Over the past four weeks, Culture SZN has celebrated NFT art on Linea, the web3 world’s fastest-growing zkEVM L2 blockchain. The Lineans participating in Culture SZN have shown the potential and range of onchain art, building new communities and crowning Linea Guilds. As web3 expands, the art we see onchain also continues to diversify.

Forbidden Fruit, an arts and wellness company incorporating immersive experiences, speaks to this possibility. For Culture SZN, the collective is dropping three NFTs spanning movement, dance, music, and visual art. Titled The Odyssey, the collection symbolizes a path into the unknown.

Forbidden Fruit began from the vision of professional dancer and multimedia artist, Crux, who spent 17 years immersed in the world of performing arts. While at Temple University, Crux’s path intertwined with multimedia musician Stonez the Organic, who had been deeply involved in Philly's art scene, curating local shows and bringing artists together.

“We found ourselves on a shared wellness journey. Our vision for Forbidden Fruit truly came alive when we realized we could build a platform that promotes holistic wellness within the creative community,” shares Forbidden Fruit founder Crux.

We spoke to Crux and Stonez about the synergy and drive behind Forbidden Fruit and their Culture SZN collection.

Why “Forbidden Fruit”? It’s a powerful name!

Crux: The name Forbidden Fruit came to me in a flash of inspiration. It felt perfect because so much of what we do as artists, from self-expression to creating our inner truths and sharing them with the world, is forbidden or taboo to the public eye. Forbidden Fruit encourages artists, creatives, and people from all walks of life to Free their Forbidden, to express their inner truths, and to be their most authentic selves unapologetically.

Forbidden Fruit states a mission of nurturing the collective consciousness. How can decentralization on the internet connect to this consciousness?

Stonez: Decentralization in the web3 space mirrors Forbidden Fruit's ethos of expanding collective consciousness without limits. By nurturing both, we create a synergy where technology enables us to unlock our better selves, fostering creativity and community without boundaries.

Not everyone is always (consciously) receptive to healing. Do you find that the message you’re putting out into web3 spaces is finding the right people?

Crux: Yes, we've noticed a positive response to our focus on creative wellness and promoting healing in the often turbulent web3 space. Despite the presence of trolls and negativity, we take pride in providing a positive, supportive environment where artists can freely express themselves and focus on their craft. Our events consistently draw interest and engagement, with over 15 collaborators and attendance from over 7,000 people.

How are web3’s systems of ownership important to the work that you’re doing?

Crux: Web3 systems of ownership are crucial to our work because they shift power dynamics in favor of artists and creators. They provide a framework where individuals can securely own and manage their digital assets without relying on centralized authorities. This not only promotes transparency and fairness but also allows us to own the engagement with our community. We can reward and onboard individuals, including those new to web3 or without prior experience, through real-life engagements facilitated by blockchain technology.

Can you tell us more about your work for Culture SZN and what inspired it?

Stonez: For Culture SZN, Forbidden Fruit curated The Odyssey, a collection inspired by outdoor settings, nature, adventure, travel, and space. The Odyssey symbolizes a journey into the unknown, celebrating the beauty of natural landscapes and the healing power of nature. Crux contributed 'The Voyage Within,' a dance piece exploring inner exploration and discovery. I submitted 'Rolling,' a music video filmed in a forest, capturing moments of connection with nature. JT's contribution, 'Space Voyage Stages,' explores various scenes of planets in space, depicting tones and hues from warm to cool. Together, these artworks invite viewers to embark on an imaginative voyage, embracing the diversity and wonder of our world.

Dance and movement is prominent in your work. How does this movement and energy cross over into the digital world and what does it mean for it to be minted?

Crux: Transitioning from competitive dance to studying holistic practices like improvisation and somatics at Temple University, I discovered the healing power of movement. At Forbidden Fruit, we aim to foster an alignment of mind and body, promoting self-awareness and well-being through artistic expression. Movement, being physical and visceral, resonates universally in our daily lives. Authenticating dance and movement on the blockchain amplifies its global healing impact.

Is there anything else you would like to share about Forbidden Fruit and the work you’re doing?

Stonez: We're excited about the upcoming Roots to Fruit Festival in September, marking a significant milestone for Forbidden Fruit. It's our largest endeavor yet, bringing together our community in Philadelphia to celebrate art, culture, and creativity on a grand scale.

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As Culture SZN wraps up, keep an eye out for the announcement of the final two Linea Guilds, and don’t forget to cast your votes on Layer3. 

For more on Forbidden Fruit, visit their blog, where they share insights, opportunities for artists, and updates.