Come and see the new exhibition: Bird Language!

Helena Nikonole is a new media artist, independent curator and educator currently based in Istanbul. Her field of interests embraces hybrid art, bio-semiotics and Artificial Intelligence. One part of her work is dedicated to utopian scenarios of post-human future while another is focused on dystopian present and critical approach to technology.

Nikonole's previous project is called Quorum Sensing. In this project she collaborated with molecular biologist Lucy Ojomoko to produce artwork based on a research project surrounding bacteria.
This wasn't just any research project: this project aimed to make certain bacteria emit certain smells. Not bad smells, like you may associate with bacteria, but good smells. The project team tried to make bacteria like E.coli smell like mint, and the bacteria on a person's skin like flowers. Definitely a unique experience! But not just that, if the team could manage to make these bacteria have a certain scent forever, you could recognize diseases just by using your nose! 

In the past, she's also been involved in projects concerning AI, facial recognition software, and digitization. If you want to know more, you can visit her website here. 

In 2022, Nikonole has had exhibitions in Poland and China. During the Artscience Week, from the 16th to the 18th of September 2022, she'll also have an exhibition in the Netherlands. This exhibition is called 'Bird Language'. 
The grand opening of the exhibition will take place between 18:00 and 20:00 on the 16th of September. Prior to the opening, there's a chance to ask questions to Nikonole herself between 17:00 and 18:00.

On the 17th and 18th of September the exhibition is open between 13:00 and 19:00
On the 17th of September, there's also a workshop with Nikonole as instructor. Click on this link to learn more about that. 

“Bird Language” explores the possibilities of AI within the context of bio-semiotics, particularly addressing the possibility of communication between nature and technology, in which a human being is not necessary. A neural network was trained on the sounds of nightingales, which led to creation of communication between non-human agents: birds and Artificial Intelligence. The algorithm helped to see clusters in bird-singing that reveal its language structure and allow then to build a 'translator' for interspecies communication. The artwork offers an intriguing aesthetic experience and stimulates reflection on creative and critical applications of this technology.

Location 

EST Art Foundation
Papegaaisbolwerk 20
2312LW, Leiden