The digital art world is buzzing. Now we read headlines about Milady NFTs, floor prices rising, and trading volumes exploding. Most recently, on April 20, 2025, bolsaverse.eth purchased a top 25% rarity Milady from miberamaker333. Floor prices are skyrocketing, volume’s going through the roof, and everyone is racing each other to acquire the rarest pieces. Are we so blinded by the hype that we’re losing sight of the overall goal?

Are We Building a Digital Caste System?

This race to find the rarest thing of all harks back uncomfortably to historic colonial power structures. Think about the art world before NFTs. Access was typically determined by one's father's connections, wealth, and pedigree. Are we just doing the same old bad stuff, but on a computer now – this time with pixelated anime girls.

The focus on rarity has collectors and investors buzzing. It is a good strategy, but one that can unintentionally leave behind visionary artists who don’t have the capital or experience to produce NFTs deemed “rare.” The burgeoning art scene of Southeast Asia is at the cutting edge of artistic innovation. Artists struggle to get equipment, access funding, and build the networks necessary to advance their craft.

Rarity has become the king. But shouldn't artistic merit, cultural significance, and the artist's story take precedence?

I've been speaking with artists across Southeast Asia, and a common theme emerges: opportunity is not evenly distributed. While some are having unprecedented success, others are having a hard time cutting through the noise.

Forgotten Voices of Southeast Asia

Now picture an artist working from rural Vietnam, creating breathtaking virtual environments that showcase traditional elements of Vietnamese cultural heritage. Or, they may lack the technical skills or marketing savvy. Without this financial support, they cannot afford to compete with artists that have access to these advanced tools and built-out networks. Their work, which is culturally invaluable, would be lost just because it doesn’t check the box for being “rare.”

We need to ask ourselves: are we creating a space where only a select few benefit, or are we actively working to uplift artists from underrepresented regions?

The recent data showing a 40% surge in Milady NFT trading volume to 8,500 ETH is impressive, but that statistic masks a crucial question: who is benefiting from this surge? Are a handful of hyper-wealthy collectors and well connected, legacy artists controlling the market? Additionally, is that wealth improving access to new creators in countries like Myanmar, the Philippines and Indonesia?

We could change how the entire art world operates with the NFT space. Thirdly, it puts artists in control and democratizes access to the art market, making the sector more equitable and inclusive. In order to fulfill this potential, we must go beyond the hollow platitudes and make real progress.

The positive market sentiment that is creating this bullish hype around Milady NFTs, as shown by the 10% increase in unique buyers, is a positive sign. Let’s harness that energy into creating a fairer and more inclusive tech ecosystem.

Time for Actionable Inclusivity

Let’s not be fooled by the siren song of scarcity. So instead, let’s shine a light on the incredible artistic talent and cultural wealth that exists just outside the pop limelight. Together, we can leverage our collective power to transform the NFT space for the better. Let’s ensure that it benefits artists of all backgrounds, and not just the privileged few.

The future of NFTs depends on it. And, frankly, so does our conscience. Let’s not allow the digital art world to reflect the highly unequal world from which it emerged.

  • Support Initiatives: Invest in platforms and organizations that are actively working to support artists from underrepresented regions. Look for projects that offer mentorship, funding, and technical training.
  • Curate with Intention: Collectors, be mindful of the artists you support. Seek out diverse voices and consider the cultural significance of the art you're acquiring.
  • Demand Transparency: Advocate for greater transparency in the NFT market. Let's push for platforms to disclose information about the artists they feature and the communities they support.
  • Build Communities: Create online spaces where artists from Southeast Asia can connect, collaborate, and share their work.

The bullish market sentiment surrounding Milady NFTs, as evidenced by the 10% increase in unique buyers, is encouraging. But let's channel that enthusiasm into building a more equitable and inclusive ecosystem.

Let's not allow the allure of rarity to blind us to the incredible talent and cultural richness that exists beyond the mainstream. Let's use our collective power to ensure that the NFT space truly empowers artists from all backgrounds, not just a select few.

The future of NFTs depends on it. And, frankly, so does our conscience. Let's not build a digital art world that mirrors the inequalities of the real one.