In an innovative fusion of technology and creativity, Armenian artist Narine Arakelian has unveiled her latest exhibition, “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones,” at the Modern Art Museum of Yerevan, alongside a parallel virtual showcase in Decentraland. This landmark exhibition, running from January 30th to March 3rd, 2024, marks a historic collaboration with artificial intelligence, setting a new benchmark in the interplay between human artistic expression and computational prowess.
Narine Arakelian, born in Tynda, Siberia, is celebrated for her multi-disciplinary approach, encompassing performance art, sculpture, and digital technologies, to explore themes of social justice and gender identity. Her work is distinguished by her critical engagement with contemporary societal issues and innovative use of technology, including AI, to push the boundaries of new media art.
The exhibition is available in two formats: a physical, real-world display in Yerevan, Armenia, and an interactive virtual experience in Decentraland. Arakelian describes the physical exhibit as inspired by local terrain, myths, and social challenges, offering a platform for physical performance art. The Decentraland exhibition, meanwhile, presents a unique interactive land art project, allowing viewers to engage directly with the artwork and receive messages from the artist through advanced technologies. “The difference is that the physical exhibition is based on actions of physical performance inspired by the terrain and myths and social problems of human adaptation and transition, while in Decentraland, it is the only one of its kind interactive land art made based on the land in virtual space where a person can interact with the art directly,” Arakelian explains.
Educated at the State Surikov Institute in Moscow, Arakelian has achieved international acclaim, participating in prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale and exhibitions across major global cities. Her artwork, including notable pieces like “The ‘Stigmata’ Painting,” “The ‘L’Illusion du Marriage’ Performance Art,” and “The ‘Lighthouse’ Environmental Art,” reflects her deep commitment to feminist and environmental themes.
The current exhibition’s curation by AI represents a bold step for Arakelian, combining artistic vision with algorithmic analysis to present her work in a new light. “The collaboration with an AI artist exceeded my expectations by the fact that I had to make a minimal number of corrective explanations, about 60 in total,” she shares. This approach not only challenges traditional notions of curation but also highlights the potential of AI to reveal unseen dimensions of art.
Discussing the pros and cons of incorporating AI into her creative process, Arakelian notes the efficiency and objectivity of working with AI, balanced against the sometimes impersonal nature of the interaction. “The advantages are that it is easier to find a mutual understanding, working with an AI follows the request without introducing subjectivism and rational approach than when you work with a specialist with experience—greater coverage of information and objective and versatile responses. However, sometimes, there is a lack of human communication and depth of expertise from the human experience. The determining factor in the work of AI is the ability to handle information and identify the most important range of tasks,” she elaborates.
Arakelian’s pioneering use of AI in art curation heralds a new chapter in the relationship between technology and art, promising to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression. As she contemplates the future, Arakelian is optimistic about the role of AI in expanding her creative horizons, underscoring a commitment to exploring new possibilities within the digital and physical realms. This exhibition not only showcases Arakelian’s innovative approach but also invites the audience to experience art through a novel, technology-enhanced perspective, signaling a transformative moment in the evolution of artistic creation and appreciation.
Arakelian’s exhibition, both in its conception and execution, underscores a pivotal moment in the art world, where the integration of artificial intelligence challenges and expands the traditional roles of artist and curator. By entrusting the curatorial process to AI, Arakelian not only questions the conventional boundaries between creator and creation but also offers a glimpse into the future of artistic innovation. This groundbreaking approach not only enriches the viewer’s experience with a multidimensional perspective on art but also sets a precedent for future exhibitions.
As technology continues to evolve, Narine Arakelian‘s work exemplifies how artists can harness AI to explore new creative territories, making “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones” a seminal event that could inspire a new generation of artists to explore the symbiotic relationship between art, technology, and society. Through this exhibition, Arakelian not only showcases her artistic prowess but also paves the way for a future where technology and art coexist in a dynamic and interactive synergy, promising an exciting evolution of artistic expression in the digital age.
