Unpacking "The Sleep of Reason": An Exhibition Exploring Visuals from Enlightenment to AI Art

This exhibition traces the historical representation of reality, from early scientific drawing and engraving to the advent of photography and contemporary artificial intelligence. It examines how technological advancements have shaped our perception and creation of images throughout history.

The exhibition "The Sleep of Reason. From the Enlightenment to Artificial Intelligence" delves into humanity's historical methods of representing reality, charting a course from the Enlightenment's emphasis on objective depiction through drawing and engraving to the transformative emergence of photography. It highlights the 18th-century's fervent drive for knowledge compilation, exemplified by works like the _Encyclopédie_ and scientific expeditions, which aimed to document the world with unprecedented precision. This pursuit of detail and accuracy, intrinsically linked to technological progress, has shaped visual culture to this day. The narrative then progresses to the invention of photography in 1839, showcasing pioneering works that mirrored the subjects and iconographies previously captured by engravers. The exhibition bridges this historical perspective with the present, exploring the visual revolution of the 21st century driven by artificial intelligence and big data. Contemporary installations by artists such as Anna Ridler, Quayola, and ScanLAB Projects utilize technologies like AI, LiDAR, and generative algorithms to create new forms of representation, prompting reflection on the complex relationship between image, reality, and perception. Curated by Valentín Vallhonrat and Ignacio Miguéliz, the exhibition features nearly 300 works, including drawings, engravings, and photographs from the Museo Universidad de Navarra collection, alongside these modern installations.

Admission is free. The exhibition is open during regular museum hours: Monday to Thursday and Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 20:00.