A pixel is the smallest unit of an image on a computer screen. Machine learning algorithms trained on datasets from contemporary photography is developing the art photography realm while diffusing boundaries between technology and photography. Turkish L.A-based data and media artist Refik Anadol (b. Istanbul 1985) has experimented with Augmented Reality, passing each pixel through algorithms and machine intelligent response. Just like doing the laundry on a synthetics setting and a centrifuge, Anadol put together an archive of photographs from Stockholm and experimented and altered them digitally – and whose result is “Latent History” exhibited at Fotografiska from 6 July to 25 August, 2019 in Stockholm.

© Refik Anadol

“Fotografiska’s vision is to inspire a more conscious world. The field of photography is changing and developing faster than ever, both in ways of communication and in ways of art. We have long followed Refik Anadol and his fascinating experimental approach to photography, art and technology. Anadol’s avant-garde take on the photographic medium in AR-processes is at the very forefront of what’s technically and artistically possible, and a window into the future,” explains Johan Vikner, Co-Director of Exhibitions at Fotografiska, Stockholm.

© Refik Anadol

Refik Anadol currently lives in Los Angeles, where he runs his own studio and works as a lecturer and visiting researcher at UCLA’s Department of Design Media Arts. Microsoft Research’s Best Vision Award, Google’s Art and Machine Intelligence Artist Residency Award and his audio visual work and A/V performances have been hosted at some of the most stunning venues worldwide of the likes of Walt Disney Concert Hall (USA), International Digital Arts Biennial Montreal (Canada), Ars Electronica Festival (Austria), Arc De Triomf (Spain), Sydney City Art (Australia), Lichtrouten (Germany), among others.