‘Data Artist’ Refik Anadol reflects on historic MoMA AI art acquisition

In recent years, Refik Anadol has established himself as a leading figure in the digital art movement, captivating audiences in a way few artists have through the power of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and NFTs.

Both collectors and international inspectors understand the work. With more than $30 million in NFT sales and exhibitions at the world's most prestigious art venues, Anadolu unites the traditional realm of art with digital artwork.

“We artists are now merging the digital with the physical, creating experiences that connect the virtual and the real world,” said Refik Anadol. Decrypt. “I believe that the most profound artistic experiences lie where the physical and the imaginary meet.”

In October, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City He announced that he had found it Anadol's piece, “Untraceable – Machine Nightmares” is a significant milestone in art history. Not only does this piece stand as the museum's first “living work of art,” it's also the first to integrate NFT and AI elements into the esteemed collection.

It is explained. as if new york As one of the most crowd-pleasing—and controversial—exhibitions in New York City, this 24-foot-long digital artwork not only entertained visitors to the museum with its real-time location-driven display, but also made a big impact. A prominent location in MoMA's Gund Lobby.

“This is a great honor,” said Refik Anadol. Decrypt Additional collection of the museum to the permanent collection. “MoMA is one of the most important institutions in the world. When MoMA makes these decisions, they will be historic. All of the artists in the archives for the past 200 years have been pioneers of certain fields and movements.”

Anadol recognizes the significance of this acquisition in the history of art and its implications.

Anadol is “recognition for the field of digital art—for those using algorithms, software, hardware, sensors, and AI.” Decrypt. “MoMA's recognition comes at a critical time, as AI is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives.”

Using publicly available data from MoMA's archives and responding to environmental cues such as weather and sound, it shows an “unsupervised” interplay of colors and sounds, continuously changing as the viewer attends.

Due to the extraordinary reception, the exhibition, which had been planned for a three-month run, was extended four times, making it the longest display at the Museum of the History of Modern Art before the work was officially booked.

AI powered public art

Anadolu started its journey in the year In 2008, he coined the term “data visualization”.

“It was about transforming the information that surrounds us every day into material, shaping, narrating and transforming it into creative products in various disciplines,” Anadol said. Decrypt.

In the year In 2016, Rifik Anadolu's career became the first artist to be selected for residency at Google. In collaboration with top AI engineers, this residency has laid the foundation for the fantastic projects he is now creating with the studio.

Refik Anadol and his team have established more than 20 permanent installations around the world, mainly emphasizing public art.

“We aim to continue creating worlds for humanity, exploring new ways to create AI-driven paintings, sculptures, performances, installations and more,” Anadol said. Decrypt.

In September, Refik Anadolu captivated audiences with “Machine Hallucinations,” a 580,000-square-foot giant dome installation at the newly opened Sphere in Las Vegas. The display features AI-generated data paintings, transforming the dome into a monumental digital canvas, setting a new record as the largest AI artwork and NFT display to date.

Before that his Projection at Casa Batllo It went viral on social media platforms in Barcelona in May. Anadolu drew 65,000 spectators, breathing modern life into Gaudi's legacy, fronted by stunning “living architecture”.

A year ago, NFT of “Living architectureIt was auctioned at Christie's in May 2022, fetching $1.38 million.

One of his latest projects that he is particularly proud of is “Yawanwa windHe said. This project consists of 1,000 AI-generated artworks created in collaboration with artists from the Amazon's Avaawa tribe.

“Our collaboration with the Yamanawa family represents a fusion of culture and technology,” Anadol said. Decrypt. “With their wisdom and our AI-based methods, we created 1,000 unique infographics that reflect their culture and the environment they live in.”

Anadolu Group asked Yamanawa artists to paint their dreams, resulting in 13 paintings. They would then feed their AI generation model with the images to create the artwork. The project is a non-profit operation, all income goes directly to the local community.

“We want to help them develop their culture and preserve their natural way of life,” Anadol said. “I call it co-creation in a very special and respectful way. We opened a wallet, co-created the contract and ensured the family received commissions directly into their account.

Secondary market sales now exceed $10 million, and resale royalties have helped build infrastructure in Yamanawa villages, such as schools and cultural centers, he said.

Understanding the audience

Anadol discovered blockchain early. He found himself in space during the creation of Ethereum and immediately understood the possibilities he could explore as an artist.

“The Web3 community has a special place in my heart,” said Anadol. Decrypt. “It's a vibrant culture full of new perspectives. Blockchain and Ethereum have opened up new avenues for innovation, and I was sure from the start that I wanted to be a part of this movement.

Since then, he has been fascinated by the movement, celebrating its vibrant and diverse culture.

“It's there and it's alive, it's full of colors,” Anadol said. Decrypt. “And I love that new world. It's a fresh look at many points of view. I think it's technology, it's extremely important.

Meanwhile, while he thinks recognition by institutions like MoMA should be seen as an “encouraging sign,” he also suggests caution.

“Currently, financial issues seem to cover the basics with a lot of financial jargon and strategy,” Anadol said. Decrypt. “It's important to develop and nurture this culture, and it's a special challenge to teach collectors how to think. However, I've noticed understanding, support and a sense of community. The amount of creative and bright minds is amazing.”

In the future, Anadol hopes to scientifically understand how his art affects the audience. Once again, it relies on information. His team recently conducted a study at MoMA to measure the brain data of individuals looking at art.

“I hope we will soon understand AI-tokenized artwork at MoMA and its profound impact on human psychology,” Anadol said. Decrypt.

His last wish?

“Bring joy, and give hope to mankind,” he affirmed.

Edited by Andrew Hayward.