- Date
- 01 FEBRUARY 2024
- Author
- LUCIA MARINELLI
- Image by
- ANNA DART
- Categories
- Interviews
Into the New Surrealist Mind: Anna Dart
Welcome to our latest feature: XClusive Interviews! In this series, we delve into the vibrant world of X (formerly known as Twitter), introducing you to the brightest stars shaping our cultural landscape. From groundbreaking artists to influential fashion critics, we bring their unique visions directly to you. In today's edition, we sit down with the extraordinary Anna Dart, a visionary artist whose work breathes life into our deepest dreams, reflections, and memories. Join us as we explore the emergence of a new wave of surrealism through her eyes.
Let’s break the ice with some simple questions! Who are you, and where are you from? Also, if you believe in Astrology, what is your zodiac sign?
Greetings, everyone! Delighted to be at Red-Eye Magazine.
I am Anna Dart, an artist, a futurist, and a dreamer. I have two parallel lives: one as a traditional painter working with the Paris-based online gallery SINGULART, and the other centered around technology, where I create with AI and curate large digital and AI art projects.
I am from Spain and based between Barcelona and Zurich, although I am always on the go, being a nomad by nature. I love contemporary dance, drama, and I could spend my life in museums. These are one of the reasons why I travel that much, but not the only one.
When I feel the wheels rolling underneath me, it is when I fall in love with life again. I get high by the smell of delicious cooking sneaking out of windows along the narrow streets. I love writing down the phrases from the books in different languages that surprise me.
I am a Virgo, an empathetic perfectionist, living between a strong rationality and a passionate heart that speaks loud. I love light and expansion. I am interested in the human aspect of technology. My family and friends are everything to me. I hug trees and smile a lot.
Let’s introduce you to our readers! What is your artistic background, and how did you discover your artistic talent?
My professional journey kicked off in 2012, marking the beginning of showcasing my paintings on a global scale. I recall a day when I visited the art supply store and found myself able to purchase just one color. I opted for that singular black watercolor, which has become my companion for many years. The color I selected, akin to a magic wand, created a beautiful grayish tone with a subtle blue. This unique effect could remind you of a burn-out photograph that brings lots of memories. The gray color fulfilled my yearning for the visual quiet and elegance, giving rise to characters with a magnetic aura.
These watercolour characters spoke intelligence, spirituality, kindness, distance, sometimes provocation. They anticipated a future in the digital realm, where we would desperately seek universal human connections, grappling with new challenges in mental health and solitude. It was 2012 and I truly believed we were on the verge of becoming a distinct type of human.
My art resonated with a wide audience and was exhibited in Germany, in the oldest art fair in the world “Art Cologne”, and in many other countries. I used to say, a day without a painting is a day without a date. I painted daily for many hours and granted my early collectors the experience of planting trees. Searching for the most eco-friendly form of art, I enrolled in performing arts, a long-cherished dream. You cannot imagine how happy I was! Suddenly, I started to paint bigger in a wide range of colors to capture the flows of consciousness and movement, - my spiritual practice.
The most exciting part came when I embarked on a journey to intertwine disciplines like visual and performing arts, fashion, and high-tech. By inviting dancers, musicians, poets, and other creatives to improvise over the paintings in the gallery settings, I added a dynamic third dimension to static images. These were my first choreographies of different masters that came together.
Speaking about the masters, I found myself deeply engaged with Gaudí’s architecture. Gaudí´s sensual poetry in stone was a revolutionary statement. Initially denied by his contemporaries, Gaudí's heritage, mostly in Barcelona, Spain, is now highly appreciated worldwide.
In the early 20th century, Gaudí's world underwent rapid changes, transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, traditional craftsmanship to machine-driven production, and a slower-paced lifestyle to a faster, more interconnected world. Gaudí faced challenges similar to our always-online era: adapting to the new times and facing the unknown.
In 2020, I realized it was a moment for me to temporarily set aside the brushes and align myself with the time.
How did you enter the realm of digital art, and why did you choose to express your art in this new way?
In 2020, I met Roger Haus, the author of a massive hand-drawn digital illustration work “Hypnagogias” (2012). Curiously, Roger has been exploring the potential of AI in art since 2015. During the pandemic, he established Exquisite Workers to pioneer digital and AI Surrealism and invited me to join as a co-founder. Joining the board was the best decision I have ever taken.
