In the heart of Bilbao, Azkuna Zentroa – Alhóndiga Bilbao stands as a beacon of cultural innovation and technological artistry, housing the exhibition “The Artwork As a Living System” by Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau. From February 7th to May 26th, 2024, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a world where art and digital technology intertwine, offering a unique perspective on the living systems that underpin our natural and digital worlds.
“The Artwork As a Living System” consists of 18 interactive installations that allow visitors to engage directly with the artworks, blurring the lines between the observer and the observed. These pieces, rooted in scientific research, simulate living ecosystems through digital interaction, touching on quantum physics, complex systems theory, molecular genetics, and artificial life. The installations, which have been celebrated at major art, science, and digital culture festivals worldwide, offer a tangible exploration of the growth and behavior of digital organisms within complex ecosystems.
The exhibition “The Artwork As a Living System” not only showcases the innovative present of digital art but also traces its evolution back to the early 1990s, highlighting the foundational role played by Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau.
As the exhibition at Azkuna Zentroa illustrates, the fusion of technology and art opens new avenues for creative expression and public engagement. It stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when cultural institutions, artists, and innovative projects like ACuTe collaborate. Together, they are setting a new standard for how art is produced, experienced, and understood in the digital age.