Acts of Data: Stones
Anže Sekelj
Description
In Acts of Data: Stones, the artist investigates the speculative nature of computers generating new potential historical artefacts via generative adversarial networks (GANs) trained on image synthesis from pre-existing, publicly available datasets of 3D models. Within this framework, he used the dataset provided by the Scan the World initiative, a repository that hosts scanned 3D models of historical statues from some of the world’s most prominent museums. He then used the dataset to train custom-designed computer models, which can now independently generate entirely new 3D sculptures.
One focal point of his exploration in the Stones project is investigating the historical context of statues and sculptures, which have often represented societal norms, power dynamics and cultural values. He’s intrigued by how the algorithm’s creations interact with these contexts and how they might challenge or reinforce prevailing narratives. By generating new forms that may not have existed in reality, the artist aims to provoke discussion of alternative histories and perspectives, encouraging viewers to consider the biases and assumptions that shape our understanding of art and history.
CREDITS
Machine learning: Benjamin Fele
3D animation: Luka Grčar
Affiliations
The project was co-funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Ljubljana.
Anže Sekelj
Anže Sekelj is an award-winning media artist primarily active in installation, sound, interactive design and video. Through his work, he challenges perceptions of space, culture and the human condition, highlighting unnoticed structures of daily existence. He uses multimedia techniques to blur the lines between modes of expression while maintaining a consistent yet diverse body of work. By merging aesthetics with layered meaning, his works create immersive, thought-provoking experiences that invite reflection and critical dialogue.
Exhibitions, installations and screenings in galleries, museums, theatres and cultural centers include Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (FR), CICA Museum (KR), Taipei Digital Art Center (TW), Reina Sofía (ES), Matadero Madrid (ES), Drama (SI), Cankarjev Dom (SI), MOTA (SI), Filodrammatica Rijeka (HR), Die Theater Chemnitz (DE), Kino Kriterion Sarajevo (BA), Dom Omladine (RS), Peckham Springs Gallery (UK) and Redger Gallery (MN).
Festivals include the Japan Media Art Festival (JP), Madatac (ES), New Video Art (FR), Berlin Design Week (DE), Cheap (IT), the Ulaanbaatar Media Art Festival (MN), Mikser (RS), Borštnikovo Srečanje (SI), the Nonstop Festival (DE), Ars Electronica (AT) and Sonar (ES).