Digital alchemy 

In a world increasingly defined by the fusion of technology and humanity, digital artist Krista Kim stands as a revolutionary force. Her immersive installation ‘Heart Space’ at Art Dubai, commissioned by Julius Baer, epitomises the transformative power of digital art. Through ‘Heart Space’ and other visionary projects, Kim navigates the dynamic landscape of innovation and dialogue, reflecting on her artistic journey, the societal impact of her work, and the boundless possibilities for integrating art and technology in shaping our collective future.

hube: Given your exploration of digital consciousness, ‘Heart Space’ at Art Dubai appears to be a transformative experience. Could you delve into the emotional and psychological aspects you aimed to evoke in viewers through this installation?

Krista Kim: ‘Heart Space’ is an exploration of the concept of oneness. It merges technology with the organic to create a shared digital environment. It is a social sculpture where separate individuals come together to form a single, living artwork using Biometric AI generative technology. The installation’s mirrored walls and the rhythmic light patterns offer a hypnotic, meditative space where strangers can connect through the universal language of the heartbeat, synchronising in a moment of visual harmony.

The artwork goes beyond visual stimulation; it is a shared labour, a cooperative creative process that embodies the essence of togetherness. Each visitor leaves a transient, yet lasting imprint on the canvas, weaving into the social tapestry of ‘Heart Space’. Bathed in the symbiotic algorithms of light and colour, the artwork is a testament to human connection and the beauty found within our collective experiences.

h: In the context of the exhibition setting, could you describe any intentional design choices that enhance the viewer’s connection with the installation, creating a symbiotic relationship between the artwork and its environment?

KK: In curating the exhibition space for ‘Heart Space’, every design choice was intentionally made to deepen the viewer’s connection with the installation, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the artwork and its surrounding environment. The aim was to create an immersive experience that not only engaged the senses but also resonated with the viewers on a personal and emotional level.

The use of reflective surfaces and materials was a design choice aimed at blurring the boundaries between the viewer, the artwork, and the space itself. These elements served to reflect and amplify the light, colours, and movements within ‘Heart Space’, creating a sense of infinite space that encouraged viewers to contemplate their existence within the digital and physical realms.

Soundscapes played a crucial role in enriching the viewer’s experience, with compositions designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and introspection. Healing sound frequencies music was composed by Ligovskoi, to complement the visual aesthetics, creating a harmonious sensory experience that encouraged viewers to lose themselves in the moment. The soundscapes were not static but evolved with the installation, ensuring that the auditory experience was as dynamic and engaging as the visual elements.

Lastly, the integration of interactive technologies allowed for a personalised experience, where the artwork responded to the presence and actions of each viewer. This interactive aspect of ‘Heart Space’ was essential in creating a symbiotic relationship between the artwork and its environment, making the viewer an active participant in the creation of the experience.

Through these intentional design choices, the exhibition setting of ‘Heart Space’ was transformed into a living entity that interacted with viewers in a deeply personal and meaningful way, illustrating the potential of digital art to create spaces that create human connection and an immersive experience of consciousness. 

h: The concept of ‘Mars House’ as the first Metaverse home for sale as an NFT is groundbreaking. Beyond its financial success, how do you see this piece contributing to the evolving narrative of digital art as an essential aspect of our living spaces?

KK: ‘Mars House’ represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital art and its integration into our daily lives, establishing a new paradigm of the digital/physical connection, for what art can be and how it can be experienced. Beyond its financial success, the significance of ‘Mars House’ lies in its visionary approach to redefining the concept of digital/physical living spaces in the age of spatial computing/metaverse, AI and blockchain, marking a crucial step forward in the narrative of digital art as an indispensable element of our lifestyle.

‘Mars House’ challenges and expands our understanding of ownership, space, digital/physical identity and art in the digital era. It propels the notion that digital spaces can possess the same, if not more, value, emotional significance, and utility as physical ones. ‘Mars House’ is not just a virtual structure but a fully realised digital environment that offers a new way to experience art, architecture, and design, suggesting a future where our living spaces are no longer confined to the physical world but extend into the vast possibilities of the digital realm. Almost every asset that we own will have a digital twin or integration.

By integrating digital art seamlessly into the substrates of a Metaverse home, ‘Mars House’ showcases the potential for digital environments to be not only visually stunning but also emotionally and psychologically enriching. It emphasises the importance of art in creating healing, personalised spaces that reflect and cater to the individual’s aesthetic preferences and emotional needs, even in a virtual setting.

