Before artificial intelligence became a global force, there was Cybernetic Existentialism — a pioneering artistic vision that explored the convergence of human consciousness and technology. A grand retrospective honoring Ruffo Caselli (Florence, 1932 – Ovada, 2020), one of the earliest artists to incorporate AI themes into his work, will open on March 1, 2025, at the Società Promotrice di Belle Arti Liguria in Genoa, Italy.
This esteemed gallery, founded in 1849 by Prince Carlo Alberto of Savoy, has historically welcomed European royalty, aristocracy, and luminaries of the arts, including the noble Spinola, Pallavicini, and Doria-Pamphili families, as well as the renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Mario Moneta, a distinguished collector and philanthropist, the institution continues its mission of promoting significant artistic contributions.
A Visionary Artist Ahead of His Time
Ruffo Caselli was a trailblazer in integrating themes of artificial intelligence into fine art. His signature style, depicting human-machine hybrids and cybernetic landscapes, raises fundamental questions: Are machines merely tools, or do they represent a new form of existence? Can robotics reflect human emotion, or do they distance us from our own humanity?
Caselli’s paintings offer a contemplative space where technology and emotion intersect. His iconic humanoid figures, marked by geometric precision and enigmatic dots—often interpreted as electronic circuits—suggest a delicate tension between the organic and the mechanical. His thought-provoking work continues to gain recognition among AI scholars and futurists, highlighting the philosophical and ethical dilemmas posed by rapid technological advancements.
The Cybernetic Existentialism retrospective follows recent exhibitions of Caselli’s work in Milan and across Russia, where audiences engaged deeply with his exploration of artificial intelligence, robotics, and human identity.
Expert Perspectives on Caselli’s Legacy
As part of this exhibition, art curator Carmen Gallo has gathered expert commentary from distinguished professionals in the field, who are also collectors of Caselli’s artwork.
Dongxu Zhou, AI Engineer & Researcher (Airbnb, Moveworks, Sierra AI, San Francisco, California), reflects:
“Ruffo Caselli’s work resonates deeply in an era where artificial intelligence is redefining humanity’s trajectory. His vision, manifest in his human-machine hybrids and cybernetic landscapes, anticipated not only the tools we use but also the existential dilemmas we now face. Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, Caselli’s work offers a framework for navigating the ethical and societal challenges posed by advancing technology. As we integrate AI into every aspect of life, his art reminds us to question the trade-offs between efficiency and humanity, between innovation and individuality.”
Dongxu ZhouAI Engineer & Researcher, Airbnb, Moveworks, Sierra AI San Francisco, California with his daughter Aida.
Cora Repetti, Engineer & Release Manager at Zoox (Amazon, San Francisco, California), adds:
“Now that artificial intelligence permeates nearly every aspect of our lives, Ruffo Caselli’s art takes on new meaning. His work envisioned a future that is no longer theoretical—it is here. The figures in his paintings, marked by distinct dots, evoke the electronic chips that now replace human decision-making in autonomous systems. Having spent years working on self-driving cars, I see a profound connection between Caselli’s vision and today’s reality. I wish I could take him on a ride in a robot-taxi—I wonder what he would have thought!”
Engineer Cora Repetti, Release Manager at Zoox (Amazon) San Francisco, California.
Exhibition Details
Cybernetic Existentialism: The Art of Ruffo Caselli will be on display at the Società Promotrice di Belle Arti Liguria, located at Via degli Archi, 39, Genoa, Italy.
For further information, visit www.cyberneticexistentialism.com.
Media Contact
Company Name: Promotrice Belle Arti Liguria
Contact Person: Promotrice Belle Arti
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Address:Via Degli Archi, 39
State: Genova
Country: Italy
Website: www.cyberneticexistentialism.com