After the mappings projected in 2021 and 2023, the NFT Living Architecture, and the installation ‘In the mind of Gaudí’, Refik Anadol premieres his 4th digital work created exclusively for Casa Batlló.
‘Gaudí Dreams’ proposes a journey through the imaginary tunnels of Gaudí’s mind, a dream of the architect in which all his works are connected. Included in the visit to the monument, the work is presented in a unique 360 immersive space in the world, Gaudí Cube, a 6-faced LED cube, the dream canvas for any digital artist.
Refik Anadol states: “Gaudí’s works are interrelated. There is a story between them. Gaudí thought of them non-linearly, connecting them, and ‘Gaudí Dreams’ is a tribute to this legacy.”
The largest data collection on Gaudí
Like the artist’s previous installation at Casa Batlló, ‘Gaudí Dreams’ is based on the largest data collection on the architect, over a billion images processed by different AI algorithms.
Anadol adds: “From last year until now, AI is taking over the world. But we started working on this project three years ago. And now the world understands the power of AI. It is inspiring to see that we are at the forefront of new ideas.”
Scans of Casa Batlló, monument archives, academic articles, videos, and public images of the architect’s works and references from the natural world are some of the sources of this monumental Gaudí database on which his two installations are based. In this second work, the immersive capacity of the room is enhanced in a new journey that promises to be unforgettable.
Anadol adds: “In the first installation we wanted to tell a story about Gaudí’s mind. Then we realized that the more we researched his mind, the more new worlds opened up. Now we have designed a version where we are literally able to physically fly through these imaginary tunnels of his mind.”
His first work has been enjoyed by 2 million people and its experience has been shared around the world. About it, Anadol adds: “I am very touched to read hundreds of comments saying that Gaudí would love to see the work. An input from the public that makes us very happy as it shows that we respect him. We are not going over him. We are co-creating with Gaudí. With his spirit, his ideas, and his genius.”
Exhibition on Refik Anadol at Casa Batlló
Coinciding with the premiere of the work, Casa Batlló inaugurates an exhibition in the building about the works of Refik Anadol and Sofía Crespo created exclusively for the monument. This exhibition is included in the building’s tour and is part of The Heritage of Tomorrow artistic programme, an initiative in which the monument invites renowned digital artists to intervene in this world heritage site, both its facade and interior.
Regarding this, Anadol adds: “It is a unique form of expression for artists like me, inspired by computers, algorithms, data. Finally, we have a platform to share our ideas with millions of people. So I am grateful for myself and also for future generations.”