Award-winning photographer Jeremy Cowart is set to embark on a new challenge in the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in an event he calls “Auras“. On May 2, before a live audience in Nashville, Cowart will aim to produce 10,000 original and unique photography-based NFTs in just 20 minutes without the use of generative code or post-production effects. The event will also be streamed live online for remote audiences.

In an age where AI and generative art can produce artwork and images almost instantly, Cowart’s challenge appears to have taken it only as a challenge. He will be using multi-colored lighting setups, robotics, three layers of projection, and a 130-foot LED volume wall to physically create a series of thousands of unique photos in mere minutes.

Each photo will feature Cowart at the center wearing a white mask designed to signify a blank canvas. His impressive portfolio includes iconic figures like Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians, and his work has been regularly featured in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Time.

Promotional artwork from Jeremy Cowart’s “Auras” event. Image: Jeremy Cowart

Unlike many other large-scale NFT collections that auto-generate thousands of NFTs with computer programming based on distributing rare traits, Cowart will build rarity traits into his creative process as the live NFT creation process unfolds. Individual “Auras” NFTs will feature certain rare traits that weave in and out of the series.

Powering the event is Kaleidoscope, an image processing library created by the Web3 digital creator platform Transient Labs. Kaleidoscope pulls generative traits out of photos and uses that information to streamline the creation of metadata—the data that powers NFT collections. In the case of “Auras,” the technology will focus on the colors displayed in certain photographs taken by Cowart to give the NFT collection its rarity and traits structure.

Cowart at work on his art. Image: Jeremy Cowart

Sponsored by NFT marketplace OpenSea, “Auras” will be made available for sale on May 9, one week after Cowart creates “Auras” live in Nashville. Current holders of Cowart’s previous NFT project, Block Queens, will be given the opportunity to mint an “Auras” NFT for free.

“Auras” promises to be an ambitious undertaking for Cowart, who told Decrypt that “It’s resulted in a creative process that I don’t think has ever been done before. Combine that with the NFT space and we have something really special here. Historic, even.”