Relics of the Holocene

“Relics of the Holocene” is a Generative A.I. Experiment for Immersive Environments by Can Buyukberber that explores the sixth mass extinction—a pivotal epoch marked by a catastrophic decline in global biodiversity. The piece focuses on the interplay between humanity’s activities and the intricate web of life on our planet. In its thematic core, the project delves into the profound ramifications of anthropogenic influences, moving beyond the immediate implications to underscore the enduring consequences of human actions on Earth’s ecosystems. By navigating the realms of generative artificial intelligence, “Relics of the Holocene” seeks to captivate audiences through immersive experiences and also serves as a commentary on the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

Relics of the Holocene 2.0
A Generative AI Art Film by Can Büyükberber
April 2025, Exhibited in Art Dubai
Relics of the Holocene 2.0 is a Generative A.I. Art Film by Can Büyükberber that revisits and expands upon the original work one year after its debut. This new version deepens the exploration of the sixth mass extinction—an epoch-defining collapse of biodiversity driven by human activity—through an evolved integration of generative technologies and immersive world building.
Set against the backdrop of the Holocene epoch—a geological period spanning the last 11,700 years that enabled the flourishing of life and human civilization—the film meditates on the accelerating destabilization of Earth’s ecosystems. Melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and atmospheric volatility are portrayed both as scientific phenomena and as poetic metaphors. These shifts are articulated through speculative, A.I.-generated forms that hover between ancient ruins and futuristic architecture.

Teaser video from the latest version 2.0 December 2024

Unlike conventional uses of A.I. as a tool, Relics of the Holocene 2.0 embeds artificial intelligence into the entire creative process as a co-authoring force—from shaping the narrative to generating sculptural forms, architectural motifs, and scenography. The result is a unified, self-referential system where the medium and message evolve together. This meta-structural approach invites viewers to decode the work’s layered symbolism, uncovering deeper connections with each viewing.
There’s a sense of mystery at the heart of the piece—an ambiguity that resists singular interpretation and rewards repeated immersion. As viewers traverse these haunting yet sublime environments, they are drawn into a speculative archive of what may come, shaped by what we choose to leave behind.
At the intersection of art, ecology, and emergent technology, Relics of the Holocene 2.0 becomes both a meditation on impermanence and a visionary reflection on the future of creativity itself.
Title: Relics of the Holocene 2.0
Artist: Can Büyükberber
Year: 2025
Medium: Generative A.I. Art Film
Duration: 11 minutes, 30 seconds
Relics of the Holocene 1.0
January 2024, Exhibited in Izmir Mediterranean Biennial

Title: "Relics of the Holocene: An Immersive Exploration of Anthropogenic Impacts on the Sixth Mass Extinction"
Abstract: This following text delves into the multifaceted dimensions of "Relics of the Holocene," a Generative A.I. Experiment created for Immersive Environments by Visual Artist Can Buyukberber. The project serves as a poignant examination of the ongoing sixth mass extinction, a critical epoch characterized by a catastrophic decline in global biodiversity. The text expands upon the contextual significance of the Holocene, elucidates the gravity of the sixth mass extinction, and investigates the escalating threats posed by rising sea levels, artificial intelligence, increasing solar activity and global warming. Furthermore, it discusses the imperative role of artworks, particularly those generated collaboratively with new generative A.I. tools, in raising awareness about these environmental issues.

