Machine Hallucinations: Coral

Refik Anadol Studio

Short description

Machine Hallucinations: Coral emerges from Refik Anadol Studio’s ongoing research project on data aesthetics based on collective visual memories of nature. For this unique, site-specific data sculpture designed for a specific location in Miami Beach, Anadol and his team collected 1,742,772 images of coral from publicly available social media platforms and processed them with machine learning classification models. Bridging the physical and digital worlds, the artwork was also transformed into an NFT collection that was launched during Miami Art Week 2021.This monumental artwork for the Aorist launch and corresponding NFT engage with the physical architecture and embodied experience in the real world while insisting upon a hybridity with our digital realm. With this work, Anadol hopes to bring attention to an urgent environmental problem: the impact of climate change on coral die-offs. A masterfully curated multi-channel experience on Miami Beach, Machine Hallucinations: Coral invites the audience to be immersed in a virtual underwater space while physically surrounded by water and sea creatures. Proceeds from the sale of the NFT release were donated to The ReefLine, an artificial reef, marine habitat and sculpture park in Miami Beach.