Hic et Nunc often abbreviated as HEN, became one of the most influential and community-driven NFT platforms in the digital art world. Launched in 2021, it quickly captured the attention of artists, collectors, and blockchain enthusiasts for its minimalist design, low transaction fees, and environmentally friendly approach. The platform’s name, Latin for “Here and Now,” perfectly reflects its philosophy: art that exists in the present moment, created and shared by anyone, anywhere.
What Is Hic et Nunc?
Hic et Nunc was a decentralized NFT marketplace built on the Tezos blockchain, which is known for its energy-efficient proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Unlike Ethereum-based platforms that were criticized for high gas fees and environmental impact, Hic et Nunc offered artists a sustainable alternative to mint and sell their digital artworks as NFTs.
The platform’s simplicity and open-source structure attracted a massive global community of digital creators—from established artists to beginners experimenting with blockchain art for the first time. Hic et Nunc emphasized accessibility, affordability, and community collaboration over profit or hype, making it a unique hub for digital expression.
The Philosophy Behind Hic et Nunc
Hic et Nunc’s philosophy was rooted in decentralization and creative freedom. It aimed to redefine how artists interact with technology, ownership, and their audience. Unlike traditional art markets, which rely heavily on galleries and middlemen, HEN gave full control to creators.
Its minimalist interface—text-based menus, no flashy graphics—embodied the idea that art itself should be the focus, not marketing or speculation. Artists could mint NFTs at minimal cost, sell them directly to collectors, and retain autonomy over their work.
This simplicity also reflected a philosophical message: digital art doesn’t need luxury branding or complex barriers to be valuable. Its value lies “here and now,” in its creation and interaction within a decentralized space.
The Role of Tezos in Hic et Nunc Art
One of the main reasons Hic et Nunc gained traction so quickly was its use of the Tezos blockchain. Tezos was known for being energy-efficient and cost-effective, using a proof-of-stake system rather than proof-of-work like Ethereum.
This made minting NFTs on Hic et Nunc more sustainable and environmentally conscious. At a time when critics were calling out the carbon footprint of NFTs, Hic et Nunc became the ethical alternative—aligning with artists who cared deeply about climate and technology’s social impact.
Moreover, minting costs on Tezos were extremely low, often just a fraction of a cent. This affordability allowed more artists from developing countries or underrepresented communities to join the NFT movement without financial barriers.
The Aesthetic of Hic et Nunc Art
Art on Hic et Nunc developed its own distinct aesthetic—experimental, raw, and authentic. Because the platform attracted independent creators rather than commercial projects, it became known for its avant-garde, glitch-inspired, and digital-native works.
Many HEN artists explored themes such as:
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Digital identity and self-expression in virtual spaces.
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Glitch art and the beauty of technological errors.
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Environmentalism and sustainability through digital creation.
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Generative art, where algorithms create unique visual outputs.
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Minimalism and simplicity, echoing the platform’s design.
The art on Hic et Nunc wasn’t always about perfection; it was about experimentation and participation. The platform encouraged creative risk-taking, leading to one of the most vibrant art movements in the NFT space.
Community and Collaboration
One of the strongest elements of Hic et Nunc was its community. Artists didn’t just upload and sell work—they collaborated, supported one another, and shared knowledge openly. The platform inspired a sense of digital camaraderie rarely seen in profit-driven NFT markets.
Artists often organized community drops, where groups of creators would mint pieces around a shared theme or cause. There were also frequent collaborations between coders, musicians, and visual artists, leading to unique cross-disciplinary projects.
The open-source nature of HEN meant anyone could build tools, extensions, or interfaces connected to the platform. Developers created gallery viewers, search engines, and community archives—all powered by the same blockchain data.
This collective effort transformed Hic et Nunc into a movement rather than just a website—a living, evolving art ecosystem built by its users.
The Shutdown and the Rebirth
In November 2021, the original Hic et Nunc website suddenly went offline after its founder, Rafael Lima, decided to discontinue the platform. The abrupt closure shocked the NFT world, as thousands of artists and collectors had made HEN their creative home.
However, because of the decentralized nature of blockchain, the artworks and data were not lost. The community quickly rallied and revived the platform under new versions and mirrors. Independent developers created clones such as Hicetnunc.art, Teia.art, and other community-led interfaces that kept the spirit alive.
This resilience demonstrated the power of decentralization—the idea that a true digital art community doesn’t depend on one server or company. As long as the blockchain data exists, the art and its history remain accessible.
Impact on the NFT and Digital Art World
Hic et Nunc changed the perception of NFTs in several ways:
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Democratization of Art: It proved that anyone, regardless of resources or geography, could participate in digital art markets.
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Sustainability: It showed that blockchain art could be environmentally friendly.
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Community-Driven Innovation: It emphasized collaboration over competition, setting an example for future decentralized platforms.
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Art Over Speculation: HEN focused on creative value rather than quick profit, countering the speculation-driven culture of other NFT marketplaces.
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Cultural Diversity: Its global community included artists from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, bringing diverse artistic perspectives to the NFT landscape.
Many artists who began their careers on Hic et Nunc have since gained international recognition, exhibiting in galleries and festivals around the world. The platform’s influence continues to shape the evolving conversation around digital ownership and creativity.
The Legacy of Hic et Nunc
Though the original platform no longer operates, Hic et Nunc’s legacy endures through its community and philosophy. It inspired new platforms like Teia, which continue its mission of open, decentralized, and eco-friendly art exchange.
The spirit of Hic et Nunc lives on in every artist who values authenticity over hype, creativity over currency, and collaboration over competition. It showed that art on the blockchain doesn’t have to be commercialized or exclusive—it can be democratic, mindful, and deeply human.
Final Thoughts
Hic et Nunc art represents more than a digital trend—it symbolizes a cultural shift in how we perceive creativity, technology, and ownership. It blurred the boundaries between art and code, individual and collective, temporary and eternal.
By embracing openness, sustainability, and community, Hic et Nunc redefined what it means to be an artist “here and now.” Its influence continues to inspire a new generation of creators who believe in art’s power to connect, transform, and transcend.
Even though its original platform may have faded, the movement it started still thrives—proof that true art, when rooted in community and vision, never disappears.
