Load Gallery is proud to present Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora, an exhibition based on the eponymous book and augmented reality project by Vetro Editions, curated by Luca Bendandi and Freya Marshall.
Recently released by Vetro Editions, Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora serves as a modern florilegium that delves into the intersections of art, technology, and nature. This innovative publication showcases the work of artists who harness AI, CGI, 3D modeling, and programming to envision previously unexplored botanical landscapes. These imagined worlds include flowers that have gone extinct, hybrids of plants that have never existed, and botanical forms shaped by algorithmic possibilities. Curated by Luca Bendandi and Freya Marshall, this book represents an experimental publishing endeavor that transforms into an interactive exhibition through augmented reality.
The Neo Botanica volume features contributions from 32 contemporary artists and collectives, such as Refik Anadol, Andrés Reisinger, Anna Ridler, Ivona Tau, Monica Rizzolli, Entangled Others, among others. At the Load Gallery, 29 of these artists will be showcased, marking one of the gallery’s most ambitious and thought-provoking exhibitions to date.
Refik Anadol, renowned for making history in Barcelona with his groundbreaking mapping projection for Casa Batlló in 2022, will present The Large Nature Model (LNM) at Load Gallery. This project is hailed as the first open-source generative AI model focused on nature. A specific component of this model, LNM: Flora, examines millions of floral images and celebrates the intelligent biological processes inherent in plant life. By utilizing natural color palettes and AI-generated visualizations, it reveals hidden structures and patterns within the natural world. LNM: Flora highlights the vital need for conservation efforts to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
Additionally, the Lisbon-based duo Entangled Others, comprised of Sofia Crespo from Argentina and Feileacan McCormick from Norway, presents a series inspired by the natural elements found in the Palau de la Música Catalana. These artworks were created for the venue’s 2023-2024 artistic season and serve as a tribute to architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, commemorating the centenary of his passing.
Throughout history, plants have represented beauty, delicacy, and renewal. In Neo Botanica, this symbolism evolves as we confront the challenges of a warming planet. The book’s exploration of botany intertwined with digital technology encourages viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between nature and innovation. The artworks featured challenge us to reconsider our relationship with the environment and inspire contemplation on how technology can be a force for healing rather than destruction.
“This exhibition fills me with both excitement and trepidation. The opportunity to collaborate with 29 such remarkable artists feels almost surreal, akin to working on a project of institutional scale rather than the typical gallery scope – it’s a significant challenge. Nonetheless, I am eager to present this project to the public and observe the interplay between the digital and physical realms come alive,” shares Alex Simorrè, founder of Load Gallery.
Featured Artists: Refik Anadol, Tatsuru Arai, Luca Bogoni, Andrea Brewster, Andee Collard, Zach Darren Corzine, Mauro Cosenza, Linda Dounia, Stephan Duquesnoy, Elekktronaut (Bileam Tschepe), Entangled Others, Katherine Frazer, Hannes Hummel, Hypereikon, Joann, Markos Kay, Jim Linear, David Lisser, Generative Art Studio, Phenomena Labs, Andréa Philippon, Anna Ridler, Monica Rizzolli, Nat Sarkissian, Drake Smith, Leonardo Solaas, Spacefiller (Alex Miller), Ivona Tau, aurèce vettier.
Address:
Carrer Llull, 134, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Days:
February 6 – March 8, 2025
Thursday-Saturday
Opening Hours:
16:00 – 21:00
More information: https://load-gallery.com/
