That’s right.
The year is 2021.
A one-of-a-kind Nyan Cat NFT (Non-Fungible Token) that is snapped up for 300 Ether, the equivalent of US$587,000 at the time of sale. The NFT, which is sold on the Foundation platform, includes the original animation loop and a unique 24-bit audio file of the Nyan Cat theme song. The sale highlights the growing popularity of NFTs and their potential as a new form of digital art and ownership.
Now, as an older GenX’er, I must confess that I’m with the camp that doesn’t think NFT art is worth so much more than regular digital art. This is from someone who has a huge appreciation for blockchain’s cryptographic and decentralized capabilities. What I’m saying is that I understand blockchain technology, and I think it’s an amazing technology that will have many useful applications in future.
In art, value and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder (or investor). So, fair play to the artist for this amazing success. I am definitely happy for him that his meme has an enduring popularity, as this sale took place a decade after it’s original creation. It’s clear that Nyan Cat continues to hold a special place in internet culture.
The History Of Nyan Cat
This cute and colorful cat with a Pop-Tart body and a rainbow trail was created in 2011 by Chris Torres, who was inspired by a viral video of a Japanese pop song featuring a flying cat. Torres combined the cat with a Pop-Tart and a rainbow, and the rest is history. Nyan Cat became an instant sensation when Torres posted it on his website and on YouTube, where it quickly went viral. The video of the cat flying through space with the catchy song “Nyanyanyanyanyanyanya!” in the background became an internet sensation, and soon Nyan Cat was everywhere. People made their own remixes of the song, created fan art, and even dressed up as Nyan Cat for Halloween.
Nyan Cat’s cultural significance lies in its ability to bring people together and make them smile. The character is simple and silly, but it has an undeniable charm that has captured the hearts of millions. Nyan Cat has become a symbol of internet culture and is often used in memes, gifs, and other online content. It has even been featured in video games and merchandise.
But Nyan Cat is more than just a cute character. It’s part of the cultural shift towards the democratization of creativity. Social media has made it possible for anyone to create and share their own content, and Nyan Cat is a prime example of how something simple and fun can become a global phenomenon.
In conclusion, Nyan Cat is a cultural icon that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. It may seem silly, but its impact on internet culture is undeniable, and it will continue to be a beloved character for generations to come.
Click here for a 5 minute Youtube video history of the meme, and here for a detailed interview with Chris Torres.
