Overview
Presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025–26, Data Dreams: Art and AI is an exhibition that's sparking nuanced conversations surrounding artificial intelligence. MCA has brought together ten visionary contemporary artists at the forefront of technology to unpack how AI is transforming the way we exist in the modern era. Spanning a series of interconnected gallery spaces, the exhibition looks at the cultural, political, and environmental impact of artificial intelligence that society is currently grappling with.
Hamish McIntosh
Through multi-sensory installations, paintings, films, sculptures, and imagery, Data Dreams aims to tackle the big questions: Who holds the power behind the algorithm? How is AI shaping our perception of reality? And, of course, what does it mean to be human in an era of such intense technological change? The exhibition isn't encouraging AI "slop", but rather, exploring how we are intersecting with the technology.
A number of international artists (who have been at the forefront of critically engaging with artificial intelligence for decades) have contributed their work, including Angie Abdilla, Kate Crawford, Vladan Joler, Fabien Giraud, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Christopher Kulendran Thomas, Agnieszka Kurant, Trevor Paglen, Hito Steyerl, and Anicka Yi. Their pieces contemplate everything from algorithmic bias and surveillance to the environmental cost of the data economy.
Hamish McIntosh
So, consider this your cue to log off and take a critical peek behind the AI curtain.
Book your tickets now.
Lead image: Anna Kucera