Giacometti's "Nose" Special Exhibition Debuts in Paris, Sun Yuchen Reignites the Spark of Art and Technology Collision
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Giacometti's "Nose" Special Exhibition Debuts in Paris, Sun Yuchen Reignites the Spark of Art and Technology Collision
Only through the continuous integration and innovation of culture and technology can we better achieve the inheritance of civilization.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsPrologue
In recent years, Justin Sun, founder of TRON and global advisory board member of Huobi HTX, has been actively immersed in the world of art. From his early participation in bidding for Beeple’s “EVERYDAYS,” to repeatedly acquiring renowned crypto art pieces and NFTs, and later venturing into traditional art markets—purchasing masterworks by Picasso and Giacometti—alongside organizing various art exhibitions with prominent foundations… As the convergence between art and technology intensifies, behind many pivotal moments stands Justin Sun and the TRON network.
I. Justin Sun Showcases “The Nose” at Giacometti’s Paris Special Exhibition
Recently, a globally significant art exhibition opened in Paris, France, drawing extensive coverage from major international media outlets including leading French fashion and art publications.
The Giacometti Paris "The Nose" special exhibition is co-sponsored by TRON and APENFT Foundation
This exhibition, jointly organized by the Alberto Giacometti Foundation, the APENFT Foundation, and TRON, centers around the iconic Swiss surrealist artist Alberto Giacometti’s masterpiece “The Nose.” All existing versions of “The Nose” were gathered for this event, including version No. 6/6 from the private collection of Justin Sun, founder of TRON—acquired by him in November 2021 for $78.4 million, setting a new auction record for works in this series. This particular piece was created by Giacometti in 1964.
Justin Sun's artwork "The Nose" (1964) on display at the special exhibition
Who exactly is Giacometti, and why would Justin Sun invest such vast sums to collect his work?
He is one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. As a master of Swiss existentialist sculpture, Giacometti’s works often reflect the fear and isolation prevalent in post-World War II society. With a deeply resonant and uniquely personal artistic style, Giacometti became a defining figure in modern art. He is not only an indispensable name in art history and one of the highest-grossing artists at auction, but also widely regarded as an “artist’s artist” whose influence extends across both Eastern and Western art worlds.
Giacometti x Angje Lecia, "The Nose. Cinematographic Sculpture"
If we must measure value monetarily, Giacometti outperforms even Picasso in the auction arena. According to the Artnet price database, in 2015, 117 of Giacometti’s works sold at auction, totaling $251.6 million—ranking second among modern artists that year. In contrast, while Picasso topped the list with $650 million in sales, those figures stemmed from no fewer than 2,800 individual pieces entering auctions. This comparison underscores the rarity and exclusivity of Giacometti’s works on the market.
Given their scarcity, prices naturally continue to rise. In recent years, Giacometti’s works—especially sculptures—have repeatedly broken records at international auctions: At Christie’s New York in 2015, his sculpture “L’Homme au doigt” (“The Pointing Man”) sold for $141 million, setting a new world record for any sculptural artwork.
Visitors pause before Justin Sun's "The Nose" exhibit
Take, for instance, “The Nose,” the very piece Justin Sun lent to the Paris exhibition. It is one of Giacometti’s most important and influential sculptures, often serving as the centerpiece of any Giacometti retrospective—so much so that there’s a saying in the art world: “No ‘Nose,’ no show.” This speaks volumes about its significance within Giacometti’s oeuvre and its lasting impact on art history.
Annette Messager, "Mother and Child" (left), alongside Giacometti's "The Nose" (right)
Among all editions of “The Nose,” only two are currently in circulation; the rest are held in permanent collections at major museums worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Giacometti Foundation, and the Kunstmuseum Basel. By generously lending this key piece, Justin Sun has enabled broader public access to the full breadth of Giacometti’s artistic vision. This marks the first time all versions of the series have been assembled together—an event of historic importance in the art world.
At this “The Nose” exhibition, audiences also witnessed innovative approaches to displaying art. One version of the sculpture was too fragile to transport, so—with support from the APENFT Foundation and TRON—the organizers used virtual technology to present it digitally, using modern tech to convey the profound essence of this monumental sculpture.
II. Art Is Priceless: Collector Justin Sun Opens His Wallet
The No. 6/6 edition of “The Nose” featured in this exhibition is just one item among Justin Sun’s extensive art collection. In fact, he began building his presence in the art market as early as 2021, investing across digital crypto art and traditional modern art, while supporting the founding of the APENFT Foundation to drive innovation in digital art.
Justin Sun appointed as Grenada's Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the WTO in November 2021
Looking back at the 2021 crypto bull run, many were still fixated on market fluctuations and material gains. But Justin Sun took a different path. As an early advocate and practitioner in blockchain, having achieved conventional success well before turning thirty, and gaining international recognition through roles like Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, he sought a new direction in life.
His academic background—a bachelor’s degree in history from Peking University and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania—shaped his worldview. Through studying history, he realized that wealth and status are fleeting, whereas art endures across centuries. This insight led him to immerse himself in the殿堂 of art.