Teaser video from the first version, December 2023

1. Introduction: Understanding the Holocene and the Sixth Mass Extinction
The Holocene epoch, spanning approximately the last 11,700 years, represents a geological period marked by relative stability in the Earth's climate. This epoch has facilitated the flourishing of diverse life forms, including the rise of human civilizations. However, recent anthropogenic activities have precipitated a significant departure from this stability, leading to what is now recognized as the sixth mass extinction event.
2. The Sixth Mass Extinction: A Catastrophic Unraveling of Biodiversity
The sixth mass extinction is distinguished by an alarming rate of species loss, primarily driven by human-induced factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. This article emphasizes the dire consequences of this ongoing event, highlighting its unprecedented impact on the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. The repercussions extend beyond the loss of individual species, permeating ecological interconnectedness and threatening the stability of the entire biosphere.
3. Escalating Threats: Rising Sea Levels, Artificial Intelligence, and Global Warming
The rising sea levels, fueled by the melting polar ice caps and glaciers, present a formidable threat to coastal ecosystems and human communities. The intricate interplay between human activities and the environment is further exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence, which introduces complexities in predicting and mitigating environmental impacts. Solar flares have the potential to escalate geomagnetic storm activity on Earth, and when coupled with global warming, they compound these challenges by heightening the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This dual impact disrupts ecosystems and presents existential threats to numerous species.
4. Art as a Catalyst for Awareness: The Role of "Relics of the Holocene"
In the face of these imminent threats, "Relics of the Holocene" emerges as a compelling initiative to raise awareness and inspire environmental stewardship. By leveraging generative artificial intelligence, the project creates immersive experiences that resonate with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level. Collaborating with A.I. as a creative partner, the artwork becomes a dynamic medium for communicating the urgency of addressing environmental issues.
5. Collaborative A.I. Tools: A New Frontier in Environmental Advocacy
The exploration of generative A.I. tools in the creation of environmental art represents a paradigm shift in how we engage with and address global challenges. The collaboration between human creativity and A.I. algorithms offers novel perspectives, enabling a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the consequences of human actions. "Relics of the Holocene" harnesses this potential to foster a sense of collective responsibility and mobilize communities towards sustainable practices.
6. Immersive Media: A Gateway to Empathy and Action
Immersive media serves as a powerful conduit for engaging individuals in environmental discourse. By enveloping audiences in virtual environments, the project enhances empathy and understanding, compelling viewers to confront the gravity of ecological crises. "Relics of the Holocene" invites participants to become active participants in the narrative, fostering a connection between the artwork and real-world environmental challenges.
In this immersive journey, viewers are transported to a realm where the remnants of the future are not stagnant artifacts but pulsating entities, alive with the echoes of a civilization shaped by the consequences of present-day actions. The intricate structures, visualized with the aid of A.I. tools, evoke a sense of wonder and reflection. As observers navigate this futuristic landscape, they are invited to question the origins and implications of these structures, blurring the lines between technology, architecture, and nature.
7. Conclusion: Toward Environmental Consciousness through Art and Technology
In conclusion, "Relics of the Holocene" stands at the intersection of art, technology, and environmental advocacy. Through its exploration of the Holocene epoch, the sixth mass extinction, and the escalating threats of rising sea levels, artificial intelligence, and global warming, the project underscores the urgent need for collective action. In leveraging generative A.I. tools and immersive media, it not only raises awareness but also catalyzes a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future. As humanity grapples with unprecedented challenges, art becomes a potent catalyst for fostering environmental consciousness and inspiring tangible steps towards a harmonious coexistence with the planet.
“As I gazed upon the relic before me, I was struck by its otherworldly appearance. It was a creation that defied easy categorization - was it a technology, an architecture, or a product of nature? Or was it all of these things, blended together in a seamless fusion of form and function?
The relic appeared to be a massive, organic structure, composed of countless interlocking components. It pulsed and glowed with an otherworldly energy, as if it were a living organism. And yet, upon closer inspection, it revealed a level of complexity that was beyond anything I had ever seen before.
As I studied the relic, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the intelligence that had created it. Whether it was the product of human design or something more mysterious, it was clear that this relic represented a leap forward in our understanding of the world around us.” - The Observer
About the Artist
Visual artist and director Can Buyukberber creates immersive audiovisual experiences that bridge both physical and digital spaces. His practice encompasses experiments with various media, including virtual/augmented reality, projection mapping, geodesic domes, large-scale displays, and digital fabrication. Fueled by interdisciplinary thinking and curiosity that extends to art, design, and science, Buyukberber's work frequently delves into human perception. He explores innovative methods for non-linear narratives, geometrical order, synergetics, and emergent forms. Aiming to craft captivating and abstract realms, he employs increasingly intricate structures that resonate as multi-sensorial experiences, transforming the conceptual into the experiential and blurring the sense of scale and presence across physical and digital environments.
Can Buyukberber's contributions to the interdisciplinary domain of art, science, and technology provide significant insights into the evolving landscape of digital narrative structures. By examining the intersection of human perception with digital interfaces, his work raises pertinent questions about our evolving relationship with technology, especially as we stand on the brink of the spatial computing revolution. As we navigate the nuanced distinctions between the physical and the virtual, Buyukberber's research-based approach offers valuable perspectives on the possibilities and challenges of immersive art in contemporary discourse. Anticipating the future of spatial experiences, his endeavors, which include experimentation with Generative A.I. tools, underscore the importance of continuous exploration at the confluence of art and technology, laying the groundwork for what lies ahead in our increasingly interconnected worlds."
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