Dataland, a new museum in Los Angeles, has opened its doors, billing itself as the 'world's first museum of AI arts.' The inaugural exhibit, 'Machine Dreams: Rainforest,' immerses visitors in AI-generated environments that respond to their presence.
The museum, founded by media artist Refik Anadol and his partner Efsun Erkiliç, utilizes Google Cloud tools to create dynamic experiences. These include generative soundscapes, adjustments to scents based on visitor emotions, and visual displays that react to movement. The AI powering the exhibits is trained on data derived from the natural world.
Upon entering, visitors are given two wearable devices: a wristband that tracks movement, temperature, and pulse, and another device that contributes to the interactive nature of the art. The experience is designed to be multi-sensory, incorporating visuals, scents, and sounds, with a recorded voice explaining that visitors' presence shapes the unfolding artwork.
The museum's opening comes at a time when the role of AI in art is a subject of ongoing debate, positioning Dataland as a significant embrace of the technology in the creative space.