The project naturally grew in 4 stages:
First, Instagram. While confined at home, Exquisite Workers extended invitations to artists worldwide, encouraging them to collaboratively create a piece of art online inspired by the surreal game of the “Exquisite Corpse.”
Surrealist game “Exquisite Corpse” explained by Elvis Marshall. With subtitles in English. Open on Youtube.
A renowned surrealist method involves crafting a unified artwork where each participant contributes a section without knowledge of others' creations. It is collective by nature. The result is enchanting compositions, with no sense, but this is precisely the point of this exercise, to load the unconscious mind, to take over, and create something with an emphasis on chance together.
We orchestrated an impressive amount of collaborations with artists ranging in age from 2 to 94 years, and posted 3,000 interconnected artworks daily, using the Instagram grid as our foundational template. The colors were selected each month by one of the creators for the following sequence. Coordination was done via email, ensuring the outstanding quality and consistency.
Second, blockchain. In 2020, in Zurich, we stumbled upon NFTs and were intrigued. We embarked on an innovative venture, a crypto edition of “Exquisite Corpse”. Over 12 months, from May 2021 to April 2022, a group of selected artists from the collective contributed to this special NFT collection. The result: a year-long series of 504 perfectly matched pieces in the palette of space, available to collect as unique digital collectibles.
For 259 creators, “Crypto Exquisite Corpse” meant to be their first or “Genesis” NFT. The significant boost came when the first month's work was showcased on the front page of OpenSea, and we sold out overnight. This success propelled us forward, as we continued to offer a safe, warm hearted and inclusive space for exploring the world of NFTs.
Each of the artists received our end-to-end curational, presentation, and editorial support. We launched the Super Real Grant that covered all gas fees as well as onboarded the artists from the Exquisite Workers collective to SuperRare, one of the most prestigious marketplaces. With the power of NFTs, the artists had full control, swift transactions, and undeniable proof of their work's origins dating back to 2021.
For each month, we assigned a different surrealist to the crew an an imaginary mentor: Yves Tanguy, Leonora Carrington, Hieronymus Bosch, Joan Miró, Maurits Cornelis Escher, Pablo Picasso, Remedios Varo, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Giorgio de Chirico, René Magritte, and then all the masters together. We honoured their legacy and shined light on their imagination of cosmic proportions.
Third, there was an important transition between online and offline. From remarkable showcases at Art Week Beijing China 2021 to the innovative UN-Habitat COP26 First NFT Contest for Climate (2021) and the immersive and interactive Barcelona Picasso Museum Exhibition (2022).
When NFTs were relatively unknown in Spain, we organized the first high-level NFT events pioneering the confluence of modern digital with traditional physical experiences, and at NFT.NYC Awards in New York, USA, we got four nominations at once.
Fourth stage, a big focus on AI art. In 2021, I began exploring AI, influenced by Roger Haus's long-lasting passion for the medium. Within a year, I had the chance for an early exploration of Midjourney. By mid 2022, I was honored with a prize in the inaugural Claire AI Contest, led by the renowned AI art pioneer Claire Silver.
Exquisite Workers started to work towards building the community around the AI art and journal our encounters on Medium in a form of exclusive interviews.
It did not take us too long to curate the largest AI art show in history with 100 artists “AI Surrealism'' in NY, USA proudly featuring Roope Rainisto, Nikita Panin, Jenni Pasanen, Laurence Fuller, DVK the artist, BLAC.ai, Petra, and many other talents and friends in AI.
During the month of June 2023, we took over the Oculus, World Trade Center, hosted by the renown Superchief Gallery NFT, and in the middle of the bear market, we celebrated over 13 ETH of sales and met 166 collectors on the Foundation NFT marketplace.
This was a big milestone and it still is. Zooming out, the perfectly orchestrated collaboration among Exquisite Workers' artists reflects one of the crucial moments in contemporary art history. "Crypto Corpse" and "AI Surrealism" are the time machine, our collective messages to the future, and the foundation for the largest library of Surrealism in the Metaverse. This is our tribute to those who have paved the way in art for the generations to come.
Could you share more about your personal projects as an AI artist?
“No Sun, No Name” is a dynamic cross-chain NFT series in which I marry mysterious generative female characters with human painterly abstraction. These experimental works remembers something deep and authentic, reminiscent of our humanity, paving the way for a future where individuals and machines work together to expand our understanding of the world around us.
