Kanvas, a multifunctional event and art space in Dubai, is thrilled to present Revival of Aesthetics 2.0 by Azerbaijani artist Orkhan Mammadov. Being held in collaboration with Generative Gallery, this immersive solo show of his will be on view until 31 May 2023.
The exhibition is an interactive dialogue between ancient tradition and the latest technologies. It showcases Mammadov’s series of digital rugs, which he has created using data painting techniques, thread simulation, and colour data. With the help of a machine learning (ML) algorithm, the artist has analysed more than 150,000 carpet compositions and sketches inspired by traditional Eastern carpet weaving. Although a lot of various carpet genres have common ornaments (geometric patterns, floral motifs, and calligraphic shapes), some pattern combinations are specific to particular regions. Using ML algorithms which recognise regularities in data has enabled Mammadov to produce a collection of imaginary carpets that have never existed before. Celebrating the ancient craft in such an unconventional way, he at the same time explores the potentially problematic issue of relying on data as a source of artistic inspiration.
In the digital era we are living in, it is of great importance to save our heritage from extinction, and this is exactly what Mammadov sees as his goal. He says that through his art he wants to remind visitors of the value of cultural heritage.
About the artist
Orkhan Mammadov (b. 1990, Ganja, Azerbaijan) is a digital artist residing in New York who is famous for his breathtaking installations based on AI (artificial intelligence) and ML. From 2008 to 2010, he studied Computer Science in Baku; from 2012 to 2014, he studied Visual Communication in Istanbul. From 2014 to 2016, the artist pursued Fine Arts and Experimental Media in Prague and Innovation Entrepreneurship in Amsterdam from 2020 to 2021.
Blurring the lines between art and technology, in his work Mammadov honours and re-imagines the heritage of the Middle East. He also explores the relations between cultural heritage, society, science, and human interaction. For Mammadov, art is a way of connecting past and present, tradition and innovation.
The artist’s works have been displayed in a number of international exhibitions and festivals, such as Moscow International Contemporary Art Biennale (Moscow, Russia) (2019); Venice Biennale de Arte (Venice, Italy) (2019); Nasimi Festival (Baku, Azerbaijan) (2018); Gamma Festival (St. Petersburg, Russia) (2018); IF Istanbul International Film Festival (Istanbul, Turkey) (2017); ACCU Festival (Prague, Czech Republic) (2017); and Dave Festival (Dresden, Germany) (2017).
To learn more about Revival of Aesthetics 2.0, please visit the exhibition’s official web page.
You might also be interested in visiting Aya, a HyperSpace located in WAFI City mall in Oud Metha, and the show Raise Vibration at Infinity des Lumières.
