AI Surrealism: The World’s Largest AI Art Exhibition, NYC, 2023

Presented by Superchief Gallery NFT & Exquisite Workers, 100 artists explore the boundless potential of AI in 140 artworks

Exquisite Workers
12 min readMay 30, 2023

USA, New York, — May 30, 2023 — The AI art movement continues to surge forward, propelling the emergence of new art styles and movements. As the world embraces AI-assisted artwork with unprecedented enthusiasm, physical exhibitions dedicated solely to this genre are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Among these groundbreaking showcases is the highly anticipated AI Surrealism, billed as the largest gathering of AI art ever. A collaboration between the Superchief Gallery NFT and a digitally-native collective Exquisite Workers, the exhibition promises to ignite conversations about the future of AI art, as well as its profound impact on the art world.

AI Surrealism official flyer featuring “Beyond The Upgrade” by Ai Machina

The Visionary Creators of AI Surrealism

The exhibition, hosted in the heart of New York at THE OCULUS within the Westfield World Trade Center, features an impressive collection of 140 pieces created by 100 artists from the Exquisite Workers pool. The exhibition runs from June 2 to June 24, 2023, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating AI artworks.

Artists such as Roope Rainisto, Anna Condo, BLAC.ai, Jenni Pasanen, Nikita Panin, Haze Long, Javier Tomeo, Speakingtomato, Laurence Fuller, Kika Nicolela, ORGNLPLN, Danielle King, Makeitrad, Georgina Hooper, Evelyn O, Eka Lestienne, Stephan Vasement, DEHISCENCE, Vadim Epstein, Moonchild, LASSINGER, True Camellia, DVK the artist, and many more have put their artistic spin on the concept of AI Surrealism, shaping the new movement of art (full list at the end of the article).

Showcasing a diverse range of artistic perspectives, the artworks are available for 7 day auction as open editions, priced at 0.02 ETH and at 0.04 ETH. The limited edition 1/1s are available from 0.2 ETH until the complete sold-out. The AI Surrealism exhibition showcases a diverse array of genres, including AI Photography, AI animation, AI art combined with digital illustration, AI Jewelry and Fashion design, and more.

This groundbreaking exhibition is not limited to a physical space; it is also hosted online on Foundation, a cutting-edge marketplace built on the Ethereum blockchain. Foundation provides innovative creative tools for artists and curators, offering a dynamic platform where AI Surrealism can be experienced and appreciated by a global audience. By embracing the digital realm, the exhibition reaches beyond geographical boundaries, allowing art enthusiasts from around the world to engage with and collect these remarkable AI artworks.

Exquisite Workers: Empowering Artists and Driving the Digital Art Movement

AI Surrealism, curated by Anna Dart and Roger Haus, showcases the innovative vision of Exquisite Workers. With a sharp eye for talent and restless dedication to the digital arts, Exquisite Workers has been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of Surrealism and new technologies since 2020. Celebrating their 3-year anniversary, this esteemed collective has established itself as a cutting-edge creative hub, promoting Surrealism, co-creation, and sustainability in the Metaverse. Through collaborations with influential organizations like the Picasso Museum, UN Habitat, The Fabricant, Exclusible, Seattle NFT Museum, and more, Exquisite Workers has solidified its position as a driving force in the digital art world.

Their legacy includes the groundbreaking “Crypto Exquisite Corpse” NFT project in 2021, featuring 504 perfectly interconnected pieces in the longest piece of art, including the first AI artwork on Opensea marketplace by Jenni Pasanen, which solidified their pioneering role in AI art. Recognized with nominations and impressive votes in prestigious events like NFT.NYC Awards and the SuperRare Space Race, Exquisite Workers has curated the celebration of the first AI Art Contest by Claire Silver, further enhancing the significance of the AI Surrealism exhibition. With their expertise and collaborations, the exhibition promises a dynamic, immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of AI art, delighting art enthusiasts worldwide.

The Power of Surrealism in the Digital Era

As we embark on our journey into the Metaverse, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in shaping its culture. In this time of change and disruption, creators should be the ambassadors of cultural legacies and contribute to the heritage of the future. Anna Dart passionately emphasizes,

“Surrealism, known for its experimentation and adaptation during times of significant social change, serves as the perfect foundation for exploring the integration of AI and blockchain technology.”

