Bringing authenticity and storytelling to fine art through NFC technology.

Overview

Boris Walks Alone Inc., a respected Canadian art dealer and curator, partnered with Swapnice to explore how NFC authentication could modernize the art world’s relationship with provenance and digital storytelling.

The collaboration connected Swapnice with a select group of artists — including Val Kilmer, whose experimental fine art and poetry pieces were among the first to integrate Swap Badge technology.

The Approach

Each artwork embedded a Swap Badge, a discreet NFC chip linking directly to a digital certificate of authenticity.
Collectors could simply tap their phone on the frame or sculpture to access:

• Verified artist provenance
• Digital artist statements and behind-the-scenes footage
• Limited-edition print verification and ownership transfer options

The solution allowed both collectors and galleries to trust the physical artwork while also engaging with its story digitally.

Impact

• Streamlined Authenticity: Instant provenance verification replaced fragile paper certificates.
• Enhanced Collector Experience: Digital storytelling deepened connection to the artist’s creative process.
• Expanded Adoption: The collaboration sparked conversations with other artists under Boris Walks Alone’s network seeking to integrate smart-tag technology into sculptures, prints, and installations.

Quote

“Art should tell its story every time it’s touched. Swapnice gave us a way to make that happen.”
— Jen Armand, Boris Walks Alone, Founder & Curator

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