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Dali Cybernetics: AI experience into the universe of Salvador Dalí

The exhibition “Dali Cybernetics,” currently hosted in Thessaloniki, Greece, offers an interactive journey into the mind of the genius Salvador Dali.

“Though I’m sometimes seen as a painter, my true passions lie in Cybernetics, Quantum Physics, and Biology,” Salvador Dalí once declared, laying the foundation for this extraordinary exhibition.

I embarked on a journey to Thessaloniki to experience this unique and original exhibition. Drawing visitors of all ages, including schools organizing educational visits for children, the exhibition offers an opportunity to discover the magical world of Dalí while delving into the latest technologies of augmented reality. My experience was exceptional, as the exhibition provided a comprehensive understanding of Dalí’s key artistic concerns, his significant works, and the legacy he left for future generations. For instance, I was able to virtually step into one of his paintings and explore the intricate details. Most importantly, knowledge is transmitted through technology engaging and exceptionally innovatively.

Dali Cybernetics: an immersive experience

At a press conference, exhibition producer Pavlos Mitsopoulos underscored the immersive nature of the Dali Cybernetics exhibition. He stated, “Technology allows us to step into a world built in 360 degrees, spanning our entire visual field, offering an unparalleled immersive experience”. Furthermore, this Spanish production, authorized by the Dali Institute, promises to not just show but transport visitors into the very heart of Dalí’s artistic universe, making them feel like they are stepping into his world.

Visitors to the Dali Cybernetics exhibition embark on a fascinating journey through the artist’s most renowned works, viewed from an entirely new and unique perspective. They trace his artistic evolution from surrealism and Freudian influences to the realms of positive sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Moreover these elements come to life around them in a specially designed room, while a similar experience unfolds in another space, where visitors don virtual reality glasses, further enhancing their immersion in Dalí’s world. This unique perspective is sure to intrigue and pique the curiosity of all who visit.

The thrilling journey through the life of one of the greatest and most eccentric artists of all time began in March at the Third Warehouse in the port of Thessaloniki and will continue until June 29th. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Salvador Dalí. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Dali Cybernetics for yourself.

AI Exhibition

“We began our research for the exhibition space back in the summer of ’23, and we decided on Thessaloniki as the first choice because we love the Third Warehouse of the Port so much—a place well-known to all Thessalonians, and we adore the entire area here along the waterfront,” noted Mr. Mitsopoulos.

After the Spanish company approved the venue—despite their initial reservations due to its stark differences from those previously hosted in London, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Berlin, etc.—architect Stratos Chatziioannidis undertook the task of adapting the exhibition to it.

The impressive digital journey

Upon entering, visitors will encounter Dali’s famous lip-shaped sofa; a bit further down, they’ll find themselves in a space reminiscent of a cinema, where an introductory documentary about the artist’s life will be screened. Walking along a corridor adorned with alternating images, they’ll eventually enter the Immersive Room.

“The main focus of the exhibition is the Immersive Box, measuring 17m x 6m and reaching almost to the ceiling,” noted Mr. Chatziioannidis. He explained that it was set up in the centre of the ground floor space, surrounding the upper floor balcony. “Around the central box, we created an organic flow, where visitors naturally progress from one section to another through browsing corridors that delve into the artist’s life and work, and milestones of his career. It culminates in the Immersive Room, and after spending half an hour in this section, visitors exit the box onto the upper floor,” he said.

In this section, Sketch and Post, visitors can sketch something on their own and project it onto screens. Additionally, there are 30 special chairs set up in the same space, where visitors can sit and wear VR glasses that will immerse them in “Salvador Dali’s Ship of Dreams.” Digital prints of the artist’s works and many of his quotes will introduce visitors and reveal his views on art, science, and faith.

George Mavridis is a journalist currently conducting his doctoral research at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). He holds a degree from the same department, as well as a Master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies from Malmö University, Sweden, and a second Master’s degree in Digital Humanities from Linnaeus University, Sweden. In 2024, he completed his third Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies: Law and Policy at AUTH. Since 2010, he has been professionally involved in journalism and communication, and in recent years, he has also turned to book writing.