Daniel Martins + Diana Romero
12 abril — 19 maio de 2024
Espaço Irene Vilar

In an attempt to shed light on the footprint of artificial intelligence systems and data processing centers, we question how these agents threaten the integrity of our socio-ecological structure. The influence and impact of these systems, often concealed by their vast scale, pose disorienting challenges such as incessant data production, e-waste, excessive energy consumption, and accelerated obsolescence of information and equipment. The overwhelming amount of content, processed at a frenetic pace, weakens our ability to comprehend and adapt to the resulting events.
 
The installation Artificial Traces emerges as an interpretation of the content consequently generated by artificial intelligence, providing a sensory experience that transports its massive and uninterrupted use into the exhibition space, along with the media frenzy that surrounds it. Digital traces, such as news and text-to-image systems, are collected in real time and translated into a timeline of light and sound pulses. Within this context, the sensory tension created by the audio-visual stimulation encourages critical dialog about the duality of the benefits and drawbacks of these agents.

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DANIEL MARTINS

(1992, Porto). Artist and designer, holds a degree in Communication Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto (2015), a postgraduate degree in Digital Design from the School of Arts of the Catholic University of Porto (2016), and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Interactive Media Systems at the School of Media Arts and Design (2024).

He has participated in exhibitions such as [y]why (Paços do Concelho do Porto CMP), Louro e Bambú (CAAA Guimarães), Fantasy Direct (LARP: for The Wrong New Digital Art Biennale, Hong Kong and Seoul, 2017), Everything is Fine at the CAVE space of Solar Art Gallery (Vila do Conde 2019-20), and the online exhibition Scrolling the Arcane, with the piece Wandering On Prediction (2020).

In 2018, he founded AALTAR, a creative system/studio where he explores his multidisciplinary practice with a collaborative approach. AALTAR operates across various platforms and design subgenres, adopting an experimental approach to creating new visual solutions.

www.daniel-martins
www.aaltar.com

DIANA ROMERO

(1993, Porto). Began her education at Escola Artística Soares dos Reis, specializing in Graphic Design (2011). She earned a degree in Communication Design from the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (2014) and is currently completing a Master’s in Interactive Media Systems at the School of Media Arts and Design (2024).

From 2014 to 2021, she worked as a communication designer, developing visual identities, packaging, art direction, and brand communication. She is currently dedicated to the field of photographic post-production and developing New Media Arts projects.

Notable contributions include serving as a guest speaker at the 11th edition of Dia D – Conversations about Design (2018), organized by the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, and contributing to the Artificial Traces installation (Gnration, Braga) at the Semibreve festival, which was selected for the Edigma Scholar grant (2024).

www.linkedin.com/in/ptdianaromero
www.vimeo.com/dianasotoromero