EXTRA OPEN ON MONDAY 1 APRIL. immerse yourselve in a visual spectacle created by one of the most progressive exponents of digital art: Refik Anadol. Kunsthal Rotterdam is presenting the first solo exhibition of this Turkish artist in the Netherlands. With his multi-sensory installations, Anadol (1985) explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines. With the help of sophisticated technologies like artificial intelligence, data visualisation, and algorithms, Anadol is able to paint with data, and uses machines as a thinking brush. With his colourful and opulent digital compositions, he transports you to the highly advanced world of machines.
The exhibition Living Paintings: Nature offers an insight into the artist’s working methods and sources of inspiration and presents the compelling installation Linving Painting: Immersive Room. In the three-dimensional, kinetic, and architectural space you are surrounded by a visual spectacle, further intensified by light and sound. The audiovisual elements stimulate your senses and give you a sense of being present in an environment that does not exist in reality. Apart from Immersive Room, twelve data paintings are shown, further emphasising the important role nature plays in Anadol’s work. For creating these paintings the artist uses millions of publicly available images and data concerning landscapes and natural phenomena and transforms these into undulating, hypnotising presentations.
Human Machines
The point of departure for Anadol’s artistic practice is his aim to express new concepts for collaborations between humans and machines in his art. In his mesmerising installations, the artist explores how our perception of time and space is subject to change, and what it means to be human in a world that is increasingly dominated by technology. In his work, Anadol ponders the question whether machines are able to learn, create a consciousness, and perhaps ultimately dream. With the help of machine learning he develops algorithms that not only enable machines to process data, but also allow them to discover new things and show us alternative realities. This has led to a new aesthetic technique that Anadol uses to create sensory spaces situated on the intersection of art, architecture, science, and technology.
Refik Anadol
Refik Anadol (1985, Istanbul) obtained a master’s degree in fine arts from the Department of Design Media Arts at UCLA, where he currently teaches himself. He lives and works in Los Angeles, California, and is the owner and director of Refik Anadol Studio and RAS LAB, the studio’s research practice focusing on the discovery and development of data narratives. Venues and festivals where Anadol’s work has been shown include Centre Pompidou-Metz, National Gallery of Victoria Melbourne, the International Architecture Exhibition – Venice Biennial, Hammer Museum Los Angeles, Dongdaemun Design Plaza Seoul, Ars Electronica Festival Linz, Istanbul Design Biennial, Art Basel, and Museum of Modern Art New York City.
Plan your visit
We recommend planning your visit in advance by booking an online ticket. Would you like to have an indication when the most visitors are in the Kunsthal? View the visitor indicator here.
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