Barcelona’s CCCB is currently hosting an AI exhibition that merges art, science, and technology, showcasing the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our daily lives. The exhibition, curated by Lluís Nacenta and guided by BSC researcher Jordi Torres, offers an immersive experience, delving into AI’s diverse roles and the critical debates that define its future.
The exhibition is divided into four engaging sections:
- A World of Data: Visitors explore the intricate relationship between AI and data through interactive installations such as “Future You” by Universal Everything, highlighting AI’s sensitivity to nuanced information. “RAY” by Weidi Zhang and “AI, Ain’t I a Woman?” by Joy Buolamwini shed light on racial biases embedded within AI, while “Eco i L’Oracle” by Eduard Escoffet offers a sensory journey connecting AI with the natural world.
- Machines That Think: This section traces the evolution of machine intelligence, featuring a comprehensive timeline from historical figures like Babbage to modern-day AI pioneers. Art installations like Anna Ridler’s “Myriad (Tulips)” and Mario Klingemann’s “Circuit Training” illustrate how machines learn and interpret their surroundings, inviting visitors to contemplate the symbiotic relationship between human cognition and machine intelligence.
- The Dream of AI: Delving into the historical roots of AI, this section explores humanity’s longstanding aspiration to create intelligent beings, drawing from cultural and mythical inspirations. Exhibits referencing Shinto, Judaism, alchemy, and Gothic literature reveal the complex origins of our fascination and apprehension towards AI, featuring numerical systems, the Golem, and Ramon Lull’s combinatorial art.
- Endless Transformation: Showcasing AI’s contemporary impact on science, culture, and the arts, this section presents Robert del Naja’s (Massive Attack) innovative transformation of his album “Mezzanine” into genetic material, demonstrating AI’s potential to transcend traditional artistic boundaries. Projects like “Resurrecting the Sublime” and the +RAIN Film Fest highlight AI’s contributions to ecological conservation and creative expression, while Maria Arnal’s “Maria Choir” encourages visitors to participate in a collaborative musical experience, showcasing the fusion of AI and artistic expression.
In conjunction with the exhibition, the unveiling of MareNostrum 5 at BSC promises to accelerate AI research, emphasizing Barcelona’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of human innovation. This dynamic convergence of technology and imagination at CCCB signifies a crucial milestone in Barcelona’s journey towards reshaping the possibilities of AI and human creativity.
