In the heart of London’s lively Kensington Gardens, embedded in the city’s nature, Serpentine Galleries (North) is hosting “Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive” from February 16th to April 7th, 2024. A must see exhibition that merges artificial intelligence with nature’s beauty, through the innovative lens of Refik Anadol. Known for his pioneering work in AI art, this show demonstrates Anadol’s expertise in bringing digital art uniquely to life, presenting a series of works that redefine our interaction with AI and give us new perspectives on the depths of nature and human connection.
The exhibition features dynamic interpretations of natural landscapes, including underwater scenes and rainforests, through the most advanced AI technology. A key work, “Artificial Realities: Coral (2023),” immerses you in a digitally crafted oceanic space, using a dataset of over 135 million coral images to create a stunning visual experience.
Another highlight is the “Living Archive: Large Nature Model,” making its (remastered) UK debut, after premiering at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, where I’ve learned about it first. This installation showcases an AI that interprets the natural world. Jospeh Flower, Head of Arts & Culture at the World Economic Forum who commissioned two of Anadol’s projects for the conference explains the connection and his work with Anadol:
“Art has the power and the potential to ignite change on both individual and societal levels, making it a powerful force for positive transformation in the world. As technology is more and more present within our everyday lives, I wanted to explore the concept of what it means to be human in the age of machine intelligence as perceived through an arts lens.” He continues: “One of the challenges we face today is the disconnect we often feel from global issues and the problems faced by others. As important as data is, it can lead to feelings of overwhelm and disassociation rather than empowerment and engagement. By engaging with a work by Refik Anadol, you are given a unique opportunity and new way to visualise and comprehend data in immersive and interactive artworks that connects your senses, body, and mind.”
Anadol expresses his excitement over this project, viewing it as a milestone in AI art: “This show is the very first time we are using our Large Nature Model research. Since last year we have been partnering with incredible technology leaders, museums, archives, genius researchers and scientists who have been preserving nature across the world. In ‘Echoes of the Earth’, almost five years of nature research and a year of developing the Large Nature Model are coming alive. We are showcasing our early studies on the flora, fauna and landscapes of the rainforest coupled with our coral research, combining them with image, sound, text and scent. The scents showcased in the exhibition are also specially created for Serpentine.”
Anadol’s work, offers a new perspective on digital impressions that shape our lives. He challenges viewers to consider technology’s influence on our perception of nature, time, space, and humanity’s place in an AI-driven world. During our conversation he shares what inspired his environmental work: “I met with the Yanawana family who are an incredible indigenous culture and tribe living in Amazonia in Brazil Acre, two years ago. It was through them that I learned how they are living in harmony with nature and how they are so important to the protection and preservation of the rainforest. Moments like these brought a realization that all of the projects our studio takes on have to focus on nature in the hopes of creating context, discourse, and attention.” Soon after, Chief Nixiwaka of the Ywanawa family became Anadol’s mentor. His words to Anadol sound sound like “messages to humanity through the lens, through the eyes, through the perspective of nature.” which Anadol perfectly understands to implement into his visual works.
“Chief Nixiwaka is an extremely important role model for me as a human. He is one of the most important indigenous leaders of the Amazonia who was able to protect his language and his culture.” Anadol adds.
“Our recent nature-focused AI works are a kind of love letter to Nature. I think we have a simple human instinct and reflex; we do not hurt something we love.” (Refik Anadol)
He also shares a quote by his mentor, that he holds close to his heart: “It is new times we are living now. Time for forgiveness. Time for love. Time for spirituality. It is time for humanity to look back to the origins. To the Earth. To our hearts. To learn, to love and respect one another. To make alliances, join forces. This is the moment.” (Chief Nixiwaka).
Serpentine’s leadership, including CEO Bettina Korek and Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, not only supports Anadol’s vision but deeply aligns with it. They see the exhibition as an intersection of art, science, and technology, aiming to captivate but also to educate viewers. This initiative is part of Serpentine’s broader exploration of AI’s role in art, emphasizing the gallery’s commitment to innovation. The entry to the galleries and to this show is free, symbolizing a welcoming invitation to anyone curious to explore
Part of Serpentine’s New Alliances program, the exhibition underscores the gallery’s role in promoting digital-age art. Serpentine’s engagement with AI, including establishing the Creative AI Lab, highlights its leadership in discussions on technology’s cultural impact. Its commitment to free access ensures the exhibition reaches a wide audience, furthering the dialogue on art and technology’s evolving relationship.