Miguel Chevalier, a Mexico City-born, Paris-based artist, has dedicated over four decades to exploring digital technology as an artistic medium. His expansive solo exhibition, "Digital by Nature: The Art of Miguel Chevalier," curated by Franziska Stöhr, is currently on display at the Kunsthalle München, marking his largest European showcase to date. This comprehensive presentation delves into Chevalier's continuous investigation into the convergence of digital and analog art forms, as well as the intricate relationship between technology and natural elements. The exhibition features a diverse collection of approximately 120 pieces, illustrating the evolution of his innovative approach from his early forays into pixels, binary code, and algorithmic systems to his most recent projects. These works collectively explore the interplay between human interaction and computational environments.
Pioneering Digital Landscapes and Responsive Artistry
At the Kunsthalle München, visitors can immerse themselves in Chevalier's pioneering digital landscapes and responsive artistic creations, which are on display from September 12, 2025, to March 1, 2026. The exhibition showcases a rich array of media, including sculptures crafted from 3D-printed ceramic and recycled plastic, robot-generated drawings, machine-embroidered textiles, and video installations powered by artificial intelligence. A significant highlight of the exhibition is a series of large-scale generative and interactive installations. These dynamic artworks utilize algorithmic systems to continuously evolve visual compositions, reacting in real-time to the movements and presence of visitors. This creates a reciprocal experience where human engagement directly influences the machine-driven artistic output. Complementing these visual spectacles are meticulously composed soundscapes by Jacopo Baboni Schilingi, which further enhance the spatial and sensory dimensions of the exhibition. Two distinct works were specially developed for the Kunsthalle München: "Complex Meshes Robot Drawings," a performative installation where a robot, guided by parameters set by Chevalier, translates visual motifs into unique, gesture-like drawings, bridging the gap between programmed motion and expressive artistry; and "In Vitro Pixel Flowers," an expanded virtual herbarium where participants can generate and observe the lifecycle of digital plant forms within a greenhouse-like setting. This installation vividly illustrates the processes of growth, variation, and renewal through a shared, interactive landscape. Through this multifaceted collection, "Digital by Nature" emphasizes Chevalier's enduring commitment to examining how computational tools can redefine visual aesthetics, spatial encounters, and collective engagement within the realm of contemporary art.
Miguel Chevalier's "Digital by Nature" exhibition is a profound reflection on the evolving relationship between humanity, technology, and nature. It challenges us to reconsider the boundaries of art and the potential of digital tools to create immersive, interactive experiences. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that technology, when wielded with artistic vision, can not only mimic but also re-imagine the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of transformation and growth in both digital and organic forms. It invites audiences to actively participate in the art, blurring the lines between observer and creator, and demonstrating the endless possibilities of computational creativity.