Moreover, ‘Mars House’ contributes to the evolving narrative of digital art by demonstrating its potential to foster new forms of social interaction and engagement within digital spaces. As the first Metaverse home sold as an NFT, it paves the way for artists, designers, and architects to explore the Metaverse as a canvas for innovation, creating spaces that are not only aesthetically unique but also deeply connected to the digital identity and community engagement of their inhabitants.

h: As a Cultural Leader for the World Economic Forum, your influence extends beyond the art world. In what ways do you believe the intersection of art and technology can shape societal perceptions and perhaps even influence policy discussions on a global scale?

KK: In my role as a Cultural Leader for the World Economic Forum, I recognise the unique potential of art and technology to educate and influence top decision-makers on critical, yet often overlooked, issues such as data privacy and digital identity. These topics, fundamental to our rights and freedoms in an increasingly digital world, require urgent and thoughtful deliberation at the highest levels of global governance and policy-making. Through the lens of art and technology, we can bring these invisible issues to the forefront, making them tangible and compelling to those who have the power to enact change.

Art, with its ability to evoke emotional responses and present complex ideas in accessible ways, is a powerful conduit for raising awareness and educating leaders about the nuances of data privacy and the importance of safeguarding digital identities. By integrating technology into artistic expressions, we can create immersive experiences that simulate the potential consequences of neglecting these issues, thereby making the abstract concepts of data privacy and digital rights more concrete and immediate.

At the World Economic Forum’s platform, I aim to bridge the gap between art, technology, and policy, facilitating dialogues that emphasise the ethical dimensions of digital advancements. The goal is to not only educate decision-makers on the critical nature of these issues but also to inspire a collaborative approach to developing solutions and policies that protect individuals’ rights in the digital realm.

The intersection of art and technology offers a unique and powerful avenue to influence societal perceptions and policy discussions on a global scale. By highlighting the importance of data privacy and digital identity as human rights issues, we can educate and motivate decision-makers to prioritise the immediate protection of individuals against the unchecked power of AI and other surveillance business models. This fosters a broader understanding of the ethical implications of our digital age, ensuring a more secure and equitable future for all.

h: Times Square, with its bustling energy, hosted your Continuum installation. How did the dynamic nature of this public space enhance or challenge the intended immersive experience of your art, and how do you navigate the balance between digital art and the physical world?

KK: In 2017, I embarked on a deeply personal and transformative journey that led to the creation of ‘Continuum’. I had sensed an overwhelming sense of disconnection and loneliness that seemed to pervade our modern society, exacerbated by the very technologies that were designed to connect us. With the pervasive use of digital screens, it was as if we were becoming more intertwined algorithms on our devices than with each other.

‘Continuum’ was born out of a profound desire to bridge this digital-human gap and to restore a sense of balance and connectedness. It was not just an artwork but a mission, an attempt to reintroduce Zen principles into our increasingly digitised existence.

Drawing upon my experiences in the tranquil Ryoanji Temple garden and my fascination with the vast potential of the digital medium, I set out to create an immersive Zen experience using digital screens. I wanted to challenge the assumption that screens were merely tools for distraction or disconnection. Instead, I saw them as immersive experiences, conduits through which we could transport ourselves to a state of tranquillity, mindfulness, and deep connection with our inner selves.

Creating ‘Continuum’ involved layering subtle gradients and incorporating slow transitions, generating a sense of visual harmony and fluidity. The artwork is designed to subtly shift and evolve, creating an ever-changing, dynamic Zen landscape that invites viewers to slow down, observe, and ultimately connect with the present moment.

Many people asked why this was not a permanent installation for the city, to improve the well-being of the people of New York, an artwork that is of service to the community, like the Ryoanji Temple Garden.

In this way, ‘Continuum’ is more than just a digital artwork. It is a reflection of our collective longing for connection and a beacon of serenity in our frenetic digital age. Through this piece, I hope to inspire a shift in how we perceive and interact with our digital interfaces, transforming them from sources of distraction into spaces for reflection, peace, and profound human connection.

h: The Techism Movement, founded in response to society’s over-reliance on technology, advocates for technological innovation as an artistic discipline. How have the dynamics of this movement shifted over time, and do you believe it has contributed to a reevaluation of our relationship with technology?

KK: The Techism Movement, which I initiated as a response to society’s complex and often fraught relationship with technology, champions the idea of integrating technological innovation with artistic creativity. It’s a call to view technology not merely as a tool or a threat but as a medium for artistic expression and societal reflection. Over time, the dynamics of this movement have evolved, reflecting broader changes in technology, society, and the art world itself.

Initially, Techism was a rallying cry for artists and technologists alike to explore the potential of new digital mediums in a way conscious of the social, ethical, and aesthetic implications. It sought to bridge the gap between the rapidly advancing technological landscape and the timeless human need for meaningful, soulful expression. This movement advocated for a more holistic approach to technological development – one that values humanistic principles and the enriching qualities of art.

