NODE TO NODE: Art Salon Paris
Exhibited artists: William Mapan, Kjetil Golid, Iskra Velitchkova, Eko33, Marcelo Soria-Rodríguez, Alkan Avcioğlu, Obvious, Alice Gordon, Helena Sarin, Ganbrood, Jared S. Tarbell, Manoloide, Zancan, Ivona Tau, Kevin Abosch and Nancy Burson. As an integral part of the show, we present a curated selection from French @lemonde2d private collection, with the works by Michael Zancan, Phaust, Marcel Schwittlick, Anna Beller & Alejandro Campos, Stuart Batchelor, Casey Reas, and Peter Beyls.
From October 13th to 22nd, in the heart of Paris, Kate Vass Galerie presents Art Salon ‘Node to Node’, presenting an extraordinary physical exhibition of generative and AI art, alongside selected pieces from a renowned French @lemonde2d private collection. Beyond the displayed art, visitors can immerse themselves in many live performances, insightful live art conversations/interviews, and engaging interactive workshops.
Marshes: the melancholic latentscape by Helena Sarin and Klangteppich #18 by Andreas Rau
Before the mid-20th century, art was primarily rooted in the physical world. A transformative wave that emerged in the 1960s, propelled by the rise of technology and computers, is considered the beginning of generative art. It is a genre characterized by algorithms and computational processes to autonomously generate images and forms, forever had altered the artistic landscape. Though, most of the art movements of the beginning of the 20th century, such as, Dadaism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Op Art & Kinetic arts are known predecessors to generative art, initially, it was met with scepticism by the traditional art world due to its departure from established artistic methods and the introduction of new technological processes.
A common misconception is that computer-generated art exists exclusively in the digital sphere due to its digital nature. In truth, the movement boasts a rich materiality; early computer artists translated their visions onto paper through plotters, mechanical arms directed by computer code. The recent surge of NFTs has propelled and complicated the genre's identity. As generative art gains newfound popularity, there is a resurgence in the importance of the physical component, reviving these early practices. Artists are returning to traditional tools and thus reconnecting with the techniques that defined the genre's roots.
This Art Salon is titled “Node to Node” after the eponymous Jared S. Tarbell's iconic artwork. The exhibition context involves creating a seamless connection between the digital and physical aspects. The classical term ‘Node to Node’ in telecommunications and computing typically refers to a network communication concept foundational for data transmission and networking, ensuring that information gets from one point to another efficiently and reliably. This exhibition connects natively digital art with physical counterparts, demonstrating a harmonious communication and connection between both. Though possessing its unique essence, each artwork is woven into a seamless network, revealing the interplay between virtual and physical. In this dynamic convergence, the exhibition aims to showcase generative creations across various physical mediums, ranging from plotter drawings, paintings, and fine art prints to hand-woven tapestry, post-photography, and site-specific installations.
The Art Salon showcases celebrated artists, each contributing their unique viewpoints to the realm of generative and AI art. Kevin Abosch, a conceptual artist known for his diverse creative ventures, ranging from photography and installations to blockchain art, unveils an extraordinary painting this time. “AI MADE ME” through its structured progression of 18 stages and 11 layers, integrates traditional artistry with AI-driven insights. The presence of encrypted alphanumerics in the layers, subsequently obscured, hints at the complexity of this collaboration. The influence of diffusion models in determining large portions of the artwork underscores the artist's exploration of relinquishing some level of control to AI algorithms. The title, while overtly referencing AI's role, also invites deeper contemplation about agency and creation in an AI-centric era. The painting's dominant use of yellow and black, a familiar palette for Abosch, nature's warning colors, subtly alludes to the potential ramifications of our growing dependence on AI, and the need to remain vigilant.
Kevin Abosch, AI made me, 2023 acrylic on canvas (left), Obvious group (right), 2023
Iskra Velitchkova presents a series „The Fallopian Visitor – A Desinformated Work by Iskra Velitchkova” that originates from a generative code and culminates in a collection of paintings, prints, and photographs. These works challenge our understanding of human perception, morality, and the freedom we experience in this technologically advancing era. The artwork emphasizes the contradictions that exist in our societal comprehension of art's moral implications, especially in a time when machines are becoming crucial artistic tools. As such, it brings forth pressing questions: In this digital age, what qualifies as art? Should creations birthed from the digital realm abide by the moral codes of traditional art?
Jared S Tarbell, an artist, and programmer, intertwines mathematics, generative code, and geometric aesthetics in his recent series of five prints titled "Circle Inversion". He employs mathematical rules to dictate the movements of particles. Within his art, there exists a palpable sense of spirituality harmoniously intertwined with the precision of computing logic. His work is presented as a set of 5 unique images, grouped together as an ensemble reflecting the base algorithm.
