El sueño de la razón: From Enlightenment Art to Artificial Intelligence at Espacio Fundación Telefónica

This exhibition traces the evolution of representing the world, from the scientific drawings and engravings of the Enlightenment and the advent of photography, to the current era of artificial intelligence and algorithm-generated reality. It showcases how technology and art have continuously transformed our understanding and depiction of the world.

The exhibition 'El sueño de la razón. Del Siglo de las Luces a la inteligencia artificial' delves into the historical progression of how humanity has sought to understand and represent the world. It begins by examining the Enlightenment's emphasis on drawing and engraving as tools for scientific observation and objective documentation, leading to the revolutionary impact of photography. This historical arc then connects to our present, characterized by the pervasive use of new technologies and AI, where reality is not only captured but also generated through algorithms and mathematical models. Curated by Valentín Vallhonrat and Ignacio Miguéliz, the exhibition features approximately 300 works, largely from the Museo Universidad de Navarra collection. The display includes drawings, engravings, and photographs dating from 1745 to the 1870s, highlighting significant pieces such as botanical and zoological engravings by artists like Theodor Friedrich von Esenbeck and Alexander von Humboldt, original works by Piranesi from his 'Vistas de Roma' series, and an imperial edition of Napoleon's 'Description of Egypt'. The advent of photography in 1839 is explored through its pioneers, many of whom documented the Mediterranean East, mirroring the iconographies of earlier engravers but with the immediacy and perceived objectivity of the new medium. The exhibition culminates by addressing the current visual revolution driven by AI-generated imagery and high-resolution technologies, featuring contemporary installations by artists like Anna Ridler, Quayola, and ScanLAB Projects, prompting reflection on the complex relationship between images, reality, and perception in the 21st century.

Guided tours for individuals are available Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 and 17:00, and Saturdays at 12:00. Guided tours with LSE are on March 28th. Group visits require prior reservation via email. Special needs groups can be accommodated through the ACERCA CULTURA platform. Workshops for families with children aged 6-12 are held on Sundays, and educational visits and workshops for schoolchildren are available Tuesday to Friday. Visitors can reserve tickets for specific guided tours via Eventbrite and add exhibition dates to their calendars using Google Calendar integration.