By Tony Fantano
Like sheep led into the lair of a hungry wolf, those who encounter Tony Babel’s NFT collection are seduced by wide eyes and devious grins, only to be slaughtered by the harsh truths depicted upon backdrops of bleak dystopias.
I walk the line between that sweet childhood nostalgia and a darker twist. Life wasn’t all roses and sunshine. I’ve dealt with heavy things through my teens and even these past few years.
Tony Babel
There is a materialistic desperation conveyed in Babel’s work that underlines the cold nature of an unfortunately relatable self-centered existence.
“My ‘Vintage Addictions’ series of loops are all about the consequences of addictions of various types. It’s a bit of a social commentary brought to life with lively animation.”
Substance abuse’s empty nature is a present theme throughout Babel’s collection. In “Check Please” and “Lucky Stroke,” he depicts the endless routine of smoking, drinking, and a monotonous outlook where “too much is never enough.”
“Some hit home more than others, but the general theme is somewhat grim once you notice the little details.”
Babel’s art points the finger back at the viewer and forces the observer to take a personal inventory of their relationship with the message that Babel sends through his art.
“My style brings a lot of freedom to explore both fun and dark themes mixed together.”
Babel’s NFTs have a familiar charm. His art collection looks as if it could be taped onto a reel-to-reel and projected for the cartoon intermission between two main features at a drive-in theatre during the 1950s. His early style was inspired by classic animators.
I started drawing at a very young age. I am a huge Disney/Fleischer fan. I remember pausing the VHS tapes to draw specific characters I liked. I was both fascinated and terrified with the older Rubber hose cartoons.
Tony Babel
Babel followed his artistic drive and devoted himself to his craft.
“I’ve been in motion/graphic design and animation for 16 years now. Around 6 years ago I got the itch to revisit the style I loved so much as a kid, and it all came full circle.”
Babel adapted his artistic process but ultimately stayed committed to his familiar approach.
I converted to digital once I got hold of a mouse and MS paint. I was about 10 years old and to this day I draw with a mouse. Folks think I’m a lunatic, but you can’t teach this old dog new tricks. It just works for me.
Tony Babel
The creative process that works for Babel starts with his unique perspective.
“I have Aphantasia. Which means I don’t have the ability to create mental…
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