Over 61% of the global population owns a mobile phone. These devices have become an extension of our being – used to plan schedules, answer questions and connect with individuals across the world. Interactive technology blurs the boundaries between human and digital. Many gadgets now have friendly, human names and talk back to us. As smart mechanics continue to merge into our daily activities, the Odunpazari Modern Museum, Turkey, reflects on the origins of interactive software.  

The exhibition is titled Ada, referencing one of the world’s first computer programmers: Ada Lovelace (1815-1852). The pioneering developer created the first prototype of digital software in the 19th century and aimed to build a machine that could paint and write poetry. Artist Karina Smigla-Bobinski (b. 1967) harnesses the engineer’s intention, creating a sculpture which independently generates art. The buoyant, transparent sphere, which shares the same name as the show, is covered in charcoal spikes, transforming the piece into an independent drawing tool. The inflatable structure moves freely, producing black scribbles on the white gallery walls. The work highlights the hidden talents of machinery whilst querying society’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence.

Until 12 April. Find out more here.

Image: Karina Smigla-Bobinski, ADA, GARAGE Çağdaş Sanatlar Merkezi Moskova (Rusya)_GARAGE Center for Contemporary Culture in Moscow (Russia), Fotoğraf, Photo by Karina Smigla-Bobinski.