Load gallery in Barcelona presents the group show “Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora,” an innovative exhibition that bridges the realms of art, technology, and nature. Curated by Luca Bendandi andFreya Marshall, this project features a remarkable collection of works from 29 contemporary artists, all inspired by the groundbreaking publication from Vetro Editions. The exhibition transforms the recently published book into an immersive interactive experience, inviting visitors to explore a reimagined world of flora.
At the core of “Neo Botanica” is a captivating assortment of botanical creations that includes extinct flowers, imaginative hybrids, and plant forms generated through algorithmic design. Artists utilize cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer-generated imagery (CGI), and 3D modeling to envision new botanical landscapes that challenge our understanding of nature.
Among the standout contributors to this exhibition is Refik Anadol, renowned for his innovative mapping projection at Casa Batlló in 2022. AtLoad gallery, Anadol will present The Large Nature Model (LNM), notable for being the first open-source generative AI model focused on the natural world. LNM: Flora analyzes millions of floral images to reveal the complex biological processes that define plant life. Through its AI-generated visualizations and natural color palettes, it uncovers hidden structures and patterns, highlighting the critical need for ecological awareness.
The exhibition also features an intriguing series by Entangled Others, a Lisbon-based duo comprising Sofia Crespo and Feileacan McCormick. Their work draws inspiration from the natural elements found in the Palau de la Música Catalana, further enriching the exhibition’s exploration of the relationship between art and nature.
Alex Simorrè, the founder of Load gallery, expressed both excitement and trepidation about this unique project: “Bringing together 29 such fascinating artists feels almost unreal, like working on an institutional scale rather than the usual scope for a gallery – it’s a real challenge. That said, I’m thrilled to share this project with the public and witness the fusion between the digital and the physical come to life.”
Historically, plants have symbolized beauty, delicacy, and renewal. In “Neo Botanica,” these themes are reinterpreted in light of urgent climate change issues. The book’s examination of botany through digital technology encourages viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between nature and innovation. The artworks provoke thought about our relationship with the environment and inspire reflections on how technology can act as a healing force rather than a destructive one.
As part of the exhibition’s opening, both curators, Luca Bendandi and Freya Marshall, will be in attendance. Additionally, several of Barcelona’s leading floral designers, including Floral Atelier, Matagalan Plantae, and Fàtima Valldeperas, will showcase botanical compositions inspired by the surrounding artworks.
“Neo Botanica – An Atlas of Artificially Generated Flora” offers a profound exploration into how contemporary art can engage with pressing environmental issues while celebrating the beauty of nature through innovative technology.
Featured Artists: Refik Anadol, Tatsuru Arai, Luca Bogoni, Andrea Brewster, Andee Collard, Zach Darren Corzine, Mauro Cosenza, Linda Dounia, Stephan Duquesnoy, Elekktronaut (Bileam Tschepe), Entangled Others, Katherine Frazer, Hannes Hummel, Hypereikon, Joann, Markos Kay, Jim Linear, David Lisser, Generative Art Studio, Phenomena Labs, Andréa Philippon, Anna Ridler, Monica Rizzolli, Nat Sarkissian, Drake Smith, Leonardo Solaas, Spacefiller (Alex Miller), Ivona Tau, aurèce vettier.
Opening Days:
6 February – 8 March, 2025
Thursday-Saturday
Opening Hours:
16:00 – 21:00
Address:
Carrer Llull, 134, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
visit@load-gallery.com | load-gallery.com | @load.gallery
