BMW Unveils Electric AI Exhibition Showcasing the i5: A Fusion of Art and Technology at Art Basel 2023

TL;DR:

  • BMW unveils “The Electric AI Canvas” exhibit at Art Basel, featuring the BMW i5 as a dynamic canvas for generative art.
  • The collaborative effort with Nathan Shipley and Gary Yeh resulted in AI-generated animations based on curated contemporary artists’ works.
  • Utilizing Nvidia’s AI architecture StyleGAN, the AI adapts to various artistic styles and creates evolving abstract animations.
  • Animations are presented through projection mapping, incorporating each artist’s unique style and aesthetic.
  • Shipley and Yeh emphasize AI’s role in supporting and amplifying artists’ visions rather than replacing them.
  • BMW i5, part of the 2024 5 Series lineup, offers impressive performance and range with its advanced eDrive40 and M60 models.

Main AI News:

In a groundbreaking display of innovation, BMW has introduced a captivating exhibit entitled “The Electric AI Canvas” at Art Basel, solidifying the seamless merger of art and technology. Building upon the virtual masterpiece “The Ultimate AI Masterpiece,” this extraordinary exhibition marks a remarkable milestone as it transcends the boundaries of the digital realm, manifesting as a physical art encounter. Central to the showcase is the BMW i5, transformed into a dynamic canvas for generative art, captivating visitors with its artistic prowess. Esteemed contemporary artists’ works grace this exhibition, captivating audiences from now until June 18, 2023.

Collaborating with the brilliant minds of Nathan Shipley from Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and Gary Yeh from ArtDrunk, BMW has ventured into uncharted territory, utilizing custom AI-generated animations. These animations are crafted using cutting-edge models trained on a meticulously curated dataset featuring works by contemporary artists. Laying a solid foundation for this groundbreaking creation, BMW’s foundational model drew from a staggering collection of over 50,000 images, spanning an impressive 900 years of art history. These AI models breathe new life into classical and contemporary art styles, generating abstract animations that are then elegantly projected onto the remarkable canvas that is the BMW i5.

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

“The Electric AI Canvas” harnesses the remarkable power of Nvidia’s AI architecture StyleGAN, carefully engineered to evoke diverse artistic styles and generate captivating evolving animations. By expertly manipulating different algorithm parameters, the AI adapts to each artist’s unique creations, encapsulating the very essence of their artistic expression. This profound exploration of AI’s potential in the realm of art ignites a thought-provoking conversation surrounding its boundless applications.

The mesmerizing animations come to life through the ingenious technique of projection mapping, meticulously crafted to embrace and accentuate the distinctive styles and aesthetics of each individual artist. Mirrors, serving as captivating enhancements, expertly reflect these animated masterpieces, immersing viewers in an unparalleled sensorial experience.

Shipley and Yeh adopt a resolute stance on AI’s role in art, focusing on its power to support and amplify artists’ visions rather than overshadowing them. A conscientious and deliberate approach to experimenting with AI in art is paramount, placing humanity at the forefront. BMW, aligning itself with this ethos, remains steadfast in its commitment to human-centered technology and sustainable progress, delving into the vast potential of AI as a creative instrument.

Adding to the allure of this remarkable exhibition, the BMW i5 made its grand debut as part of the 2024 5 Series lineup. Equipped with an 84.3 kilowatt-hours battery, this visionary vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 295 miles. The BMW i5 eDrive40, the epitome of performance, delivers a staggering 335 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enabling a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration in a mere 5.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 120 mph. For those seeking unparalleled power, the formidable M60, with an awe-inspiring 590 horsepower, effortlessly propels from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, surging to a top speed of 143 mph.

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

Source: BMW

Conclusion:

BMW’s Electric AI Exhibition at Art Basel 2023 showcases the intersection of art and technology, demonstrating the potential of AI as a creative tool. The collaboration with contemporary artists and the use of AI-generated animations on the BMW i5 highlights the brand’s commitment to human-centered technology and sustainability. This exhibition signifies a significant step in exploring AI’s applications in art and reinforces BMW’s position as an advocate for innovation in the market.

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