Refik Anadol Studio, co-founded by Refik Anadol and Efsun Erkiliç, is about to launch an innovation masterclass of AI art and NFTs museum named DATALAND at the Grand LA, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry. This innovative museum located in Los Angeles is believed to transform how we experience digital art by adding AI-generated images, rare NFTs, and many sorts of technical marvels.
A New Era of Artistic Expression:
Dataland aims to make the museum experience more technically advanced by adding much more than just pictures on walls. The AI-generated gallery will not only showcase Visual art but also add some hints of an AI-generated vibe so it gives multi sensory experience. The main motive behind this innovation is to make art available both in-person and virtually.
As Refik Anadol explained:
“We aren’t yet revealing the details about DATALAND’s artistic programming, but there will be many moments for sharing/exhibiting AI artists’ work both physically and virtually so people who cannot travel to LA have access to the AI art creations. And they can purchase the AI art NFTs minted on sustainable blockchain platforms.”
Global Environmental Focus:
DATALAND‘s launch was announced during Climate Week NYC, running alongside the United Nations General Assembly. The exhibition of this museum will feature works of art by the Large Nature Model, which is an AI system based on true data. This exhibition is inspired by nature and natural sustainability, which highlights Anadol’s aim and commitment to promote a safe and secure sustainable natural ecosystem.
UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming praised Anadol’s work, stating:
“Refik Anadol’s artwork is a testament to the beauty and fragility of our natural world. It’s a clarion call to world leaders: we must harness the power of technology [AI art & NFTs] and human ingenuity and agency to incite action to protect our planet before it’s too late.”
A Home for AI Art in LA:
Los Angeles known for its artistic innovation in music, art, and even technology, was chosen to be the home for DATALAND. Refik Anadol stated he felt safe choosing LA as he believes this city to be the base for artistic progression and cultural progression, boldly stating LA to be the perfect place to launch a museum that combines human imagination with AI intelligence.
Anadol shared:
“To have a permanent space for us to develop a new paradigm of what a museum can be—by fusing human imagination with machine intelligence—is a realization of one of my biggest dreams,”
Historical Context of AI Art and NFTs:
Christiane Paul, digital art curator at the Whitney Museum stated the fascinating history of AI art. She believes that AI-generated Art can be traced back to the early 1950s and 1970s. From the early AI generation to to the rise of NFTs in the current context, the intersection of technology and art has evolved exponentially and it’ll continue to make it greater than ever.
Christiane Paul explained:
“AI art has a fascinating history that intertwines technology and creativity, and it continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of technology and creativity.”
In 2018, Christie’s made history by auctioning its first AI-generated artwork, moving one step towards integrating AI-generated artwork in traditional art space.
The Future of Museums, AI Art, and NFTs:
Museums for a long period of time have been a safe space for physical art enthusiasts to satisfy their artistic side with hardly any improvement done, however, Museums around the world are now seeing the artistic nature of AI-generated artworks and integrating AI-artwork and traditional artwork showcasing AI’s intelligence and Human’s imagination. Institutions such as Seattle’s NFT Museum, the Centre Pompidou, and MoMA have managed to attract new audiences to this vastly new unventured side.
Kevin McCoy, the creator of the first NFT, supported Anadol’s vision:
“I’m heartened by Anadol’s announcement of DATALAND. He is leading by example both with his ‘ethical AI’ initiative and the commitment to the exhibition and preservation of AI and digital art that the museum represents.”
McCoy also stated :
“Within this context, the provenance provided by NFTs and blockchain-based records, more generally, can play a central role. This will be an important next step in the expanding use of this technology.”
Conclusion:
Museums, as well as Nations, have shown their interest in the growing scope of digital assets in this age, DATALAND aims to play a significant role in nurturing this new age of Artificial Intelligence. It aims to combine cutting-edge technology with art committing themselves to sustainability and creativity. Anadol’s announcement to launch a futuristic museum has left us all with our jaws wide open. Considering how everything has started to become digital or digitally powered, DATALAND may very well represent the future of museums.