As the digital age has progressed, so too has the Techism Movement. We’ve seen an explosion in the variety and sophistication of digital tools available to artists, from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies have opened up new frontiers for creative expression, allowing artists to create experiences that were previously unimaginable.

Moreover, society’s relationship with technology has become more nuanced. With increasing awareness of issues such as data privacy, screen addiction, and the digital divide, there’s a growing recognition of the need to critically engage with technology. The Techism Movement has adapted to these changes by emphasising the role of art in fostering a more mindful, ethical, and inclusive digital culture. It argues that art can help humanise technology, making it more accessible and relatable, and can prompt critical discussions about its impact on our lives.

I believe the Techism Movement has significantly contributed to a reevaluation of our relationship with technology. It has highlighted the importance of integrating ethical considerations and human values into technological innovation. By showcasing how technology can be used to create profound, emotionally resonant works of art, Techism has challenged the notion that technology is solely a force for disconnection and alienation. Instead, it presents technology as a means to deepen our understanding of the human condition and to connect in new and meaningful ways.

The Techism Movement has evolved in response to the changing dynamics of technology and society, continually advocating for a more integrated, thoughtful approach to the role of technology in our lives. It has indeed contributed to a reevaluation of our relationship with technology, emphasising its potential to enrich the human experience when guided by artistic vision and ethical principles. This ongoing dialogue between art and technology is crucial as we navigate the complexities of the digital age, striving to create a future that reflects our highest values and aspirations.

h: Considering the immersive nature of your installations, how do you envision the integration of AR and VR technologies in future projects, pushing the boundaries of viewer engagement and participation?

KK: Through AR, I aim to create installations that seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds, providing therapeutic experiences that can be accessed in everyday environments. AR can serve as a bridge, connecting users with nature-inspired experiences or mindfulness practices in urban settings, thereby reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. 

VR technology offers a unique opportunity to create fully immersive environments tailored to mental health and wellness. By designing virtual spaces that evoke tranquillity, harmony, and emotional balance, VR can provide a sanctuary for individuals seeking relief from anxiety, stress, or depression. These VR experiences could range from guided meditation sessions in serene landscapes to interactive scenarios that teach coping mechanisms for stress or anxiety. The immersive nature of VR makes it a powerful tool for simulating real-life situations and providing safe spaces for individuals to explore their emotions, practice mindfulness, and cultivate a sense of peace.

Central to the integration of AR and VR in future projects is the focus on active engagement and participation. By involving viewers in interactive experiences that promote mental wellness, these technologies encourage personal investment in mental health practices. This participatory approach ensures that each individual’s experience is tailored to their needs, making the art installation not just a passive exhibit but a personal journey towards wellness.

The metaverse is a new frontier for therapeutic interventions, offering a global platform for delivering mental health support, which I am spearheading with AURA Health… The immersive and accessible nature of these spaces provides an innovative way to address the challenges of mental health, making wellness practices more engaging, accessible, and effective.

By emphasising mental health and wellness in the metaverse, future projects aim to underscore the importance of emotional and psychological well-being in our increasingly digital world. The goal is to harness the power of AR and VR technologies to create meaningful experiences that support mental health, inspire self-reflection, and promote a culture of wellness that transcends the boundaries between the digital and physical realms. Through these endeavours, we can illuminate the path toward a future where technology serves as a catalyst for healing, well-being, and human connection.

h: Your signature language of shifting gradients creates a captivating visual experience. Can you share instances where the interplay of light and colour has unexpectedly influenced the emotional response or interpretation of your work, either by you or the audience?

KK: The gradient is ever-changing and eternal, like the flow of digital information. It is a representation of the evolution of culture and our always-connected world. The gradient is beautiful because it is constantly evolving and growing, just like our society. It represents the future of humanity and the potential for limitless growth and innovation.

Watching the participants interact with the ‘Heart Space’ installation in Dubai was an experience filled with immense pleasure and profound emotion. The core of this installation was the unique heart algorithm that translated each participant’s emotional state into a specific colour. Witnessing the spectrum of colours unfold as people engaged with the artwork was like watching a living, breathing canvas of human emotion.

The beauty of the installation was not just in the individual expressions of colour but in how these colours blended and interacted with one another – creating a visual symphony of emotional states. It was a vivid illustration of the diversity and complexity of human feelings, showcased in an array of vibrant hues. Each colour, denoting a different emotional state, contributed to the dynamic landscape of the installation, making the collective experience richer and more textured.

The atmosphere within ‘Heart Space’ was charged with a tangible sense of connection and unity. Families and friends, standing side by side, could see not only their emotional colours but also those of their loved ones, creating a special bond that was both intimate and visually striking. This shared experience fostered a deeper understanding and empathy among participants, as they could see the emotions of others translated into colours right before their eyes.