A ubiquitous meme capturing a moment of social interaction, featuring a guy energetically explaining something to a disinterested woman in a nightclub setting, is set to make waves in the world of digital assets. This iconic image, known as “Milk Edinburgh,” will be auctioned off as an Ethereum-based Non-Fungible Token (NFT) on the Foundation platform.

Origins of the Meme

The photograph, affectionately dubbed “Milk Edinburgh,” originated in 2018 at the Milk nightclub in Edinburgh, Scotland. It quickly gained traction across the internet, bearing the watermark of the club’s name, which became synonymous with the image. Its widespread use as a representation of “guy explaining” or “mansplaining” has solidified its place in online culture.

David Wilkinson, the original photographer, is collaborating with Cryptopathic, a member of Feisty DAO, to offer the meme as an NFT. Though Wilkinson had previously minted the image as an NFT in 2021 without success, Cryptopathic and Feisty DAO have stepped in to facilitate the auction, free of charge.

Empowering Creators in the Crypto Space

This initiative follows a trend of connecting meme creators with the potential of NFTs as a means of monetization. Cryptopathic and Feisty DAO notably assisted in the auction of the iconic “Dogwifhat” meme for $4.1 million. Their mission is to empower creators by demonstrating the value of NFTs as a tool for monetizing digital artwork.

Amid concerns of exploitation within the NFT space, Cryptopathic emphasizes their commitment to fair compensation for creators. By providing a platform that eschews predatory practices, they aim to showcase the potential of NFTs as a means for artists to maintain control over their work and earn equitable rewards.

Auction Details

The “Milk Edinburgh” meme NFT will be available for auction starting on Monday, April 22, with a reserve price of 15 ETH (approximately $45,000 USD). This event marks another milestone in the intersection of internet culture and blockchain technology, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of digital ownership and expression.