Introducing Data Art: Wind of Dubai
LA-based media artist and director, Refik Anadol, showcases the first multimedia exhibition of its kind at the Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown
Famed Istanbul-born media artist Refik Anadol’s new multimedia work, entitled Wind of Dubai (2020) turns the invisible patterns of nature found around Dubai into a series of poetic, three-dimensional data sculptures. “Wind is one of the most inspiring things for me; it’s basically the sculpture of nature,” says Anadol. “The whole idea is to try and capture the poetry in the motion.”
Wide and curved LED screens display the artwork, juxtaposed against four individual and uniquely designed reception desks which are layered with finishes reflecting the rich and varied Emirati heritage. The piece was inspired by nature and cutting-edge learning technologies. “The aim for this artwork is to create a calm and relaxing experience leading to an emotional attachment,” states the artist.
In 2011, the eponymous Refik Anadol Studio and RAS Lab began experiments with transforming nature data into mesmerising multimedia art pieces to understand nature through the lens of technology.
Anadol’s data art is also heavily inspired by Perlin noise. Academy award winner, Ken Perlin coined Perlin noise, an algorithm that realistically constructs natural phenomena like oceans, clouds and fire in the virtual space. “I think having a scientific base for the artwork is very important,” says Anadol. His portfolio includes the Wind series which explores different speeds, colours and forms.
The artist begins with harnessing a vast dataset from sensors that collect wind speed, direction, gust patterns, and temperature of Dubai and processes them through a unique algorithm specifically designed for the work. As the machine creates its own patterns and connections between these data points, it also translates temperature data into a dynamic color palette that closely resembles the surrounding landscape. The resulting artwork is a unique visual interpretation of the fluidity of interactions between the environment and the city.
When Hotel Indigo commissioned the data sculpture, Anadol was very excited to work on such an inspiring collaboration. “It’s a moment of checking in to something new,” he remarks. “It’s a unique idea to augment the visitor’s perception of the physical quality, and the imagination as well.”
This immersive installation explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and human senses, aiming to facilitate a temporary release from our habitual perceptions of nature to enable us to perceive the ubiquity of nature from a fresh perspective. The Wind project utilises a year’s worth of collected data. An algorithm is developed to capture the data and embed into the canvas. Each Wind project takes over a year to be completed.
The artist’s next project is a new AI data painting series, Renaissance Dreams. He is also working with various cultural archives in Europe and Asia.
Wind of Dubai can be viewed at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown in the lobby reception area.