Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kira Xonorika. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kira, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Oh so many but here’s my top 3!
I remember being invited to the “Incarnation” exhibition curated by Hannah Stouffer of H+ Creative at Vellum Los Angeles. At that time, I was conducting art research in Mexico City. I had first seen the works of H+ artists at the Superchief Gallery a few months earlier. I loved the intensity of the colors and the hyper-human, iconoclastic aesthetic. When I received the invitation to participate in Vellum Gallery, I was ecstatic it was such a surprise; those Vellum displays are divine, and it’s every artist’s dream to showcase their work in such a showcase. Seeing my work displayed on such a grand scale filled me with excitement; it was a full-circle moment. Incarnation
Soon, I will be exhibiting at Leopoldskron Castle, in my first exhibition in Salzburg, Austria. This castle is significant as it was once the home of Max Reinhardt, an avant-garde theatre and film director. It is also one of the filming locations for The Sound of Music, historically linked to symbolizing a refuge for the arts, yet also housing the forefront of contemporary culture innovation. It’s a magical place filled with whimsy. I mean, you are used to seeing more classical works displayed in Castles so this one feels very special.
Something else that brings me great joy is that this year, I have devised the first generative arts residency for South American artists, in collaboration with the Migliorisi Foundation from Asunción, Paraguay, and Pyxis Exploration Numérique from Lausanne, Switzerland. I feel deeply honored that these institutions have invited me to lead this project, which aims to empower artists and promote education in media arts, while also establishing ties with Switzerland, with support from Pro Helvetia.
I have so much gratitude to Hannah, Alice, Lia, Caroline, Faye and Paula, all the women who have supported me at these different spaces. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their visions.
In reflecting on these experiences, I’m reminded of the intrinsic value of art in connecting us to our humanity and to each other. I love being connected to the global art community and having the possibility to expand creative possibilities.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an artist, writer, and AI researcher at the forefront of integrating digital media with machine learning to push the boundaries of creativity. My unique approach blends technological innovation with artistic expression, leading to my work being showcased in major cities worldwide, including New York, Miami, London, Salzburg, Linz, Buenos Aires, and Seoul. Notably, my digital art has captivated audiences on billboards in LA and Seoul, demonstrating my ability to engage with the public on a grand scale.
My commitment to the fusion of art and technology has led me to speak at renowned platforms such as the World Summit on Arts and Culture and the Salzburg Global Seminar. I’ve also contributed to academic discourse at leading institutions like the University of Cambridge and King’s College London, sharing my insights on how digital advancements are reshaping the arts. Further, I’ve collaborated with organizations like CI&T, enhancing the dialogue between technology and creativity.
In my work, I regularly direct, create, and co-organize projects that lie at the intersection of technology, art, science, and culture. These initiatives are not just exhibitions of what’s possible today but are conversations about the future of creativity. They challenge conventional views and promote a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, encouraging collaboration across diverse fields.
What sets my work apart is not just the use of cutting-edge technology but how it is applied to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and invite viewers to consider the future of art and its role in society. Through my art, I aim to demonstrate the potential of AI to democratize and diversify creativity, making it accessible to a broader audience and encouraging a new generation of artists to explore digital mediums.
I am particularly proud of the dialogue my projects initiate—conversations about the ethical use of AI in art, the potential for technology to enhance human creativity, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving forward the boundaries of what art can be.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I’m deeply enthusiastic about NFTs, seeing them as a revolutionary tool for digital artists to monetize their creations uniquely and securely. NFTs not only enable artists to gain rightful recognition and revenue but also pave the way for participation in decentralized economies. This technology democratizes the art market, breaking down traditional barriers and opening up new opportunities for artists and collectors alike to connect and transact in a transparent, global marketplace. NFTs represent a significant shift towards a more inclusive and innovative future for the art world.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’m more of a podcast person but I could name a few they would be Juliet Odobo from the FWRD Institute, To be Magnetic, Neuroscientist Tara Swart, Rachel Rodgers, and most importantly the entire web3 community who are visionaries and incredibly generous.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: xonorika
- Twitter: xonorika
Image Credits
Billboards: Images by Standard Vision Circle install: Image by Kenny Laubaccher Vellum Install: Image by Christian Holland