It seems launching NFTs by burning artworks is the new NFT promotion trend to steer clear

NFT promotion just got harsh and brutal! Mexico's national cultural authority has opened an investigation into an art collector who burned an allegedly authentic Frida Kahlo drawing at his Miami home to promote his NFT collection. Martin Mobarak is a Mexican-American tech entrepreneur who recently invited a selected few to his Miami mansion. His party celebrated the launch of his exclusive NFT collection, but his manner of promotion was so aggressive that it prompted an investigation by the Mexican authorities.

Mobarak's project Frida.NFT aims to mint around 10,000 digital copies of Fantasmones Siniestros (Sinister Ghosts), which is a colorful artwork drawn by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in 1944. The millionaire claims to own the original piece that he showcased at his event. During the party, it was placed on a martini glass filled with dry ice and fuel, and suddenly, the painting was set on fire. After this stunt, The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature stated that Mobarak has violated federal laws and did not even seek permission to replicate the drawing.

The artwork is now moved over to the metaverse, and art collectors can purchase a copy of the digital network for 3 Ethereum, worth about US$4,000 at press time. A percent of all the proceeds will be donated to different charity organizations across Mexico, including the Museo Frida Kahlo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Autism Society, and the Children's Craniofacial Association. Mobarak claimed that these organizations are quite close to his heart since he is the father of a child battling rare diseases.

The institute is currently determining the provenance of Mobarak's drawing, which Frida.NFT claims were verified by the Mexican art dealer Andres Siegel. The stunt has sparked several controversies in the global art community, and some even say that promotion at this stage is not only disrespectful but also illogical.