Load gallery presents the exhibition “Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora,” inspired by the innovative book and augmented reality initiative from Vetro Editions. Curated by Luca Bendandi and Freya Marshall, this exhibition showcases a contemporary collection that delves into the intersection of art, nature, and technology. The artists featured in this project utilize cutting-edge tools such as AI, CGI, and 3D modeling to envision new botanical landscapes, including extinct flowers, imaginary hybrids, and plant forms shaped by algorithmic design. This curatorial effort transforms the recently published book into an engaging interactive experience.
“Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora” at Load gallery in Barcelona is an ambitious exploration of the relationship between art, technology, and the natural world. Curated by Luca Bendandi and Freya Marshall, this exhibition features the work of 29 contemporary artists who have contributed to the innovative publication from Vetro Editions. The project serves as a modern florilegium, showcasing how cutting-edge tools such as AI, CGI, and 3D modeling can create previously unimagined botanical landscapes.
At the heart of Neo Botanica is a collection that includes flowers that have gone extinct, imaginative hybrids, and botanical forms generated through algorithmic processes. This experimental publishing initiative transforms into an interactive exhibition through augmented reality, inviting visitors to engage with a reimagined world of flora.
Alex Simorrè, founder of Load gallery, expressed his enthusiasm and apprehension about the exhibition, stating, “The opportunity to collaborate with 29 such remarkable artists feels almost surreal. It’s a significant challenge that resembles a project of institutional scale rather than a typical gallery endeavor. I am eager to present this project to the public and witness how the digital and physical realms interact.”
Among the notable contributors to this project is Refik Anadol, who gained acclaim for his groundbreaking mapping projection at Casa Batlló in Barcelona in 2022. At Load gallery, he will showcase The Large Nature Model (LNM), recognized as the first open-source generative AI model focused on nature. A key aspect of this project, LNM: Flora, analyzes millions of floral images, revealing the intricate biological processes that define plant life. Through natural color palettes and AI-generated visualizations, it uncovers hidden structures and patterns, emphasizing the critical need for biodiversity conservation.
The exhibition also features a compelling series from Entangled Others, a Lisbon-based duo consisting of Sofia Crespo and Feileacan McCormick. Their works draw inspiration from the natural elements present in the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Historically, plants have symbolized beauty, delicacy, and renewal. In Neo Botanica, this symbolism takes on new meaning as we confront the pressing issues posed by climate change. The book’s examination of botany through the lens of digital technology prompts viewers to reflect on the fragile balance between nature and innovation. The artworks challenge us to rethink our relationship with the environment and inspire contemplation on how technology can serve as a healing force rather than a destructive one.
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
