Dutchtide is a name that has risen to prominence in the world of digital art, uniquely blending the rich artistic traditions of Japan and the Netherlands. His work, which has captivated a growing audience since his arrival on the NFT scene in 2017, focuses on the Japanese concept of Ma (間), a word that translates to “space” but can be interpreted as the “space in between spaces.” This idea permeates his art, offering viewers a moment of contemplation and a visual experience that hovers between isolation and connection.

The fusion of these two cultural landscapes—Japanese and Dutch—runs deep in Dutchtide’s art. His compositions evoke the precision and symmetry of the Dutch Golden Age, while simultaneously incorporating the layered, contemplative spaces often found in Japanese art. His work often features horizontal landscapes: singular buildings such as gas stations, neon-lit storefronts, or quiet roads stretching toward distant horizons. These images are not simply beautiful, they invite viewers to reflect on the spaces within them and, in turn, project their own emotions and experiences into the art.

Artwork: Let the wind sort out your thoughts.

This fusion of East and West reflects Dutchtide’s personal journey. It wasn’t until his first trip to Japan that he became fascinated by the country and its culture. Describing it as his first encounter with a non-Western country, Dutchtide recalls the disorienting yet meditative effect it had on him. The inability to comprehend the language and surroundings forced his mind into silence, a sensation he now aims to evoke in his viewers through his work. His art reflects this balance of the familiar and the unfamiliar, creating a “vibe” that draws people in, often eliciting deep emotional responses.

Emotion is at the heart of Dutchtide’s creations. “If it’s not emotional, it need not exist,” he often says. This philosophy resonates with his audience, who find themselves immersed in his work, feeling the emotional weight of the spaces he creates. It’s no wonder his Midnight Breeze series—comprising 7,000 unique artworks, often used as social media banners—has garnered a strong, dedicated fanbase. The series features quiet, almost melancholic scenes of Japanese streets and landscapes, illuminated by neon signs, with an ever-present sense of isolation amidst urbanity.

Artwork: Fragments of a lonely road.

But beyond the aesthetics, Dutchtide's art carries a deeper sense of organization, borrowing from the traditional frameworks of Japanese art. The layered fore, middle, and background elements in his work are meticulously arranged, echoing the Japanese principles of composition while simultaneously drawing on the Dutch mastery of light and perspective.

Dutchtide’s unique position in the NFT space has allowed him to operate independently, carving out a niche where authenticity and community reign supreme. In a market often driven by speculation and hype, Dutchtide’s work stands apart. His art is not just a commodity; it’s an emotional experience shared between the artist and his community of collectors. This connection is integral to the success of his work in the NFT space, where his followers eagerly await each new release, often expressing their enthusiasm across social media platforms.

Artwork: Midnight Breeze.

His entry into NFTs wasn’t driven by a desire to chase trends or capitalize on financial opportunities. Instead, Dutchtide saw NFTs as a way to decentralize art and give power back to the creators and their communities. He believes in the democratic nature of crypto and NFTs, where artists can maintain control over their work without reliance on large investors. His community-driven approach has fostered a tight-knit group of admirers who appreciate both the emotional depth and the technical brilliance of his work.

Artwork: Lonely road.

Dutchtide’s art isn’t limited to 2D works. His exploration of 3D spaces, especially in the metaverse, has opened up new possibilities. In his Zen Art Garden, for example, he combines the brutalist architecture of the 1960s with traditional Japanese aesthetics to create a space that is both a gallery and a sanctuary. The garden, complete with koi ponds and carefully arranged rocks, invites viewers to connect with themselves, mirroring the meditative qualities of his 2D works.

As he continues to grow within the digital art space, his work serves as a benchmark of authenticity, blending the best of Dutch and Japanese art with the possibilities of new digital frontiers. Through his art, Dutchtide invites us to pause, reflect, and find ourselves in the spaces in between.