In a striking fusion of art and technology, artists Kite and Alisha B Wormsley have unveiled a captivating public installation in downtown Brooklyn that explores the profound relationship between dreams and collective cultural memory. The project, entitled "Cosmologyscape," features a series of benches adorned with AI-generated mosaic art, inspired by dreams submitted by the public.
Located at the Plaza at 300 Ashland, a bustling area in Brooklyn, the installation presents an array of benches and steps encased in a patchwork of colourful glass tile mosaics. These vivid designs are not mere decorative elements; they are narrative representations derived from a unique digital process. Members of the public were invited to contribute their dreams—including daydreams, visions, lucid dreams, and even nightmares—via a website linked to the project.
The submitted dreams were processed using a "dream journal chatbot" on the Cosmologyscape website. Participants answered a series of prompts designed to evoke details about the reality of the dream, its sensory nature, and the emotions it stirred. An artificial intelligence algorithm, developed with the input of creative studio School, analysed these dream narratives to associate them with curated symbols from African, African-American, and Lakota cultures.
These symbols were transformed into "digital quilt squares" on the website, forming a vast virtual tapestry and generating unique tea recipes based on the emotional content of the dream—such as chamomile for alleviating anxiety. Select symbols from this digital tapestry were then transformed into the physical mosaics that cover the organic-shaped benches surrounding a central tree planter, described as an "offering bowl".
Kite and Wormsley, both renowned for their interdisciplinary work at the intersection of art and technology, imbue their creations with layers of meaning that reflect their cultural heritage. Kite's expertise in Indigenous cultural contributions to AI technology and Wormsley's exploration of Black cultural narratives converge in this project, aiming to recapture the ancient practice of dream interpretation as a means of cultural expression and transformation.
The use of black mortar as a backdrop for the mosaics is symbolic, representing the expanse of the night sky—a canvas for dreams. The benches, formed in harmony with data graphs, prompt users to pause, reflect, and perhaps daydream, encouraging an intimate interaction with the art.
Cosmologyscape was chosen to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Creative Time, an influential arts organisation in New York City known for supporting innovative public art projects. It invites viewers to reflect upon dreams as both a personal and communal reservoir of creativity and cultural wisdom, signifying a visionary approach to public art.
Visitors have until 3 November 2024, to experience this immersive installation that continues to enrich Brooklyn’s cultural landscape. As with many public art installations, it also doubles as a place of rest and contemplation for those navigating the urban terrain.
Source: Noah Wire Services