Exquisite Corpse as a Key to AI Art

The emergence of AI has shattered traditional art’s limitations, enabling artists to unleash boundless creativity. The Exquisite Corpse technique, born in the 1920s, assembles concepts in unpredictable ways, transcending individual expressions. Surrealists delved into their subconscious, translating ideas into captivating works. Remarkable outcomes emerged, like a crystal lion with playful monkey feet, born from serendipitous choices.

What is “Exquisite Corpse”? Explained by Elvis Marshall, one of the leading Exquisite Workers artists

Today, Exquisite Workers push this exploration further with AI, where chance and collective intelligence merge. In the AI Surrealism exhibition, the Exquisite Corpse becomes a metaphor for fusing human and machine creativity. Each artwork captures individual essence while harnessing AI’s collective intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence as Surrealism

The correlation between Surrealism and the development of artificial intelligence is undeniably fascinating. In the words of Roger Haus,

“AI operates as an infinite fusion of ideas, effortlessly within our reach. What was once a time-consuming endeavor of reflection and artistic expression, such as the peculiar practice of falling asleep while clutching an egg only to wake up on the edge of slumber when it inevitably falls, can now be brought to life by machines.”

Within the realm of Generative Adversarial Networks, this achievement is attained through a process of elimination, where choices emerge from the culmination of eliminated possibilities rather than direct selection.

Surrealism broke away from established artistic paradigms, offering artists a sense of liberation to channel their unfiltered creativity. As Haus notes,

“While movements like Cubism were disruptive, they still depicted recognizable subjects such as still life or human figures. Surrealism, fueled by Sigmund Freud’s ideas of the subconscious, emerged as a fresh wave of creativity. Today, we witness a similar fusion of creativity with artificial intelligence.”

The Magic of Imagination

“In essence, there is a parallelism between exploring the depths of the subconscious — a mysterious, untamed realm — and working with AI. Both originate from this magical, hidden place and carry an element of surprise upon completion,” — reflects Dart.

For many, the world of dreams and the workings of technology remain captivating and inexplicable, adding a touch of magic to our lives. The process of creating AI art mirrors the Surrealists’ ability to break free from the confines of reality and delve into a realm of unlimited imagination.

The AI Surrealism exhibition serves as a testament to this liberation of artistic expression. Artists no longer need to be bound by traditional artistic mediums or subject matter. With AI as their collaborator, they can transcend the confines of reality and venture into uncharted territories of imagination in the digital era.

Beginning with Dreams

Through the fusion of Surrealism and AI, artists have the power to unlock a new dimension of artistic expression. By starting with a dream, as Dart advises, artists can tap into the borderlands of sleep and access ideas detached from reality. With the click of a button, the audience is transported to the realm of #imagine, where the boundaries of art are reimagined and redefined.

Speculating the Future of AI Art

Superchief Gallery NFT and Exquisite Workers pose thought-provoking questions,

“What if we use AI and blockchain to unlock the limitless realms of human experience and unleash new forms of creativity in bold ways? What would the Surrealists have created if they had shared the experience of virtual realities?”

The exhibition aims to speculate on these questions, inviting visitors to contemplate the potential of AI art and the impact it holds for future generations.

The Transformative Power of AI Art

The hosts of the exhibition are eager to emphasize the profound transformative power of AI art, offering a source of healing amidst the ever-evolving digital landscape. By showcasing the immense potential of AI as a tool for creative expression, the collection aims to ignite fresh dialogues about the dynamic intersection of technology, art, and culture. Through this immersive experience, the exhibition brings audiences closer to a new reality, where the fusion of AI and art becomes increasingly integral.

Journeying into the Future of Art

“Surrealism has never been more important than it is today,” explains Roger Haus. “It offers a unique lens through which we can explore the integration of AI and blockchain technology. With its emphasis on the subconscious and the fantastical, the Surrealist movement provides the perfect framework for unlocking limitless realms of human experience and unleashing new forms of creativity in bold ways.

