Bitcoin, Art, and Anti-War Activism: Exclusive Interview with StreetCyber

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I tend to agree, but not just any picture. Street art with a message is priceless because of its power. You have to see it to feel it, and you have to feel it to believe it.

That’s exactly what happened to me when I stumbled upon, now an iconic piece of art “Bitcoin - Make War Unaffordable,” and used it as an illustration for one of my stories. If you’re an average person like me with little or no knowledge about Bitcoin and blockchain technology, this picture is a powerful starting point. It sparks curiosity and draws intriguing connections between fiat, inflation, Bitcoin, and war. What might normally take hours or even days to begin to grasp, this image introduces in a way that gets you thinking and exploring those ideas almost instantly. And that, my crypto friends, is true power (a clear reference to the famous line of James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom in “Conan The Barbarian”).

And, you know how it goes, one picture leads to another, and the author behind them, eventually. I discovered the whole universe of Bitcoin street art and “Street Cyber” in its center.

QUESTION: First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude for your acceptance to give this interview. Also, I have an obligation to inform HackerNoon readers that your request to stay anonymous is driven by your non-profit mission and desire for art to be more important than the artist himself. Let’s begin by explaining how you came up with an idea to explain and spread the message about Bitcoin through art.

STREET CYBER: I saw an opportunity to use art to make Bitcoin and financial education easier to understand and easier to explain. By turning complex technical terms into strong images, I hoped to spark interest and knowledge. These designs are a visual representation of the digital age, inviting viewers to explore the world of technology and money. They show how Bitcoin revolutionizes finance by removing barriers, preserving value, and protecting individual privacy.

QUESTION: One of the most fascinating things about your art is its non-profit character. At least, not in a “traditional” sense. People can visit your online store and order art they like, but you’re more interested in encouraging and empowering every individual to become a street artist themselves. Can you please explain your motivation for such an approach and give more details on how it’s supposed to work in real life?

STREET CYBER: I want to empower everyone to be an artist. Stickers are a great way to do this. They're affordable and easy to create. I encourage people to use my designs as inspiration for their own art. By sharing their creations, they become part of a global art community, collectively shaping the future of street art.

QUESTION: The motto, if we can call it that way, of your Street Cyber Crew community on X is “Sharing Street Art to Raise Awareness About Financial Empowerment.” What is it exactly supposed to mean and achieve through your art?

STREET CYBER: Our goal is to use street art to help people understand money and technology better. By sharing our art and talking with others, we want to start conversations about money, technology, and the future of finance. We want to inspire people to take charge of their financial future and make smart choices. Through our art, we hope to make complex financial ideas easier to understand and empower people to achieve financial freedom.

Bitcoin - Make War Unaffordable

QUESTION: This one is unavoidable. We have to address the elephant in your art room. What’s the story behind the iconic “Make War Unaffordable” poster that has been shared all over social media and in many cities all over the globe? How do you deal with its popularity as one of the most powerful anti-war symbols in recent years?

STREET CYBER: The "Make War Unaffordable" poster was created to protest war and violence. It highlights the high cost of war, both in human lives and money. We believe Bitcoin's resistance to inflation is key to making war unaffordable. By challenging traditional finance, Bitcoin can empower people and promote peace.

QUESTION: What’s your personal take, or it’s better to say a relationship with Bitcoin? How do you define and describe yourself as a Bitcoin maximalist or an artist who’s spreading the message and raising awareness about financial empowerment? Most importantly how do you see the future of Bitcoin and its role in the modern world?

STREET CYBER: I'm an artist, designer, producer, and more, who uses art to educate and inspire. Bitcoin aligns with my vision of a better future. I believe Bitcoin can empower individuals and challenge the status quo. I envision a future where Bitcoin plays a key role in creating a more equitable world, and I believe in Bitcoin's potential to disrupt traditional finance and empower individuals. Through art, I hope to visually represent this complex topic and make it easier for future generations to understand our time.

QUESTION: How does it feel to see your art being displayed all over the world? What kind of feedback do you get on social media?

STREET CYBER: It's incredibly humbling and exciting to see my art displayed around the world. It's a testament to the power of art to connect with people on a global scale. The feedback I receive on social media is overwhelmingly positive. People are inspired by the messages and the aesthetics of my work. They appreciate the way I use art to explore complex topics and spark conversations. It's truly rewarding to know that my art is making a difference.

Bitcoin + Streetart = Financial Education

QUESTION: What’s the best way for so-called “ordinary people” and Bitcoin enthusiasts to get in touch with your art, and contribute? I’ve noticed that you share your art other people have used all over the world.

STREET CYBER:

I encourage people to use my art as inspiration for their own creations. Feel free to modify, adapt, and share your own versions. By doing so, you become part of a global community of artists working together to spread awareness and promote positive change.

QUESTION: What are your plans for your own artistic future? Is Street Cyber going to disappear one day and leave us with his message and work?

STREET CYBER: Street Cyber is more than a name; it's a movement. While the physical manifestation may evolve, the core message of financial empowerment and artistic expression will endure. I plan to continue creating art that challenges the status quo and inspires positive change. The goal is to build a lasting legacy, empowering individuals and fostering a community of artists and thinkers.

QUESTION: What’s more important to you: for Bitcoin to overthrow fiat or end the so-called “forever war,” and for that matter all future wars, or both?

STREET CYBER: Both are equally important. Bitcoin's potential to end "forever wars" is directly linked to its ability to overthrow fiat currencies. By challenging traditional financial systems and empowering individuals, Bitcoin can reduce the financial incentives for war and conflict. Ultimately, both goals are interconnected, and their realization will contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world.

QUESTION: What would be your final thoughts and message to the HackerNoon tech community? I’m already making a sticker for my laptop.

STREET CYBER:

I encourage everyone to explore the intersection of art and technology. By combining creativity and innovation, we can create a more beautiful and equitable world. Bitcoin, as a revolutionary technology, has the potential to reshape our financial system and empower individuals. Embrace its potential and use it as a tool for positive change.

Thank you for your support and for joining the movement. Together, we can build a brighter future by checking out these links:

• StreetCyber on X: @streetcyber_art
• StreetCyber Community