Destinations | Artechouse
These tech-meets-art spaces are a must-see (and hear) for anyone eager to experience the leading edge of digital art
by Kirsten Nelson
August 15, 2022
Digital artists have been in the shadows for a long time, and they like it that way. I mean, of course, literally as opposed to figuratively. The darker the gallery space the better for these immersive-media denizens. And with their craft depending so resolutely on specialized technology, it makes sense they’d gravitate toward a venue that caters to their highly specific creations.
Artechouse is the house that digital art and tech built. It began in Washington, DC, with a flagship location that includes a high-ceilinged mega projection-mapping gallery (complete with shiny floors, so you can truly lose yourself in three dimensions of visual majesty). The oddly polygonal space is augmented with sensors for the best hand-waving activation of interactive works. Lose yourself in full-scale sensory engagement, and then explore adjacent galleries that offer alternative nooks for enveloping expression.
From DC, this cultural force decided it was worth it to go to that small cultural village of New York City, nestling itself among the Google employees and tech bros who circulate around Chelsea Market. And now it’s hanging out in the world’s favorite art-shopping destination of Miami, with Superblue and Art Basel to keep it company. And Artechouse is now residing on the blockchain as well, with its pioneering foray into experiential NFTs.
above | from The Life of a Neuron at Artechouse NYC
ARTECHOUSE LOCATIONS
Washington, DC
1238 Maryland Ave. SW
New York City
439 W 15th St.
Miami Beach
736 Collins Ave.
The Artechouse NYC show The Life of a Neuron incorporates the work of a number of artists to tell the story of neurons
The Artechouse NYC show The Life of a Neuron incorporates the work of a number of artists to tell the story of neurons
Upon opening in NYC, demand was maximal for the inaugural show of favorite new-media artist, spotlight-grabbing Refik Anadol. Since then the lines of eager art fans have continued to weave around the block as the venue creates majestic new interactive experiences, including Life of a Neuron, a very human immersion powered by the expressive and engaging works of frequently commissioned Artechouse talent Akiko Yamashita.
Some might call Artechouse one of the original indie new-media outposts, and I might be among those people. Unlike a big bluechip gallery space, these locations feel collaborative. Artists move in and explore the specifications and possibilities of the permanently
Renewal 2121 at Artechouse Miami uses creative technology to imagine a future time when nature’s resilience takes center stage in an overdeveloped metropolis
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installed projection-mapping systems and various flat panels and video walls. Then they conform or create content to maximize the feelings possible in the space.
They’re event venues, too, as tastemakers like Pantone bathe members of the media and designers alike with its new color of the year, complete with customized spatial-audio soundtracks that truly envelope attendees in the coming atmospheric shift in hue preferences.
If you’ve heard a lot about digital art but have been so far unimpressed by jokey jpgs and trending crypto disasters, try Artechouse for a really moving view of the newest fine art.
And take notes for how you want to display these works in your own home. As Akiko Yamashita told me in a recent chat, “It doesn’t have to look like a gallery, it should reflect your personality in how you want to represent your collection. It’s all about what you personally enjoy, and what your visitors can enjoy.”
Kirsten Nelson is a Brooklyn-based writer, speaker, event content producer, and podcast host who writes frequently for technology brands, integration firms, and experience design agencies. She was the editor of SCN magazine, and before that, co-launched Residential Systems. Kirsten is also a co-founder, editor, and writerly salon host of CreativeStack, a newsletter for the experience design community.
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