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Turkish media artist Refik Anadol has made headlines as the cover star of TIME magazine’s 2025 TIME100 AI issue, which highlights the world’s most influential figures in artificial intelligence. Known for blending technology and art, Anadol’s innovative AI-driven installations have earned him global recognition.
For the TIME100 AI cover, Anadol undertook an ambitious project, he trained an AI system on an extensive archive of over 5,000 TIME magazine covers, spanning more than a century of visual history. The AI analyzed patterns, textures, and compositions across decades, generating an abstract and visually striking image that encapsulates TIME’s legacy while projecting a futuristic vision.
Anadol described the result as a “human-machine collaboration,” emphasizing the creative synergy between AI algorithms and human artistic direction. Beyond creating a single static image, the cover is presented as a seamless looping video, giving it a living, kinetic quality that mirrors the fluidity of Anadol’s signature style. This project represents a new frontier in media art, demonstrating how AI can be used not only as a tool but as a co-creator in the artistic process.
TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs highlighted that the TIME100 AI list is designed to celebrate individuals who are actively shaping the future of artificial intelligence, whether through innovation, advocacy, or creative expression. By including Anadol, the list emphasizes the role of artists in directing the ethical and aesthetic trajectory of AI technologies. His work demonstrates that AI is not just a computational tool but a medium capable of emotional, cultural, and social impact.
Anadol’s projects often spark conversations about the human-machine relationship, encouraging audiences to consider how technology can expand creative possibilities while remaining anchored in human experience. His inclusion in TIME100 AI underscores the growing recognition of creative voices in technological discourse, signaling a shift toward a more integrated vision of innovation.
Building on his vision, Anadol is spearheading the creation of Dataland, the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to AI-generated art, slated to open in Los Angeles later this year. Spanning 20,000 square feet, the museum is designed to be more than a traditional exhibition space—it will serve as a research and education hub, showcasing ethical and sustainable applications of AI in the arts.
Powered entirely by renewable energy, Dataland is a collaborative effort involving the architecture firm Gensler and engineering consultancy Arup. Visitors can expect large-scale immersive installations, interactive AI art experiences, and programs that explore the intersection of data, creativity, and society. Through this project, Anadol aims to provide both a platform for AI artists worldwide and an educational space for the public to engage critically with artificial intelligence.
To celebrate the leaders shaping the AI landscape, TIME will host the “TIME100 Impact Dinner” in San Francisco on October 13, 2025. The event will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive demonstrations from artists, technologists, and policymakers, including those featured in the TIME100 AI list.
Anadol’s participation will highlight the critical intersection of creativity and technology, offering insight into how AI can be harnessed not only for innovation but also for cultural and societal enrichment. His presence underscores the evolving role of artists in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between technical capability and human imagination.
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