ZEN FOR DIGITAL IMMERSIVE EMOTIONAL UNITY
Julius Baer’s NEXT initiative, which delves into the intersection of arts, science, and technology, proudly presented a newly commissioned digital installation by Canadian-Korean artist Krista Kim. Titled ‘Heart Space,’ this immersive and innovative piece encourages participants to connect through the shared experience of the human heartbeat, fostering dialogue surrounding themes such as longevity, wellness, and the potential of blockchain technology.
Situated within the event space, the captivating ‘Heart Space’ installation allows visitors to immerse themselves in a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience. The integration of the human heartbeat serves as a symbolic representation of our shared humanity, reminding participants of the importance of empathy and interconnectedness in an increasingly digital world.
Her motto “My intention is to create zen for the digital age.”
Furthermore, the artwork acts as a catalyst for meaningful discussions about the future of human health and well-being. With a focus on longevity, the installation provokes reflection on the advancements and possibilities within the fields of science and technology that may impact human life expectancy and overall wellness.
“I’m profoundly thankful to Julius Baer for enabling such an ambitious vision as ‘Heart Space’ – one amplifying AI technology’s power to reconnect where social media algorithms have fractured. As individuals participate, I hope each participant feels inspired in their singular beauty yet leaves appreciating a greater whole. If just one person grasps our shared social fabric’s sanctity after engaging with this work, I’ll consider it a success. My deepest wish is that from the micro – encoding each distinctive rhythm – to the macro tapestry those strands weave by exhibit’s close, visitors rediscover how alike our heartbeats sound when truly heard,” said Krista Kim of her debut with Julius Baer at Art Dubai.
Through the mesmerizing ‘Heart Space’ installation, Julius Baer and Krista Kim offer an unforgettable experience that seamlessly combines the realms of art, technology, and wellness, encouraging participants to envision a world where creativity, innovation, and compassion converge to drive positive change.
‘Heart Space’ highlights the power of blockchain technology and its transformative potential across various sectors. This innovative aspect of the installation aligns perfectly with Julius Baer’s NEXT initiative, demonstrating the potential for blockchain to revolutionize traditional systems and pave the way for a more interconnected and sustainable future.
The ‘Heart Space’ installation by Krista Kim offered an immersive and interactive experience for visitors. Equipped with advanced sensors, guests were able to input their heartbeats, which were then translated in real-time by specialized software. This unique heart rhythm was transformed into mesmerizing patterns and soothing shapes, displayed across a captivating LED canvas and further amplified by the room’s mirrored walls.
As visitors engaged with the installation, the environment continuously evolved, reflecting each individual’s energy and creating an ever-changing atmosphere that emphasized the interconnectedness of all participants. This fusion of art, technology, and human connection aimed to inspire meaningful conversations around wellness, longevity, and the potential of blockchain, encouraging visitors to contemplate the intersections between art, innovation, and the human experience. The installation served as a powerful commentary on the importance of unity and connection, as the visuals and ambiance create a shared, contemplative environment.
The ‘Heart Space’ installation by Krista Kim at the Julius Baer Lounge during Art Dubai 24 served as a powerful example of how digital art can create an immersive and engaging space for individuals to interact and connect on a deeper level. By visualizing the human heartbeat in such an impactful way, the installation showcased the potential for innovative technology to not only capture our attention but also to facilitate meaningful exchanges and spark important dialogues surrounding our shared humanity.
As visitors enter the room, they are immediately drawn to the striking display of bright colors and mesmerizing patterns. The minimalist setting allows for a heightened focus on the visual elements, fostering a sense of engagement with the artwork and a shared experience among viewers.
The installation’s four hardware systems allow for up to four visitors to engage with the artwork simultaneously, making it an interactive and collaborative experience. Each participant scans their fingerprint onto a sensor, capturing their unique heartbeat. These individual heartbeats are then represented on the screen as waveforms in different colors, each reflecting a specific mood or emotional state.
The immersive experience within “Heart Space” is further enhanced by a calming sound system that serves as the backdrop to the captivating visuals. On the LED screen, a complex network of multi-colored lines float in a tranquil, hypnotic rhythm, symbolizing individual heartbeats.
As more participants contribute their heartbeats, the screen becomes a vibrant tapestry of interconnected lines and colors, harmonizing to form an expansive aggregate of heartbeats. This visual representation serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and connection, illustrating how individual rhythms can come together to create something beautiful and greater than the sum of its parts.
Through this immersive and collaborative experience, “Heart Space” reminds visitors of the intrinsic value of human connection and the profound beauty that can arise from a shared sense of community.
“Heart Space” provides a unique and personalized experience for its visitors, as the color of each individual’s waveform corresponds to their emotional state. A vibrant red waveform signifies heightened emotions, while cooler blue or green hues represent a more balanced state of mind. Laughingly, Krista Kim explains that a yellow waveform indicates a sense of serenity and calm.
Kim’s “Heart Space” installation stands out as an unforgettable experience at the bustling art fair, offering a temporary sanctuary for visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with one another on a deeper level. Through its innovative use of technology and emphasis on human emotion, the artwork prompts viewers to consider the importance of empathy and togetherness in an increasingly fast-paced world.
“Art is no longer limited to a frame on a wall. Art is becoming ever more an interactive practice,” Kim wrote in her manifesto. “Techism is the movement of our time, where we need to acknowledge digital disruption and accept the immense task of creating a new culture that expresses our humanity in the digital age.”
Kim’s innovative approach to art and technology has garnered significant attention, as evidenced by her collaboration with Louis Vuitton and her groundbreaking creation of the Mars House NFT. Her commitment to exploring the intersection of art, technology, and human connection continues to make her a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.
The underlying message of “Heart Space” is a call for empathy and togetherness, using the universal language of color and light to transcend barriers and foster a sense of connection. The artwork encourages viewers to reflect on their own sense of belonging within a larger community and to recognize the value of unity in a world that can often feel disconnected.
In this way, “Heart Space” is more than just a visually captivating installation—it serves as a poignant reminder of the fundamental human need for connection and the power of art to bridge gaps and bring people together.
“The philosophy behind the work is I want to use emerging and generative technology of artificial intelligence to create oneness,” Kim