Refik Anadol’s Artistic Journey Melds AI and NFTs

Renowned AI artist Refik Anadol speaks to SCENE about a significant moment in art history: MoMA’s acquisition of his digital masterpiece, “Unsupervised – Machine Hallucinations.” Anadol, a trailblazer in digital art, has captivated audiences worldwide with his unique blend of AI and NFT technologies, leading to over $30 million in NFT sales and exhibitions at prestigious art venues.

MoMA’s Historic Acquisition of “Unsupervised”

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City made headlines by adding Anadol’s “Unsupervised” to its collection. This 24-foot-tall digital artwork, described as “crowd-pleasing—and controversial” by The New Yorker, marks MoMA’s first foray into “living artwork” that integrates NFT and AI elements. The piece, displayed in MoMA’s Gund Lobby, changes in real-time based on environmental data, offering a dynamic interplay of colors and sounds.

Anadol’s Perspective on the MoMA Acquisition

Anadol views MoMA’s acquisition as a historic acknowledgment for digital art and artists who utilize algorithms, software, and AI in their work. He believes this recognition comes at a crucial time as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives.

The Impact of “Unsupervised” and Future Aspirations

“Unsupervised” gained extraordinary popularity, extending its initial three-month run at MoMA to become the museum’s longest-running display. Anadol’s artistic journey, starting in 2008 with the concept of “data painting,” reached a pivotal point with a residency at Google in 2016. His installations, including the record-breaking “Machine Hallucinations” at the Sphere in Las Vegas, continue to redefine the boundaries of digital art.

Collaborations and Contributions to the Art World

Anadol’s projects like “Winds of Yawanawa” highlight his collaborative spirit, working with indigenous artists to create AI-generated artworks that resonate with their culture. His involvement in the Web3 community and understanding of blockchain technology further cement his position as a leading figure in the digital art movement.

Understanding Audience Impact through Data

Anadol’s future endeavors include scientific studies to understand how his art impacts audiences. His team’s recent study at MoMA, quantifying brain data of art observers, is a step towards grasping the profound effects of AI-tokenized artwork.