XRP: Ripple Aims to Bridge Communities with Bold Art Donation

XRP and Ripple are at the forefront of fostering unity in crypto, as Ripple recently made headlines for donating the symbolic “Skull of Satoshi” sculpture to the Bitcoin community. This gesture, made during the Bitcoin Conference on May 28, 2025, represents an unexpected move toward reconciliation between two historically divided blockchain camps.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted the importance of cross-chain collaboration while unveiling the artwork. Emphasizing the need for a more unified industry, he remarked that the sculpture now serves as a monument to Bitcoin’s resilience and the broader commitment of the crypto space to innovation and inclusivity. Garlinghouse noted, “I hope this gesture continues to remind folks that we (BTC, XRP, and other crypto communities) have more in common than we think.”

This donation of the “Skull of Satoshi,” created by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong, comes amidst a backdrop of long-standing friction between the XRP and Bitcoin communities. The sculpture was originally conceived as a critical piece meant to spark conversation about Bitcoin’s energy-intensive proof-of-work consensus system. Commissioned as part of Greenpeace USA’s ‘Change the Code’ initiative, it called attention to the environmental implications of Bitcoin mining, advocating for a shift towards proof-of-stake models, much like the one adopted by Ethereum.

The artwork itself presents e-waste-based skull imagery looming over shadowy software developers, set against industrial backdrops symbolizing immense energy consumption. Its provocative symbolism stirred intense debate in the crypto ecosystem—particularly after it was revealed that Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen contributed $5 million to fund the campaign backing the sculpture.

Despite these associations, Von Wong defended the intentions behind his art, stressing that the goal was never to disparage Bitcoin. Instead, the message was about seeking a cleaner path forward for the crypto industry as a whole—one that encourages renewable energy use without undermining decentralization or security.

The XRP and Bitcoin communities responded to Ripple’s donation with mixed reactions. While some, such as supporters from the XRP camp, saw this as a meaningful effort to bridge longstanding divides, others weren’t as forgiving. Prominent Bitcoin voices, such as Walker America and VanEck’s Matthew Sigel, remained critical. Sigel argued that Ripple should have made amends for previous campaigns that antagonized Bitcoin rather than simply donating the sculpture.

Pierre Rochard, Vice President at Riot Platforms and staunch Bitcoin advocate, expressed that Ripple’s prior attacks only made Bitcoin stronger. In a pointed statement, he declared “Brad, your attacks on bitcoin have only made it stronger. Bitcoin is anti-fragile.”

This donation has added another complex chapter to the evolving relationship between these two crypto communities. While skepticism lingers, Ripple’s move suggests an eagerness to align more closely with the wider blockchain ecosystem and perhaps reposition XRP in a unifying light.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

At its core, this development underscores the maturing narrative within the blockchain industry—one where entities like Ripple are looking beyond competition and leaning into collaboration. As XRP continues to push boundaries in cross-border payments and financial infrastructure, gestures like these serve as a reminder that the future of crypto may be shaped not just by technological advancements, but by alliances rooted in common purpose.