Refik Anadol and Kevin Scott at the intersection of AI and Art

Refik Anadol, an internationally renowned media artist and director, joins Behind the Tech to discuss his journey from a childhood fascination with computers in Istanbul to becoming a pioneer in the aesthetics of data and machine intelligence. In this episode, Refik shares his early inspirations—including his first encounter with a Commodore computer and the impact of science fiction on his imagination—and discusses how his work explores the intersection of art and technology. Kevin and Refik delve into the challenges and possibilities that ubiquitous computing has imposed on humanity, and how the perception and experience of time and space are radically changing in the digital age. They explore Refik's innovative projects, such as data-driven machine learning algorithms that create abstract, colorful environments and his immersive audio/visual installations that transform entire buildings. They also discuss the significance of AI in art, the concept of 'data painting,' and the future of digital art in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 02:44 Intro 15:25 Digital Artist Revolution 22:54 Making Data into Art 26:52 Intersection of AI and Art 40:28 Does Kevin love the process more than the art itself? 47:26 Outro Learn more and support these organizations in North Carolina: John Britt Pottery akira satake ceramics | GoFundMe Mudtools East Fork Refik Anadol Studio | Refik Anadol Living Art Kevin Scott   Behind the Tech with Kevin Scott   Discover and listen to other Microsoft podcasts: Subscribe to Microsoft on YouTube here: https://aka.ms/SubscribeToYouTube Follow us on social: LinkedIn:   / microsoft   Twitter:   / microsoft   Facebook:   / microsoft   Instagram:   / microsoft   For more about Microsoft, our technology, and our mission, visit https://aka.ms/microsoftstories