Katja Novitskova

Like Hilma af Klint, Katja Novitskova is fascinated by devices that expose and explore the human body, such as the microscope or brain scans. Novitskova’s work deals with the complexities and ultimate shortcomings of visualising the world through technology. Bringing art and science together, Novitskova emphasises the role and use of certain technology such as artificial intelligence in the imagination of the world.

The Earthwares series consists of printing ink transfers on epoxy clay. For Cycle, Portal, Path, Novitskova created three new works within the subseries Earthware (PDB approxi- mation, emd...), combining a Venn diagram (a mathematical representation of circles that overlap to indicate a relation) with images of scientific models of proteins, viruses and enzymes generated using one of the most powerful image-generating algorithms today:DALL·E 2. The ‘PDB’ in the title refers to the Protein Data Bank, which was established as the first freely accessible digital database in biology and medicine. Today, the PDB serves as a global source of experimental data crucial for scientific discoveries, containing 3D structural information for all molecules of life ever discovered on the planet.

With the various sources it brings together, Novitskova aims to create cosmological blueprints of potential synthetic life. The works are a tribute to Hilma af Klint, a great source of inspiration for Novitskova. While af Klint visualised abstract spiritual images, Novitskova tries to represent the realm of new biotechnological possibilities within artistic translation.

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Cycle, Portal, Path

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This fall, Nest presents Cycle, Portal, Path: an exhibition that examines how the traces left by the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) affect contemporary art 100 years later. Af Klint lived in a time full of developments and scientific turmoil. Scientists studied nature and dealt with phenomena such as atomic fission and X-rays; discoveries that shaped the world and made the invisible visible.

Cycle, Portal, Path shows that Af Klint’s exploration of the relationship between science, nature and spiritual life is as urgent now as it was in her time. The artists in the exhibition relate directly or indirectly to Af Klint and her views and supplement them with contemporary or futuristic ideas. Through meditative drawings and video installations, abstract paintings and AI-generated images, the artists reflect on new technologies, spiritual movements, ecology and the connection between then, now and future generations.

Cycle, Portal, Path was created in conversation with Kunstmuseum Den Haag and KM21, where the exhibitions Hilma af Klint and Piet Mondriaan: Forms of Life and Tai Shani – Our Hieromantic Objects of Love will be on view simultaneously. A diverse context program has been developed for the three exhibitions. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

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