Earlier this year, Netflix released Inventing Anna, a miniseries that told the fictionalized story of Anna Delvey's attempts to defraud the rich and famous, including some in the art world. Now there's "Reinventing Anna," a collection of NFTs created by none other than Delvey herself, who is currently imprisoned. The NFTs are images of prints created by Delvey, an artist in her own right. So far, three prints have been issued, each depicting a stylized version of an episode from Delvey's own life. Each is available for 0.08 ETH, or approximately $90. Delvey depicts her time in ICE custody in one print. (Her deportation to Germany is still reportedly pending.) Delvey is shown facing the viewer in a field of ICE detainees turned away, standing over a cursive text that reads "White privilege application: denied."
The NFTs include "access to Anna" via "exclusive live streams and other online and metaverse events," according to the project. It also promised "a select group of top holders" personal calls with Delvey, sketches by her, and other perks. Based on the "Reinventing Anna" website, it is unclear which platform the NFTs exist on, but there is a link to a Delvey-run page where users can mint their own NFTs. Delvey's latest project, "Reinventing Anna," is framed on the website as an attempt to reclaim control over her life story.
"I see this first drop as an opportunity to directly connect with my audience and to take control of the narrative that has been largely outside of my control, until now," she is quoted on the site as saying. "I'm very excited to join the NFT community and help change the way artists/creators interact with their fans," she says. "It feels great to be a part of something new and innovative – breaking the rules and questioning the status quo is a big part of my own story." In this new chapter of my life, I want to use my voice for a good (and legal) cause."
Some have dismissed NFTs as "expensive digital images," including Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, but Delvey promised that her latest exploit was more legitimate. "I'm not trying to sell a picture," she told WWD in an interview on Wednesday. "Pretty much all it does is give me personal access. It allows me to communicate with my fans." Anna Delvey, née Anna Sorokin, was convicted of larceny in 2019 after defrauding people in her circle of $275,000.
She has been successful in bringing her art to the masses since her release from prison. In April, she had a New York show that was covered by the Cut, the New York Post, Variety, and other mainstream publications. It did not go down well with everyone. The opening was covered by Esquire under the headline "I Went to Anna Delvey's Stupid Art Show." The exhibition itself was not without its share of scam allegations. In May, one of the artists involved claimed she was still owed $8,000.
Some have also claimed that NFTs are essentially scams and, at best, vulnerable to hacking and theft. "Reinventing Anna" includes a tips section that includes the following advice: "NFT scams are EVERYWHERE these days. Keep an eye out for anyone asking you to send/receive/post information that could compromise your wallet on minting sites, Discord, and Twitter."
Jean Dubreil