Refik Anadol

Machine Hallucinations Mars : AI Data Paintings

Initial Exploration: Discovering Refik Anadol

I delved into the work of Refik Anadol, a media artist known for his use of machine learning algorithms to create immersive digital installations. His project Machine Hallucinations – Mars: AI Data Paintings particularly caught my attention. It uses AI to process publicly available NASA data from Mars, transforming raw scientific information into fluid, dynamic digital paintings. This approach aligns with my interest in speculative curatorial practices, especially those that engage with emerging technologies to reinterpret archival materials.

Concept and Thematic Focus

Anadol’s work exemplifies how AI can serve as a tool for artistic expression and speculative inquiry. In Machine Hallucinations – Mars, he doesn’t just visualize existing data; he allows the AI to ‘hallucinate’ new landscapes, creating a blend of reality and fiction. This process resonates with contemporary debates on posthumanism and non-human agency—ideas I have been exploring in my coursework. The project raises questions about the role of machines in artistic authorship and how AI-generated aesthetics influence our perception of scientific truth.

Connecting to My Own Research

Reflecting on Anadol’s approach, I see a strong connection to my ongoing curatorial exploration of digital sculpture and AI-generated art. His use of real-time data and machine learning aligns with my interest in integrating AI-based tools like Meshy into curatorial frameworks. By considering his methods, I am thinking about how speculative AI practices could be incorporated into exhibition design, not just as a tool for visualization but as an active participant in meaning-making.