Serpentine Galleries hosts Refik Anadol’s ‘Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive’

Digital art pioneer Refik Anadol unveils ‘Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive’ at London’s Serpentine Galleries, blending art and technology in an exhibition that runs until April 7

EXCLUSIVE BY KEVSER ERBAY — Renowned for his masterful fusion of art and technology, Refik Anadol has launched his latest exhibition, “Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive,” at London’s Serpentine Galleries. The exhibition promises to mesmerize visitors with its immersive experience until April 7, 2024.

Anadol’s artwork in the exhibition utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret rainforests and coral reefs, offering a unique perspective on these natural wonders.

During my exclusive interview with the artist, he shed light on his efforts to represent Türkiye through digital art. He also delved into the impact of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and shared advice for emerging digital artists, along with details about his future exhibitions.

Anadol said that he feels deeply honored to represent Türkiye through digital art and to have come so far on a journey that began in 2008 in Istanbul.

“The idea of using data as a pigment was revolutionary, and today, having my work in one of London’s best galleries is incredibly fulfilling. The field of digital art, especially with AI, is becoming more prominent and relevant,” he said.

When I asked about his choice to use corals as a central theme and motif, and where the idea originated, Anadol highlighted the project he did for World Economic Forum. 

“We have two elements in this exhibition: rainforests and coral reefs. The coral project, was an attempt almost one or two years ago, (when we were) invited by the World Economic Forum, and they asked me to bring the important problems about the corals (to the forefront). They were looking for solutions by using Al to (create) almost realistic corals, to put them under water and 3D print them to create ecosystems,” he added.

AI’s future in daily life

Anadol also shared important advice for aspiring digital artists, saying: “I think the future of AI is prominent; AI will be in our every day (life). I started working with AI in 2016, and it’s been eight years for me. But it feels like 80 years. Every morning, there is something new. I will not worry about the new things because when you work with AI, it’s not about being first, it’s about being right. I think that’s very important; that’s why I collect my own data. That’s why I create my own AI models; to have control, to have my own narrative. So, it’s very important for young artists to learn how to (train) AI, how to collect data.” 

Anadol sees a bright future for NFTs, having experienced significant success with projects like “Winds of Yawanawa.”

“NFT’s been pretty prominent. I have been in the field for more than four years. It’s an incredible medium. Our ‘Winds of Yawanawa’ project has seen considerable success, making a significant impact. We donated our NFT project to UNICEF. We also did a project for a hospital in the U.S. and the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Türkiye. It’s a huge power. I hope artists can keep pushing the medium,” Anadol emphasized.

A global art journey

Anadol revealed plans for future exhibitions, including an upcoming event in Rotterdam, signaling a continuation of his global outreach and the sharing of his environmental message through art.

His innovative approach to digital art has captivated audiences worldwide from the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to Türkiye’s Grand Presidential Culture and Art Awards, particularly with his “Unsupervised” exhibition in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, one of the most prestigious art galleries, between Nov. 19, 2022 and Oct. 29, 2023. The exhibition further solidified his reputation as a pioneer in blending technology with art.

As AI is poised to fundamentally reshape our world, art lovers are preparing to witness its impact on creativity and, perhaps even more profoundly, on our understanding of Earth.

* “Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive” is being showcased at Serpentine North in London, U.K., running from Feb. 16 to April 17, 2024