DAVOS, Switzerland — The World Economic Forum in Davos is abuzz with discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), and a groundbreaking art installation is stealing the show by offering a unique perspective on our natural world. “Living Archive: Nature” is an immersive experience that combines visual, sound, and scent elements of various ecosystems. This captivating installation, created by Turkish-born artist Refik Anadol, aims to deepen our connection with nature and evoke a sense of urgency to protect it.
Bringing Nature and AI Together
Anadol’s installation, located in the forum’s main hallway, goes beyond the confines of human-based training for AI. By merging generative AI technology with nature’s pristine beauty, the artist hopes to inspire people to cherish and preserve our environment. Anadol emphasizes the need for immediate action, stating, “We have no more time to wait.”
The Power of Generative AI
Generative AI, an innovative technology capable of producing various forms of media based on voice prompts, has sparked both excitement and concern. AI has dominated discussions at the conference, where influential figures from politics, business, and other sectors converge annually. The installation seeks to bridge the gap between AI and the pressing issue of climate change, leveraging nature’s inherent intelligence as a training source.
Immersive Nature Simulations
Participants in the installation don a collar that enhances their sensory experience. They are transported to lush rainforests through captivating visuals, sounds of wildlife, and floral scents. The installation also incorporates special sensors located in different rainforests, projecting images back to the AI installation. This immersive interaction allows visitors to engage with the exhibition’s AI model and raw dataset that serves as its foundation.
The Future of AI Art
Anadol’s generative AI model, which forms the backbone of this installation, is currently being developed for the forthcoming Dataland museum in Los Angeles. This groundbreaking project draws from extensive interdisciplinary research and utilizes open-access information from esteemed institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and London’s Natural History Museum. To further enrich the installation’s AI model, Anadol hopes that Davos will encourage global institutions and archives to contribute their valuable data.
Expanding Human Understanding
AI has the potential to complement and enhance our understanding of the world. Anadol sees machines as collaborators, offering infinite possibilities for art and inspiring new perspectives. He believes that by training AI on ethically sourced data, it becomes a powerful tool that enables us to explore nature from fresh and transformative angles.
Discover the wonders of “Living Archive: Nature” at Davos and experience the awe-inspiring fusion of art, technology, and the natural world.
Source: F5 Magazine