what's Cipher?

Cipher is an encrypted generative art protocol and NFT collection created by artist Paul Seidler (@brachlandberlin). It extends the ERC-721 standard by attaching encrypted metadata to each token, containing turmite rulesets (simple agent behaviors) and color palettes. This metadata is verifiably encrypted using zero-knowledge proofs and accessible only to the current owner via their public key. On every transfer, the smart contract enforces decryption by the seller and re-encryption for the buyer, ensuring privacy. Each new owner can modify one parameter, altering the generative output and extending the artwork's unique visual lineage across ownership history. Supported by JUST Open Source, minting occurs at cipher.plsdlr.net with discounts for prior owners and ties to physical works via Galerie Nagel Draxler.

Cipher v0.1 released, an ERC-721 NFT standard with encrypted metadata and ZKP re-encryption.