A pioneering new exhibition exploring AI and technology’s influence on contemporary art will open in London in May. Curated by Virginia Damtsa and located at Gabriel Scott on Old Burlington Street, the exhibition explores the impact of technology on contemporary artists, revealing how AI has shaped and challenged their creative processes while sparking profound dialogues on its implications.
Jonathan Yeo, Von Wolfe and Henry Hudson
In “AI and Technology Influence on Contemporary Art,” artists Jonathan Yeo, Von Wolfe, and Henry Hudson have embraced AI to redefine the essence of a new series of paintings, seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies into this new series.
Through these new ground-breaking works, they explore and masterly navigate the complex relationship between humanity and machines, prompting a re-evaluation of art’s future, probing the boundaries of AI’s capacity to expand or limit artistic expression, extending to questions of identity, development, authenticity, originality, reality, and the evolving landscape of creativity in the digital age.
Humanity vs Technology
Jonathan Yeo‘s exploration of the power dynamics between humanity and technology evokes a strategic chess game, where the outcome remains uncertain. Known for his radical approach to portraiture, Yeo presents a captivating series that transcends conventional identity. By employing 3D scanning and virtual reality technology and algorithms to reimagine self-portraiture, Yeo’s Paradox of Progress blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the virtual, inviting viewers to question the authenticity of representation in our technologically driven world.
Navigating the boundary between the digital and tactile realm.
Like a meticulous gardener, Von Wolfe manipulates AI to cultivate a landscape of visual narratives, skilfully arranging and crafting his protagonists within it. Von Wolfe process embodies the seamless interplay between the artist’s practice and the forefront of technological innovation. Striking a balance between intuitive human discernment and a cutting-edge node-based system using diffusion models, the resulting works showcase astounding precision. Von Wolfe navigates the boundary between the digital and tactile realm.
Somewhere in Time
For Henry Hudson, the notion of AI evokes a sense of hysteria, questioning its limits, our control over it, and whether it ultimately controls us. Henry Hudson melds technology seamlessly into his new series, Somewhere in Time, transcending physical and digital boundaries. His creations serve as a metaphor for the fluidity of existence in the digital age, prompting contemplation on the influence of AI on our lives.
Is AI a liberating force for creativity?
“AI and Technology Influence on Contemporary Art” invites introspection and dialogue: is AI a liberating force for creativity, or does it pose risks, questioning or challenging the essence of genuine ideas in painting? These questions linger, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery alongside these visionary artists. Through lectures, workshops, and panel discussions, visitors will grapple with the themes animating the artists’ work, promising an immersive exploration of art and technology.
This is the first collaboration from contemporary designer Gabriel Scott and respected independent curator Virginia Damtsa who together are transforming the Gabriel Scott Mayfair space into a dynamic hub for unconventional artistic projects. Their goal is to shed light on unconventional collaborations, ignite inventive dialogues, raise questions about topical themes and broaden the horizons of art and creativity.
AI and Technology Influence on Contemporary Art – Jonathan Yeo, Von Wolfe, and Henry Hudson. Curated by Virginia Damtsa. Opens 2 May – 10 September. Gabriel Scott, 12 Old Burlington Street London W1. www.virginiavisualarts.com