“At AI Surrealism, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey into the future of art.”

A Landmark Exhibition in the AI Art Movement

As the AI art movement continues to push the envelope of human creativity, exhibitions like AI Surrealism serve as critical milestones in this rapidly evolving landscape. With its groundbreaking fusion of technology, art, and culture, this exhibition is poised to leave an indelible mark on the art world.

Location: Canvas 3.0 at THE OCULUS, New York

The AI Surrealism exhibition takes place on June 2–24 2023 at Canvas 3.0, located at THE OCULUS within the Westfield World Trade Center in New York City. The event will be held on the Ground Floor, South Concourse, at 185 Greenwich St #4405, New York, NY 10007. Canvas 3.0 provides a captivating and immersive environment that complements the futuristic nature of AI art, offering visitors a transformative experience as they engage with the groundbreaking artworks showcased in the exhibition.

Superchief Gallery NFT: Pioneering the NFT Space

Superchief Gallery NFT is an independent artist-run gallery founded in 2012 by Edward Zipco and Bill Dunleavy in Brooklyn, New York. USA. With a rich history of supporting artists from various scenes and collectives, the gallery has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of inclusivity and community within the art world. On March 25th, 2021, Superchief Gallery NFT opened its doors in New York City, establishing itself as the World’s 1st Physical / IRL NFT Gallery. Since opening, Superchief Gallery NFT has proudly worked with: Christie’s Auction House on their 1st CryptoPunk Auction, produced the 1st ever IRL NFT events for Opensea, MakersPlace, Foundation, UNICEF, CNN, The United Nations, The Ukraine, NFT/LA, and many more. Superchief Gallery NFT has also founded the NFT Art Biennial in Venice (Italy) with Art Blocks, Bright Moments & Obscura DAO, founded the NFT KOREA FESTIVAL with PlayNomm in Seoul, Korea and continues to find opportunities globally for those in the Superchief Art Community.

Superchief Gallery NFT ´s milestones. Image courtesy of Superchief Gallery NFT.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the NFT space, Superchief Gallery continues to empower artists and shape the future of art in the digital era. As a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary platform, Superchief Gallery NFT is an extension of the cultural landscape in its most raw and honest form.

Contact information

AI Surrealism exhibition takes place on June 2–24 2023.

IRL: Canvas 3.0 at THE OCULUS at the Westfield World Trade Center, Ground Floor, South Concourse, 185 Greenwich St #4405, New York, NY 10007. Please make sure to send an email to the Superchief Gallery NFT to book your free ticket.

Online: AI Surrealism World on Foundation marketplace.

AI Surrealism official flyer featuring True Camillia

Meet the artists

AI Surrealism Twitter Space is hosted and recorded on June 1, 2023 at 1 pm EST. Please listen to the recording via this link.

Organizer: Exquisite Workers

Website https://exquisiteworkers.com/

X https://x.com/ew_corpse

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/exquisiteworkers/

Curators & Founders: Anna Dart & Roger Haus

Website https://linktr.ee/anna_dart

Website https://linktr.ee/roger_haus

Organizer: Superchief Gallery NFT

Website https://www.superchiefgallerynft.com/

Twitter https://x.com/superchiefnft

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/superchiefgallerynft/

In Press: NFT Now, exclusive feature

Read here: Exclusive: ‘AI Surrealism’ Exhibition to Feature Roope Rainisto, More

Exclusive press-release by the official partner NFT Now “Exclusive: ‘AI Surrealism’ Exhibition to Feature Roope Rainisto, More”. Image courtesy of NFT Now.
Westfield World Trade Center in NY, USA with Superchief Gallery NFT and THE CANVAS 3.0 at the OCULUS.Images courtesy of Dorje Gyatso.

Check the previous articles by Exquisite Workers. And don’t forget to give us your 👏 if you liked the newsletter.

--

--

Exquisite Workers

🎨 AI Art Expert 🏆 Midjourney Master 🫰 Monetize Your AI Art Skills ❤️‍🔥 Organizer of the largest AI art exhibition in history, NYC, 2023 😲