, the foundational technology of the entire blockchain landscape. In her broader career, Caballero has received recognition, winning awards such as the Beverly International and José Manuel Arango National Poetry Prizes. In 2021, she co-founded theVerseverse, a digital poetry and NFT gallery, alongside Kalen Iwamoto and Sasha Stiles.
This venture underscores her commitment to exploring the intersection of poetry and the digital art space, signaling a forward-looking approach to traditional art forms in the evolving landscape. The Verseverse’s collaboration with the Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles further exemplifies Caballero’s innovative approach. The exhibition combined Allen Ginsberg’s photographs with AI-generated poetry, creating a unique blend of traditional and contemporary artistic elements. However, the display garnered mixed reactions from the poetry community, highlighting the ongoing dialogue and tension between traditional and modern forms of artistic expression.
