pride

/prīd/

noun

1. confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience.

The track you heard is “Pride” by Osunlade featuring Nadirah Shakoor.  When researching music to accompany the video above, I sought meaningful lyrics.  I’ve always liked this song and after reading the verses in full, it influenced this writing. 

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Something different is in the air.  The feeling surrounding this bull market is unlike the others.  Sure there’s more institutional money floating around and now even publicly traded companies holding bitcoin as a reserve asset, but the feeling to which I’m referring is vindication.  More specifically, the sense of pride that comes with knowing I’ve risked so much committing to this crazy, world changing idea and finally seeing it get some respect.

For every blank stare or sarcastic comment at a dinner party.  For every naysayer who took more Econ than I did in school.  For every mainstream journalist and news anchor telling us why BTC was DOA.  We’ve reached a phase where the numbers speak for themselves.  Whether that be a fiat denominated price, transaction volume, or the quantity of bright minds in the space, the movement is now undeniable.  The numbers don’t lie.  

Rather than just hodling an investment, I’m holding to a set of beliefs.  Core to these beliefs is the idea that when presented with a better alternative to overreaching government control, the people eventually will seek it out.  My art… my life’s work for the past seven years has been dedicated to making this adoption happen sooner.  By highlighting the benefits of separating money from state, it helps create a brighter future for me, my friends, my family and you. From the lyrics… 

I am a man,

I am a Father,

I am a son…

I am a woman,

I am a mother,

I am a daughter…

I am you,

You are me…

While bitcoiners come from all walks and have many opposing views, those that truly get what this means and who we are up against share a common bond.  Being immersed in a 24/7, global, unrelenting, grassroots movement means we are truly “living in our pride.”

I want to thank the hundreds of people who volunteered to take part in this collaborative art.  It means a lot to have my work supported by so many.  Even with COVID and USPS hurdles, we still received videos from all over the world.  I also want to thank Citadel21 for their important role in highlighting Bitcoin creative culture - something not as easily defined by numbers, but a crucial part of adoption nonetheless. 

Sincerely,

cryptograffiti

Scarce, 2020

Repurposed bank deposit bags and acrylic Genesis Address on wood

95.25 cm x 95.25 cm (37.5 in x 37.5 in)

Currently auctioning here