"Requiem for an NFT in the Burner Wallet" highlights the misconception of burning NFTs. The process of burning an NFT suggests its permanent destruction. But how does one destroy a digital asset that promises to be written permanently on the blockchain?

When it comes to most blockchain and NFT standards, one can't. Unwanted NFTs are sent to so-called burner wallets. Instead of being destroyed, these NFTs remain merely out of reach. Some websites and wallets have agreed not to display NFTs in known burner wallet addresses. However, one can still inspect most burner wallets as with any other wallet, and "burnt" NFTs seem to greet their explorers with a look of reproach.

Animated collage of images generated with artificial intelligence trained on aerial cloud photographs by the artist 1,080 x 1,920 px, 3:00 MP4