Justin Sun with Picasso’s "Reclining Nude with Necklace (Marie-Thérèse)" from his collection
Beyond digital art, Justin Sun also holds deep admiration for traditional modern art. At Christie’s London evening sale in 2021, he spent approximately £16 million acquiring Picasso’s “Reclining Nude with Necklace (Marie-Thérèse)” and Andy Warhol’s “Triple Self-Portrait.” Later that year, at Sotheby’s New York autumn auction, he purchased “The Nose” for $78.4 million. Other notable acquisitions include Pak’s NFT artwork “Cube”—originally released as an unlimited edition priced between $500 and $1,500 each—and KAWS’ packaging series “Untitled (KIMPSONS),” which sold for HK$2.52 million at a curated auction hosted by Jay Chou.
Zeng Fanzhi, "Portrait of Justin Sun"
It is no exaggeration to say that Justin Sun’s collecting scope is remarkably broad, spanning Chinese and Western art, historical and living artists, and digital creations alike. He emphasizes artistic quality and uniqueness in selection, paying close attention to artists’ backgrounds and creative philosophies. With a distinctive eye and precise judgment, each of his acquisitions not only breaks transaction records but also sends shockwaves through the entire collecting community.
Of course, Justin Sun’s generous investments in art go beyond personal ownership—they are largely intended for public exhibition. As early as early 2021, he announced support for establishing the APENFT Foundation, dedicated to advancing the integration of metaverse finance and art, investing in both NFTs and physical artworks. Most of the pieces he acquires are donated to this foundation.
Justin Sun acquired Andy Warhol’s iconic work "Triple Self-Portrait" in 2021
Today, the APENFT Foundation’s collection includes Picasso’s “Reclining Nude with Necklace,” Andy Warhol’s “Triple Self-Portrait,” Zeng Fanzhi’s “Portrait of Justin Sun,” Beeple’s “Ocean’s Front” and “ABUNDANCE” (a set of five), Pak’s complete NFT series “Cube,” and three works from Mitchel Chen’s “Digital Zones,” with total holdings valued at over 1 billion RMB.
“We will continue investing and provide this community with access to world-class art,” Justin Sun stated on social media.
III. The Fusion of Art and Web3: A Brilliant Renaissance
Only through continuous innovation and integration of culture and technology can civilization be better preserved.
As previously mentioned, one version of “The Nose” was too fragile to move, necessitating alternative digital presentation via modern technology—breathing new life into a classic artwork. Similarly, under Justin Sun’s leadership, the APENFT Foundation collaborated with TRON to spend three months constructing an art gallery within the decentralized virtual space Decentraland. “The Nose” was transformed into a virtual NFT artifact, placed at the center of the gallery for all Web3 users to appreciate. Floating above a dynamic digital ocean, the gallery also showcases diverse NFT artworks from the APENFT Foundation’s collection.
On the occasion of this Paris exhibition, the Giacometti Foundation announced a strengthened partnership with the APENFT Foundation and TRON. The latter will sponsor key research initiatives by the Giacometti Foundation, particularly supporting scholarly studies and exhibition organization.
The collaboration between TRON and the Giacometti Foundation marks the first cross-sector alliance between a leading public blockchain and a top-tier art foundation. Leveraging their respective strengths, they may pioneer new models for on-chain curation and digitization of elite artworks, leading a fresh wave of synergy between technology and art.
Indeed, as a representative figure in the blockchain industry and a renowned collector, Justin Sun continues to play a vital role in bridging the art world and blockchain technology. His interdisciplinary thinking and innovative spirit have injected new vitality into the art market, creating fresh opportunities for artists and collectors alike. Through active exploration and promotion, he has opened up new possibilities for the convergence of art and technology, fueling optimism about the future of digital art and blockchain.
Justin Sun believes that integrating art and technology fosters innovation and cross-domain collaboration. He actively encourages artists to explore new forms of expression and artistic formats, using technological tools to create unique experiences and interactive engagement. He believes that only through constant renewal and innovation can art remain relevant to the times and truly resonate with people’s hearts.
For example, the APENFT Foundation, in collaboration with TRON, established a special Art Dream Fund to discover, nurture, and support promising NFT artists and artworks. Additionally, APENFT has invested in and incubated dozens of NFT-related projects and supported NFT marketplaces, establishing a strong foothold in the NFT ecosystem and earning industry-wide acclaim.
Moreover, Justin Sun is advancing crypto-digital culture through TRON. TRON is a blockchain-based decentralized platform offering creators efficient and secure solutions for digital distribution and transactions. Within TRON’s ecosystem, artists can more effectively showcase their work to a global audience, enabling the digitization and circulation of art.
For crypto art, a sustainable and rapidly growing ecosystem serves as the foundational enabler and solid backbone. Justin Sun and the TRON network behind him are emerging as pioneers in driving the integration of art within the Web3 space. The collaboration between TRON and the Giacometti Foundation expands the imagination for art-tech convergence, inviting more traditional art institutions to join this movement, yielding richer cultural fruits and advancing human civilization.
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