Galerie Kreo x Barber Osgerby unveil first NFT collection on OpenSea

The metaverse, ubiquitous across varied platforms on the internet, has inspired individuals from several divergent fields to invest, explore and experiment in this alternate universe. The lack of limitations posed in this space and the wide variety of fascinating tools offered for undertaking exploratory initiatives into both creative and technical realms have so far helped propel individuals deeper into this virtual sphere. Following this tread into the brand new alternate world, UK based Galerie Kreo recently unveiled their first NFT collection with Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby of Barber Osgerby. Titled Signal C4V, the series is an extension of the designer duo’s Signals collection, which comprises a series of luminaires defined by the elementary shapes of rectangles and circles, and is crafted using Murano glass. 

Available for sale on the web3 marketplace OpenSea, Signal C4V represents the ninth and last lamp model from Barber Osgerby’s exhibition ‘Signals’, which was on display at Galerie Kreo until March 2022. Comprising floor lights, wall lights and ceiling lights, this variation of the Signals series exists exclusively online as an NFT. The luminaire, a combination of rectangles and cones, comes in 17 different colours, with eight editions of each unique piece, making it a collection of 136 NFTs, a number that also echoes the ‘Signals’ show on display at Galerie Kreo’s Paris location. It marked the 136th exhibition by the gallery since its inception in 1999. Each NFT can be purchased for 0.5 ETH. 

Much like its physical counterpart, Signal C4V also highlights the designers’ passion for colours and shapes and a proclivity towards the usage of the conical form. In addition to the subtle charm that its predecessors also emit, the objects in this series twirl and shine without any wiring or cable. This simple and shiny collection of NFTs are a perfect debut by the gallery and designers into the virtual universe. Keeping intact the charm of the original physical collection, they also serve as experimentations into chromatic possibilities by Edward and Jay. This limitless virtual world helped them forge a body of work that utilises unique tonalities and exude a brilliant sheen.