Another absolute favourite series I would like to mention is “HOLA DOLLS” that uses AI technology to evoke fragrances. These little bottles of imagination in the shape of dolls delicately encase human form in glass vessels, ceramics, and glossy plastic. Each has a little tag “It smells like” to weave a personal story. “HOLA” means “Hi” in Spanish, and it is all about the connection with your inner self by evoking the senses without direct experience. “HOLA DOLLS” invites you to tap into your imagination, get transported in our inner world to the place we want to be, embrace the in-betweens, and remember to love a little more.
"HOLA DOLLS '' achieved the distinction of being the first AI art selected for exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum in the USA. The series has also become a part of 2024 Page-a-day calendar: 365 NFT Artists by Seattle NFT Museum and Cozomo de' Medici Emerging Collection. I am excited and grateful that from the 176 dolls that I created until now, 13 are in the private collection of Murat Pak.
Who are your main inspirations, and do you have a favorite artist who motivates you?
Reflecting on past traditional artists, I've always held admiration for John Singer Sargent, Ramon Casas, and Yves Tanguy. In architecture, it is Antoni Gaudí. I wish I could live in his imagination.
Among living artists, Nick Alm, Joseph Lorusso, Jaume Plensa, Jarek Puczel captivate me, particularly in their depictions of the female form. Malcolm Liepke has a special place in my heart.
In the realm of dance, I draw inspiration from performances by La Veronal, NDT Dance, Hofesh Shechter Company, Batsheva Dance Company, Akram Khan Company, and the astonishing Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch. I recommend checking the agenda for each company in your country and exploring the "Pina" film (2011) by Win Wenders.
For word artists, speakers like Jason Silva and David Cash never fail to inspire. Jason Silva uses AI to envelope himself in the captivating dynamic scenarios.
In the digital realm, Mr. Misang, Malakkai, Aryz, and Hirofumi Ito are illustrators I consistently seek. In terms of NFT artists, I am particularly drawn to the works of the female artists Anna Condo, Marina Ahmadova, Mielconejo, Jules Design, Niceaunties, and Jenni Pasanen.
Jenni was one of the initial participants in the “Crypto Exquisite Corpse”. In 2021, Jenni minted her first AI artwork on OpenSea within our collaboration trusting in me as a curator. Jenni shared with Exquisite Workers her AI-collaborative process combining digital painting with AI outputs which became the revelation for many, including myself.
Could you describe your latest project, AI SURREALISM?
The "AI Surrealism" exhibition held special significance, with many artists expressing that it marked a pinnacle in their careers. Prior to the release, we gave the artists a theme and paired them with a Surrealist mentor, inviting them to read the mysterious “Letter to the future”. The artists delved into their creativity, their biography, their world from 100 years back, taking their time to craft their pieces. Superchief Gallery NFT was highly impressed with the collection and embraced the ambitious idea of celebrating the largest AI art show in New York.
As the exhibition date neared, artists were invited to the group chats on X and received the individual posters for 140 artworks in the show. We celebrated each other's successes using the hashtag #AISurrealism that became trending on X. Our talented photographer in New York, Lotus Josephine captured each and every artwork. There was also the inauguration of the conversational space in which the participants shared what it meant for them to be an AI Surrealist.
It is truly remarkable: 100 artists, unrestrained by geography, reached a global audience with their art and common vision. I am proud that at Exquisite Workers, we enhance humanity's collective memory and culture in our unique way. Once all the pieces in the “AI Surrealism” 2023 are collected, we will release to the public the secret “Letter to the Future”.
As a curator and founder at “AI Surrealism”, I find the parallelism between exploring the depths of the subconscious — a mysterious, untamed realm — and working with AI. Both originate from this hidden place of the unknown and carry an element of surprise upon completion.
For many, the world of dreams and the workings of technology remain inexplicable, a sort of magic. Dreams are highly personal and subjective experiences. The integration of AI into this intimate realm represents an unprecedented experience for humanity. The process of creating AI art mirrors the surrealists’ ability to break free from the confines of reality and delve into a realm of unlimited imagination. There is also this element of the universal truth. Every time an artist collaborates with AI, we tap into a higher level of intelligence and find ultimate understandings through shared neural networks. Something I think is possible to achieve through the collective “Exquisite Corpse”.