Ganbrood, Rogue of Infinite Space, 2023
Obvious is a collective of researchers, artists, and friends, working with the latest models of deep learning to explore the creative potential of AI. For this show, they present ‘Magenta Garden of Replicant Delights’, which depicts the universe of their latest long-form project, ‘Speciesism’. The work presents the human/machine relationship, as an invitation to consider the categorization of intelligent forms into species. It questions our relationship towards other species, from the exploitation of animals to ensure our food chain, to the current debate around new rising forms of intelligence in the machine learning field.
One of the most prominent AI artists of our time, Ganbrood, returns to his roots in photography with his new post-photography series. These works blend different atmospheres with futuristic, but yet real figures and elements, evoking a sense of familiarity while venturing into the surreal. Through the lens of AI, Ganbrood bridges the realms of reality and imagination and tricks us into his magic.
Michael Zancan (lemonde2d collection)
Alice Gordon, an emerging AI artist unveils her second collection - “Clonism”. The series explores cloning as a common, everyday reality, a banality that is both near and distant. It diverges from the typical, grim, metallic clones, by adopting a pastel pop aesthetic and offering a new visual language. This collection redefines perceptions of cloning in popular culture and science, distinguishing it from traditional representations.
One of the key contemporary generative artists Helena Sarin exhibits her new work as a diptych “Marshes: The Melancholic Latentscape”. The work redefines the application of GANs by training them with her unique, tangible landscape artworks. With a longstanding dedication to ceramics, which she often infuses with AI-generated images, Sarin paired this work with a ceramic vase, serving as a testament to this distinct artistic process.
„The Fallopian Visitor – A Desinformated Work by Iskra Velitchkova”, 2023
We are thrilled to showcase a collection of physical works by the talented Argentinian generative artist Manoloide for the first time. Manoloide's artistic passion lies in generative visual aesthetics, driven by his keen exploration of plastic experimentation through code. His creations delve into the immense potential of programming as an expressive language within generative and process art. Manoloide delves deep into the intricate interplay between chaos and order, the natural and the artificial, randomness and control through the fusion of imagery and video. He approaches the digital canvas as a dynamic space, utilizing code as his artistic medium, built upon the experimentation with fundamental geometric shapes, lines, and an exquisite palette of colours. You will find four unique prints on display, each a testament to his visionary artistry, along with the exclusive masterpiece 'Mantel Blue' from 2018.
Hailing from Norway, Kjetil Golid is a generative artist and a skilled system developer. Kjetil passionately believes that programming serves as a wondrous platform for creative expression. As such, a substantial portion of his code is made openly accessible for anyone interested in exploration and manipulation. We are thrilled to unveil his latest series of works, comprising eight distinct and exceptional pieces emerging from his innovative algorithms. These pieces will be officially launched in November, but we exhibit one piece as an exclusive preview, ‘Change of Basis’ as a unique fine art print accompanied by 1/1 NFT. ‘Change of Basis’ picks up the thread from Kjetil’s earlier partitioning algorithms and extends them into the third dimension, generating subdivided cubes. By cross-sectioning this cube in specific ways, the simple initial patterns come alive, creating cathedral-like structures and a sense of massive scale. While highly geometric and rule-based, the expression of the pieces is softened up by bright colors and playful linework.
Paris-based artist William Mapan is a virtuoso at the intersection of technology and art, leaving an indelible mark on the digital art landscape. His background in software development has provided a robust foundation for his artistic journey, where he masterfully harmonizes computational precision with the depths of emotive expression. For a decade, Mapan dedicated himself to creative development, with art remaining a side pursuit until a serendipitous encounter in 2018 led him into the fascinating world of NFTs. Mapan's abstract digital masterpieces, renowned for their distinctive interplay of colour and texture, evoke tangible emotions akin to works crafted from traditional mediums like charcoal and graphite. Beyond his creative endeavors, Mapan imparts his knowledge as a lecturer at Gobelins, l'école de l'image in Paris. During this exhibition, we proudly present his inaugural 'Code Painting,' a breathtaking fusion of various tools on canvas, alongside several generative sketches illuminating the extensive 'study' behind the final composition.
Alkan Avcioğlu, Parisiennes, 2023
Alkan Avcioğlu showcases AI-generated artworks of the “Les Parisiens” to unveil a compelling tale swathed in surreal beauty. Beyond idyllic garden scenes lies a realm where shadows of conflict and emotion swirl. The vibrant works reveal a modern family’s disrupted reality in the information age, their existence a blend of harmony and upheaval.
