FUTURA SEOUL, a newly opened art space in Bukchon, Gahoe-dong, aims to become a hub for forward-thinking creativity while remaining rooted in its historic surroundings. The venue will debut with Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive, the first exhibition in Asia by renowned media artist Refik Anadol, from September 5th to December 8th, 2024. First presented at the Serpentine Galleries in London, this project marks a significant cultural moment as it opens FUTURA SEOUL to the public.
The exhibition concept revolves around the intersection of nature and technology, using the Large Nature Model (LNM) – the world’s first open-source generative AI model dedicated to nature. Created by Refik Anadol Studio, LNM is trained on a decade’s worth of nature data, including images, sounds and academic research from institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum and the Natural History Museum in London. Anadol and his team have also collected data from 16 tropical rainforests around the world, providing a unique perspective on the natural world through AI-generated media art.
Within FUTURA SEOUL, the exhibition provides an immersive experience with AI-generated scents that replicate the natural aromas of these environments, drawing visitors deeper into the living archive. The Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive project challenges traditional views of nature and technology, and serves as a testament to the collaborative effort to preserve the beauty and complexity of the natural world through cutting-edge art and innovation.
Learn more about how Refik Anadol combines new media technology and data with art and physical experience in our interview here.
