Refik Anadol: Casa Batlló Living NFT at Rockefeller Center
I had the opportunity to experience Living Architecture: Casa Batlló, which is a spectacular exhibit at Rockefeller Center by Christie’s and Refik Anadol. Inspired by Gaudi’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona, it is the first NFT of its kind that was shown at Rockefeller Center before being auctioned by Christie’s in May 2022. It uses environmental data gathered in real time from sensors around Casa Batlló, making it an AI Data Sculpture that constantly changes while capturing the facade and the feel of Casa Batlló. Experiencing Refik Anadol: Casa Batlló at Rockefeller Center was a once in a lifetime experience.
The Living NFT of Casa Batlló made history as a dynamic digital artwork, which uses real-time environmental data collected from sensors placed throughout the iconic building in Barcelona, for being auctioned off at Christie’s in New York for a staggering $1.38 million.
The Concept of Living NFTs
Living NFTs are a new type of digital artwork that incorporate real-time data and generative algorithms to create dynamic and ever-changing pieces. These pieces are designed to be unique and constantly evolving, providing a new level of interactivity and engagement for viewers. Refik Anadol, a Turkish-American new media artist, is at the forefront of using AI and machine learning to create these stunning works of art. Anadol’s Living Architecture: Casa Batlló is a prime example of this new form of digital artwork, using climate data from the city in real-time to create a dynamic and ever-changing NFT of the iconic Casa Batlló building in Barcelona.
The aesthetics of data and machine intelligence are a central theme in Anadol’s work, and his use of neural networks and other AI technologies allows him to create generative artwork that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Casa Batlló as a Living NFT
Refik Anadol has reinterpreted Casa Batlló, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by famed architect Antoni Gaudí located in Barcelona, as a dynamic NFT. The NFT is a digital representation of Casa Batlló’s façade, which changes in real-time through artificial intelligence. The artwork uses climate data from the city collected in real-time, showing ephemeris being celebrated on the building’s façade. This Living NFT is a unique and innovative way to showcase the beauty of the building and its organic architecture, which is one of the most significant examples of Art Nouveau Icon Antoni Gaudí’s work.
The Living NFT of Casa Batlló is a testament to the building’s timeless beauty and the organic architecture that it represents. The NFT captures the essence of the building’s mosaics, which are inspired by nature and the surrounding landscape. The mosaics are a hallmark of Gaudí’s work, and they are a prominent feature of Casa Batlló’s façade.
Here are a couple of videos of the exhibit.
The Living NFT of Casa Batlló is a groundbreaking artwork that combines art and technology to create a unique and immersive experience. The NFT is a living, breathing representation of the building, and it allows viewers to experience the beauty of Casa Batlló in a new and innovative way. The NFT is also a testament to the power of digital art and its ability to capture the essence of physical objects and spaces.
