‘Data Painter’ 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 can through the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and NFTs.

Collectors and international curators alike recognize his work. With over $30 million in NFT sales, along with exhibitions in the world’s most respected art venues, Anadol merges the traditional realm of art with the burgeoning world of tokenized digital artwork.

“As artists, we are now blending the digital and physical worlds, creating experiences that connect the virtual and real worlds,” said Refik Anadol. decryption. “I believe that physical and virtual connections are where the most profound artistic experiences lie.”

In October, at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. announced the acquisition Anadol’s work “Unsupervised – Machine Hallucinations” marks an important milestone in art history. Not only is this piece the museum’s first ‘living work of art’, it is also the first to integrate NFT and AI elements into its esteemed collection.

explained by New Yorker “One of New York City’s most crowd-pleasing and controversial exhibitions,” this 24-foot-tall digital artwork has garnered rave reviews as well as dazzled visitors inside the museum with its real-time environmental data-driven displays. It is a prominent spot in MoMA’s Gund Lobby.

“I am truly honored,” said Refik Anadol. decryption Addition to the museum’s permanent collection. “MoMA is one of the most important institutions in the world. If MoMA defines this decision, it will be historic. “Over the past 200 years, all of the artists in the archive have been pioneers in their particular fields and movements.”

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

“It is a recognition of the field of digital art for those who use algorithms, software, hardware, sensors and AI,” said Anadol. decryption. “MoMA’s recognition comes at a critical time when AI is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives.”

Utilizing publicly available data from MoMA’s archives and responding to environmental clues such as weather and sound, “Unsupervised” displays a vivid interplay of color and sound, constantly changing in the presence of the observer.

Due to the enthusiastic response, the exhibition, originally scheduled to be held for three months, was extended four times, making it the longest exhibition in the history of the Museum of Modern Art before the work was officially acquired.

AI-powered public art

Anadol started his journey in 2008 and coined the term “data painting”.

“The idea was to turn the information that surrounds us every day into pigments in a material that can be painted, sculpted, illustrated and transformed in a variety of fields,” said Anadol. decryption.

In 2016, Refik Anadol’s career reached a major moment when he was selected for a Google residency, the first artist to receive this honor. Collaborating with some of his best AI engineers, this residency laid the foundation for the cutting-edge projects he is currently creating in his studio.

Refik Anadol and his team have established more than 20 permanent installations around the world, focusing primarily on public art.

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

Last September, Refik Anadol captivated audiences with “Machine Hallucinations,” an installation atop the massive 580,000-square-foot dome of the newly opened Sphere in Las Vegas. Featuring AI-generated data paintings, the display not only turned the dome into a monumental digital canvas, but also set new records as the largest AI artwork and most expansive display of an NFT to date.

Before that, his Projection on Casa Batlló Last May in Barcelona, ​​it went viral on social media platforms. Anadol brought Gaudí’s legacy to modern life through his inspiring “living architecture” displayed on the façade, attracting 65,000 spectators.

1 year ago, NFT “living architecture” was sold for $1.38 million at Christie’s auction in May 2022.

One of his most recent projects that he is particularly proud of is “Wind with Yawana.” The project consists of 1,000 AI-generated artworks created in collaboration with artists from the Amazon Yawanawa tribe.

“Collaboration with the Yamanawa family represents a fusion of culture and technology,” said Anadol. decryption. “Through their art and AI-based methods, we created 1,000 unique data paintings that reflect their culture and the environment they live in.”

The Anadol team asked Yamanawa artists to draw their dreams, resulting in 13 paintings. The drawings were then fed into an AI-generated model to create a work of art. The project is a non-profit effort, with all proceeds going directly to the local community.

“We wanted to help them grow their culture and preserve their way of life in nature,” Anadol said. “I call this co-creation in a very special and respectful way. We opened our wallets for them, signed contracts together, and ensured that families received fees directly into their accounts.”

Secondary market sales have now exceeded $10 million, and resale royalties have already helped build infrastructure, including schools and cultural centers, in the village of Yamanawa, he said.

Understand your audience

Anadol discovered blockchain early. He was in the space when Ethereum was born and immediately saw the possibilities he could explore as an artist.

“The Web3 community holds a special place in my heart,” said Anadol. decryption. “It’s a vibrant culture full of new perspectives. Blockchain and Ethereum have opened up new avenues for creativity, and I knew from the beginning 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, alive and full of colour,” Anadol said. decryption. “And I love that new world. This is a new interpretation of various perspectives. “I think it’s a very important skill.”

Meanwhile, while he believes recognition by institutions such as MoMA should be taken as an ‘encouraging signal,’ it also implies that a cautious attitude should be taken.

“Currently, financial considerations seem to overshadow the basic ideas with an abundance of financial jargon and strategies,” Anadol said. decryption. “Cultivating and nurturing this culture is essential and educating the collector mindset is a unique challenge. But I observe understanding, support, and a sense of community. The amount of creativity and sparkling spirit is fantastic.”

In the future, Anadol hopes to understand in a scientific way how his art affects its audience. Again, he will rely on data. His team recently conducted a study at MoMA quantifying brain data from individuals viewing works of art.

“We hope that MoMA will soon be able to understand the complex nuances of AI tokenized artwork and the profound impact it has on the human mind,” said Anadol. decryption.

What is his ultimate desire?

“Give humanity joy and hope,” he declared.

Editor: Andrew Hayward