Imperfect Lovers

*Imperfect Lovers* performs two Ethereum-based Lovers, each giving the other everything they have until there is literally nothing left to give. Even then, they continue to attempt trans-actions to and for one another, failing unless and until they are somehow replenished. Money is always and only a metaphor, and the truest of gifts can only be given when there is no-thing left to give. The first three mints in this series - *Imperfect Lovers* (co_operator), *Lover 0* (lovers[0]), and *Lover 1* (lovers[1]) - are dynamic NFTs, which update with each trans-action. These are directly and continuously connected to their respective Smart Contracts, held together and meant for institutional custodianship and exhibition. The hands on each clock act as scales; the hours display their most recents gifts, the minutes show their balances. The *Portraits* minted after these first three NFTs - limited to one per day - are standalone, static artworks given to those who initiate a transaction: a collectible, generative and participatory snapshot of the *Lovers* from a specific day. With *Imperfect Lovers*, the Blockchain is leveraged to show intimacy and care, time and mortality, imperfection and romance, despite (and not because of) all that glitters and shines. It presents the gift of potential, where we lovingly attempt to give beyond our own capacity.