Khristina Ots is an art & science curator, researcher, and educator, known for her work at the nexus of art, science, and technology. Since 2020, she has led the curatorial department at the Art & Science Center of ITMO University and co-founded the ASTA Award (Art, Science & Technology Award).
Within the work as Chief Work at SPLACES.STUDIO she focuses on building the ground for integrating natural logics into technology and in creating art concepts that can help to solve complex eco-challenges and enhance interdisciplinary dialogue. In doing so, Khristina strives to bridge fields traditionally seen as disparate, emphasizing a holistic integration that reflects the dynamism and interconnectedness of modern innovation.
AI as a driver of empathy towards nature
PLACES.STUDIO’s art practice is focused on creating interactive sculptures and installations rooted in natural environment analysis. By combining AI with nature-driven technologies, the studio challenges anthropocentric perceptions and fosters empathy as a pathway to sustainability. Projects leverage nature’s light and sound spectrums, reduce stress, minimize environmental impact, and incorporate non-human agents’ perceptions.
Using AI, the studio gives nature a voice and character, bridging the gap between humans and the natural world. Projects like BLACK NIDUM and ELECTRIC SENSE use scientific data on endangered birds and weakly electric fish to create dialogues between viewers and non-human communicative systems. DENDROSONIC and MEGALITH extend this vision to plants and non-living matter, showcasing AI’s potential as a non-visual artistic tool. Themes include AI’s adaptive properties to create immersive experiences that connect people with the natural world.
