Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović is making a return to the blockchain space with a new NFT project in collaboration with digital marketplace TAEX. The project, titled Marina Abramović Element (MAE), will consist of three themed NFT drops and an interactive gaming component, spanning from May to September 2025.
Abramović’s Return to Web3
Abramović first ventured into the NFT space in 2021 when she transformed her 2001 art piece, The Hero, into collectible NFTs. Now, she is expanding her digital footprint by integrating gamification elements with blockchain-based collectibles.
Each of the three NFT drops in the MAE project is designed to reflect different aspects of Abramović’s artistic journey:
- Art: The first drop, focusing on symbols and archetypes from her practice.
- Life: The second drop, highlighting the significance of locations, gestures, and outfits in her work.
- Marina Abramović Method: The third drop, showcasing her self-discovery and the creation of the Marina Abramović Institute in 2023.
Formats and Rarity Levels
Each drop will include NFTs of varying formats and rarity levels:
- Ordinary: Still images
- Rare: Looped animations
- Epic: Looped animations that align with real-life moon cycles
Gamified Experience and Transformational Crystals
Beyond NFT collecting, the project includes a gamified experience where participants can earn Transformational Crystals through specific mini-games:
- Maze Game: Released alongside the second NFT drop
- Counting Crystals Game: Introduced with the third NFT drop
These Transformational Crystals can be used to mint exclusive 5D MAE Performance and 5D MAE Avatar NFTs, adding another layer of interaction to the project.
The Great Mint – Final MAE Token Drop
The collection will conclude in November 2025 with an event called The Great Mint, where collectors will be able to mint the final MAE token. This token will feature video artworks and animations of Abramović’s digital avatar performing reinterpretations of her famous pieces.
To be eligible to mint the MAE token, collectors must own:
- Three Epic NFTs from previous drops and a Transformational Crystal or
- Three Rare NFTs and a Transformational Crystal
A Fusion of Art and Technology
Abramović’s partnership with TAEX represents a continued effort to merge traditional performance art with blockchain innovation. Through interactive storytelling, collectible NFTs, and gamification, the project is set to offer a unique, immersive experience that extends beyond conventional digital art collections.
