CASEY REAS Wet and Saturated Process at Unit London
24 April - 25 May 2024
Casey Reas’ first solo exhibition with Unit, "Wet and Saturated Process," is a captivating blend of art and technology. This collection spans from generative software to intricate prints made with Erika Weitz, revealing new ways to understand both natural and artificial worlds.
Reas explores how machine learning, like photography, can reshape our perception of reality. Inspired by Vilém Flusser's "technical image" concept, Reas uses machine learning models trained on scans of plant material to create artworks that bridge the gap between the natural and synthetic.
One highlight, "Technical Images," showcases Reas’ collaboration with Weitz, transforming digital images into tactile wet-plate collodion photographs. These richly detailed pieces reflect Flusser's idea of the technical image, merging automation with handmade art.
Reas also draws from Anna Atkins, whose 1843 book "Photographs of British Algae" used cyanotypes to blend scientific accuracy with artistic presentation. This influence is evident in Reas' approach, blending digital and analogue techniques to challenge viewers' perceptions.
"Earthly Delights 3.1" uses generative software to create ever-evolving abstract images, offering a dynamic, real-time cinematic experience. "Process Compendium (X-N)" showcases Reas’ 20-year journey with code, creating algorithmic patterns that mimic nature despite being entirely digital.
Reas’ exhibition examines how technology influences our understanding of reality. His works, both organic and synthetic, highlight the complex relationship between the natural and the man-made, offering a fresh perspective on machine-led creativity.
CASEY REAS, Amplified Technical Image #1 2024, Dye sublimation print on aluminium, framed with wood edge without glass & NFT
CASEY REAS, Earthly Delights 3.2, 2024, Generative Software
CASEY REAS, Amplified Technical Image #2, 2024, Dye sublimation print on aluminium, framed with wood edge without glass & NFT
About the Author
Razvan Chiorean is the published author of our Art Buzz News section, online content curator and contemporary art documentarist, committed to advancing diversity and accessibility in the art community. With a keen focus on innovation and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Razvan strives to unite cultures, serving as a bridge that seamlessly integrates art and innovation, all within the universal language of creativity.
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