Ali Eslami^IR/NL

Ali Eslami (b.1991) is an Iranian Artist based in Amsterdam. His work deals with long-term, practice-based research that builds and grows through speculative thinking and world-building.
His work engages and plays with temporal and spatial investigations of memory, computation, human cognition, and emotions. Often results in the form of poetic engineering, seeking the potential that lies between the real and unreal.
His engineering background and passion for video games nurtured an obsession with cybernetics and computation and continue to build his curiosity towards the shifting roles of form and function that create virtual worlds.
Often utilizing various mediums such as VR, Film, Writing, Installation, and performance lectures. He is an alumni of Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten Amsterdam 2021-23.In 2016, his VR project won the IDFA DocLab Award for “Best Immersive Non-fiction”. and in 2020 the Golden Calf for Best Interactive at Nederlands Film Festival with fellow artist Mamali Shafahi for Nerd_Funk project. In 2023, he received the Cremer Prize from LWL-Museum Münster.

Title: Wind Fountain
The 'Wind Fountain' is a speculative structure composed of modular geometries inspired by the traditional wind catchers of southern Iran. Through augmented reality, it transforms into a public space element that allows pedestrians to engage with the sensory aspects of wind, both sonic and tangible. The fountain's base acts as a reservoir, metaphorically storing wind. By approaching wind as a fluid, similar to an alchemical process, the piece offers an imaginative form to experience nature through space. This work seeks to contrast the alienation of modern architecture and built environments from nature not only in form, but also their functions.
Credits:
By Ali Eslami
Sound: Shahin Entezami