Project22 presents History Encoded, an immersive exhibition tracing the evolution of digital art—from early algorithmic works to the present day’s immersive, AI-driven, and blockchain-based creativity. Hosted at Kanvas in Dubai, the region’s leading venue for digital and experiential art, the exhibition opens on June 20, 2025, with free public access and programming on June 21 and 22.
This exhibition is not a retrospective—it’s a reimagining. Each era is explored through the lens of contemporary and pioneering artists, reinterpreting the aesthetics, philosophies, and code-based revolutions that shaped our digital culture.
Featured Artists Include:
- Casey Reas, Pioneer of Software Art & Co-founder of Processing, presenting Process 6 (2005).
“Reas helped redefine code as a medium of artistic expression, laying the groundwork for an entire generation of software-based artists.” — CLOT Magazine - LIA, Pioneer of Net Art, presenting G.S.I.L.XII/+ (2002), a defining work of early online generative aesthetics.
- Hackatao, Crypto Art OG Duo, showcasing works from 2018–2024, blending intricate hand-drawn styles with blockchain technology to help shape the NFT landscape.
- OBVIOUS, AI art collective and pioneers in the field, presenting Be Water (2025).
“An artwork created by an artificially intelligent program has been sold at auction for $432,000 (£337,000).” — BBC News
“This sale marked a seismic moment for AI in the art world.” — TIME Magazine - Julian Hespenheide, presenting FUZZING—algorithmic visuals shaped by the ideas of one of the earliest digital art pioneers.
“Frieder Nake taught us that the majority of programming happens in the imagination—only then does the computer bring it to life.” - Anton Berk (HolotX), with Shared Memory (2024), transforming sound and particle systems into immersive, real-time audiovisual environments.
- Sergey Prokofyev, architect and filmmaker, presenting Phydgital Lymbo, an immersive cinematic work connecting spatial design and emotional narrative.
- Damien Looney, glitch poet and video artist, presenting Glitch & Flow (2023), an analog-meets-digital, audio-reactive abstraction.
- Patryk Witek, presenting Mokradła, NER, and SPORE (2024), digital environments inspired by nature, memory, and Polish landscapes.
- Lydia Yakonowsky, presenting Statistical Bouquet 4 (2024), merging economics and aesthetics into data-driven existential visualizations.
- Eegun, Generative Artist & Art Director of the Exhibition, presenting a signature visual work leading the final immersive chapter. Known for his rhythm-driven, logic-infused aesthetic, Eegun also directed the artistic structure of the entire show.
Curator’s Note:
“History Encoded is not about nostalgia. It’s about revisiting the digital past with today’s tools and questions. Each artist here is decoding and re-envisioning the aesthetics of technology in their own language.”
— Evgeniya Romanidi, Curator & Founder of Project22
As highlighted by Dubai Culture in their official announcement:
“Curated by Evgeniya Romanidi, [TODA House 349] presents digital artworks exploring the relationship between individuality, technology, and nature.”— Dubai Culture, Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025
Opening Details
- Opening Date: June 20, 2025 (invitation-only preview)
- Public Access: June 21–22, 2025 (free admission)
- Additional Program: Curator tours, lectures, and panel discussions
- Venue: Kanvas, Dubai
- Contact for Details: Please reach out to Kanvas directly