Nancy Burson, recognized for pioneering the digital morphing technique, will present "The First Aged Barbie". In this work, Burson delved into the societal constructs of beauty. She used her innovation, the age machine, to transform the face of a classic Barbie doll using age-enhancement tools. During this phase of her work, Burson employed a device gifted by Polaroid that printed out Spectra Polaroids directly from the computer.
Marcelo Soria-Rodríguez, portrait d'un papier qui rêve de pouvoir rêver, 2023
Ivona Tau presents physical painting from her 'She was a machine-hearted' curated series. While originating from the realm of her previous long-form project, 'Machine-hearted', the work takes on a fresh and profoundly feminine dimension. It explores the silent struggles of women, particularly around issues like endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, and postpartum depression. Society often imposes the expectation that women must conceal these emotions, leading to a silent fracture of their inner selves as they strive to embody qualities of independence, success, and confidence. Through AI, the work expresses the unspoken struggles that women face, bringing attention to their complex and deeply personal experiences. In addition to the paintings, Ivona Tau conducts live performances, collaborating with visitors to create 'Machine-hearted' portraits. This experience empowers participants to personalize the emotions she explores in her works.
The French artist, Zancan, presents "Post-Garden Pop Drama". As is customary for the artist, the work is laden with personal symbolism, often abstract. Intermingled with the figurative composition, the myriad of small squares serves as nods to certain works, or to memorable moments from Zancan's journey as a digital artist. The grid construction, symbolizing digital space, intertwines with perspective to the point where distinguishing the foreground from the background becomes difficult, as does determining whether one is viewing a figurative or abstract work. However, this intricate blending suggests a balance — that of the "whole" to which he belongs, and which is a part of Zancan.
Beyond this work, we're excited to introduce a dedicated section showcasing a diverse range of Zancan’s works from various eras and series, all part of the French private lemonde2d collection. As part of the exhibition, the artist will conduct a live performance with a plotter, engaging the audience. The result will be captivating plotter drawings, a collective work of both the artist and the public, orchestrated through a special algorithm.
The exhibition is open from 13th October (6pm CET) till 22nd October. We thank our main partner fx(hash) for the support in organizing this event.
Zancan, Post-Garden Pop Drama, 2023
ADDRESS:
Kate Vass Galerie
91 rue Saint-Honore
75001 Paris
France
OPENING HOURS:
Mo-Fri: 12.00 – 20.00
Sat: 14.00 – 20.00
Sun: closed / by appointment only
13th - 22nd of October
Catalogue - Node to Node
ART TALKS
1 month, 15 artists joined us live & recorded conversations about art, life & tech:
8th Oct. (Sun) - Kevin Abosch at 2 pm CET. Moderated by The Tickle. Listen to the conversation HERE
10th Oct. (Tue) - William Mapan at 2 pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle. Listen to the conversation HERE
11th Oct. (Wed) - Marcelo Soria-Rodríguez at 2 pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle. Listen to the conversation HERE
11th Oct. (Wed) - Iskra Velitchkova at 3 pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle. Listen to the conversation HERE
12th Oct. (Thu) - Kjetil Golid at 2 pm CET. Set a reminder HERE
13th Oct. (Fri) – Opening of the Vernissage with @lemonde2d + fx(hash) + Kate Vass + Zancan at 4 pm CET. Listen to the conversation HERE
14th Oct, (Sat) - Ivona Tau at 2 pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle. Listen to the conversation HERE
17th Oct. (Tue) - Ganbrood at 4pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle and Bnoiit C, curator and founder of the Museum of Crypto Art. Listen to the conversation HERE
18th Oct. (Wed) - Obvious at 2 pm CET. Listen to the conversation HERE
19th Oct. (Thu) - Diane Drubay + fx(hash) at 4 pm CET. Live from Paris. Listen to the conversation HERE
20th Oct. (Fri) - Helena Sarin at 5 pm CET. Listen to the conversation HERE
21st Oct. (Sat.) - Alkan Avcioglu at 3 pm CET. Co-hosted by @madbutter6. Listen to the conversation HERE
25th Oct (Wed) - Jared S Tarbell at 5 pm CET. Co-moderated by Alex Estorick. Listen to the conversation HERE
14th Nov. (Tue.) - Nancy Burson at 5pm CET. Set a reminder to join: HERE
15th Nov. (Wed) - Zancan at 5pm CET. Co-moderated by The Tickle. Link to join the talk: HERE