Miguel Chevalier is a French digital artist widely recognized as one of the pioneers of virtual and digital art. Since 1978, he has used computers as the medium for his art, securing his position as one of the most influential artists in contemporary art. He frequently explores subjects such as nature, networks, virtual cities, and the interplay between the organic and the technological. His works are often projected in large-scale formats, LCD screens, sculptures created with a 3D printer or with laser cut, holographic imagery and other forms.
His works have been exhibited in several major museums and galleries worldwide, including the ‘’Flux Marins & Digital Abysses,’’ Chateau d’If in France (2024), ‘’Meta-Nature AI, Seoul Light,’’ at the DDP (2023) and ‘’Futurized Landscapes: Miguel Chevalier, Lee Leenam’’ at Jeonnam Museum of Art in Gwangyang, Korea (2024-2025), and ‘’Kinetic Waves & Vortex,’’ Siam Paragon in Bangkok (2023).
Miguel Chevalier was awarded the Lavoisier Scholarship by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1983 and has received numerous commissions for architecturally projects.
His latest exhibition, "Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024," will be showcased at the DDP in Seoul from November 29, 2024, to April 6, 2025. This exhibition explores Seoul’s expansion and its global connections through AI technology.
The following are excerpts from an email interview with him on Jan 9-22.
1. How have your artistic motivations evolved with advancements in technology?
Since the 1980s, my artistic motivations have been driven by the exploration of new territory in the field of art, using the possibilities offered by the tools of our time. Technological advancements, particularly in the fields of virtual reality, generativity, interactivity, 3D printing, and now AI, are constantly expanding my field of expression and creativity, allowing me to push the boundaries between the real and the virtual. They offer me unprecedented ways of translating abstract concepts into interactive works that are increasingly immersive and evolving. These technologies encourage me to rethink my practice constantly.
2. How does "Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024" reflect the unique character of Seoul as a city?
Seoul is a city that, depending on the district, blends tradition and modernity. In ‘’Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024,’’ I sought to capture this duality by integrating emblematic architectural elements, such as traditional temples, the neon signs of modern districts, and the sleek lines of contemporary skyscrapers. The city is also a symbol of interconnection and technological innovation, which I have translated into the digital meshes and light flows that structure the work.
3. What aspects of Korean culture have you integrated into the AI-driven installation "Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024"? Why?
I incorporated patterns inspired by Hanoks (traditional Korean houses), shapes derived from craftsmanship such as intricate wooden latticework, and vibrant colors reminiscent of the Hanbok, the traditional Korean costume. These elements are combined with digital textures and flows that evoke the cutting-edge technologies characteristic of Seoul. The aim was to celebrate this unique culture while transposing it into a futuristic universe, honoring its roots while projecting it into a reimagined world.
4. What challenges did you encounter while creating "Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024"?
The main challenge was to translate a city as complex as Seoul into a coherent digital artwork while respecting the city’s identity. This required extensive research to understand Seoul’s cultural and urban specificities. From a technical point of view, integrating AI allowed me to generate and create various facade textures, which required numerous tests and adjustments to ensure optimal fluidity.
5. What do you hope audiences in Seoul take away from experiencing this piece?
I want Seoulites to feel a deep connection with this reinvented version of their city; a blend of recognition and discovery. ‘’Meta-Cities AI Seoul 2024’’ is an invitation to reflect on how tradition and innovation coexist and on the ongoing transformations of our urban spaces. I also hope that this immersive experience will encourage Seoulites to question their own place and role in this city in metamorphosis.
6. What role do you see AI playing in art over the next decade?
AI has become a new partner in my artistic creations, providing artists with tools to generate, analyze, and transform works in unprecedented ways. It offers the potential for greater personalization and interaction with the audience while opening up new fields of experimentation. However, I believe that the artist will always retain a central role, that of guiding the intention, asking questions, and giving meaning to what the machine produces, because it is not aware of the images it produces, and does not know if they are interesting.
AI is a tool, not a substitute for human creativity. The machine will never be able to free itself from the artist, because art is a form of human expression intrinsically linked to imagination, emotion, and experience.
7. What are you planning to do next?
I’m currently working on several exhibitions, including a huge one at the Kunsthalle in Munich in September 2025. There will be several digital installations from different periods of my work, which will be adapted to fit the space. On this occasion, there will also be two new works; a robot that will draw live in front of the public and a participatory work that will allow the public to create their own virtual seeds, which will then blossom in a virtual garden presented in a botanical greenhouse.
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