What is your perspective on the relationship between art and Artificial Intelligence?
Imagine a world where everyone considers themselves an artist. People would be more open to exploring their creativity and expressing their emotions and weirdness. People might become better listeners and would be more awake to the wonders of every day. The emphasis on perfection would be replaced by a more tolerant attitude towards imperfections. This shift in perspective could lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human experience. This could happen with AI. We are at an epochal moment, standing on the verge of a universe where humans and tech merge, understanding the new reality we are entering collectively.
The process of using AI tools to generate art, music, films etc. is a collaborative effort between humans and machines. AI mirrors who you are and that is fascinating. And how many stories humans can tell! As we witness the transformative journey of us into AI, we are experiencing the growth of AI itself. It's not just about technology, but about remembering who we are, the drama of never-ending movement forward and the beauty of growth.
The ever-evolving nature of AI, with frequent updates and engine integrations, requires constant and quick adaptation and developing a sharp eye for quality. When a prompt produces desired results, I seize the moment and produce as much as I can, because it is fleeting like anything in life. Minting the AI artwork or introducing it on blockchain becomes a permanent record of something impossible to replicate.
Sometimes, I get a desired outcome right away, sometimes fifty or sixty attempts are needed. In the first case, I have a feeling of falling in love at the first sight. I have a sensation that AI knows me.
Moving into the art world as a woman may have its challenges. Can you share some of your experiences, and do you have suggestions for young female artists taking their first steps in this field?
We are indeed living in a historical moment, and some of the artists surrounding us will be taught in art classes someday soon. Building a digital identity and embracing digital sales are powerful avenues for women to become integral parts of this transformative era.
The female essence involves fostering connections and nurturing communities based on their core values. Engaging with the latest technology and expressing humanity and the female perspective through it is crucial. People's minds will open to innovation only when there is a reason behind it and it brings beauty and light.
On a practical level, I would invite creators to think on a scale of millennia. Share frequently but sell only the extraordinary. Documenting all exhibitions, calls, and awards as you are writing the novel of your life. Take care of oneself and set limits for the hours spent online. Care for your eyes and heart. In the grand scheme of things, your ultimate competition is with yourself.
Open the right doors. For traditional art, find an online gallery that resonates. Online galleries serve as the new social media for art. Consistently put forth your best works, use hashtags on that platform, set your prices clearly, and you will be found.
For NFT sales, go on X and treat your timeline as your diary and your digital identity as a brand. Educate, market, and engage. You will organically cultivate relationships that transcend geographic barriers and cultural divides. Strive for excellence not only in art production but also in community building and expressing your story with the conviction in your stomach that your word matters.
As for the style, from a very young age, we know what we like or don't like, and the same goes for art. With consistency, the style develops on its own. May you lurk into museums, theatres, and libraries. Go to discover yourself there. Go to find yourself there, and then express your authentic self with the medium of your choice.
Can you name some X and Instagram users we need to follow?
Some major accounts to follow on X:
- Cozomo de´ Medici, Claire Silver, Patrick Amadon are actively collecting a variety of NFTs through open calls.
- Superchief Gallery NFT has inaugurated their very own marketplace on Avalanche and announced the new residence in Tokyo with a focus on Manga and AI Manga.
- FellowshipAI is a daily curated AI art platform that provides strong exposure.
- Joyn.xyz and Hug.xyz are the platforms to discover the artists and the upcoming web3 events.
- AIC has released the comprehensive Guide on how to market the (AI) art (2023) that should not be missed.
- AI Art Weekly and Pocobelli´s Artist Journal written and video journals are a must-discover for anyone looking to delve into the insights of web3 artists.
- Exquisite Workers Success Journal features intriguing dialogues with AI artists and collectors, shares valuable tips, and industry news. We have the standout articles from November 2022 that spotlighted 100 AI Artists that are very relevant today (first and second).
Exquisite Workers and Anna Dart at NFT.NYC Awards 2022
What are the last three songs you listened to?
Off the top of my head, “Contains Multitudes” by James Holden, “Air War” Crystal Castles. Another one in Spanish is Sebastian Yatra “Tacones Rojos” or anything from Rosalía.
Thanks for this great moment together, Red-Eye Magazine. I extend my gratitude to all who have stood by my side over the years, empowering me to pursue my dream in art and uplift others.
Interview by @lluciamarinelli
Images courtesy of @anna_dart