Mika Kusakari's Solo Exhibition: Inverted Turing Test Unveiled in Tokyo

Mika Kusakari's Solo Exhibition: Inverted Turing Test

The much-anticipated solo exhibition titled Inverted Turing Test by the accomplished artist Mika Kusakari is set to take place from May 30 to June 13, 2026, at HIGURE 17-15 cas in Tokyo. This marks Kusakari's first solo showcase in approximately eleven years, following her collaborations in the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Aesthetics Arts Research Association in 2016, where she has dedicated her artistic pursuit to exploring the realms of 'mechanical aesthetics' and 'mechanical art.'

Kusakari has been continually developing her series of 'Undulating Paintings' since the year 2000. This series intricately layers paint at a molecular level, transforming the zero-dimensional matter into one-dimensional color lines. Through this process, she constructs a two-dimensional painting surface that beautifully culminates in three-dimensional undulations.

The upcoming exhibition will primarily feature new works, prominently including the substantial piece Undulating Painting #53 “Hanon” (2015-2025), an impressive artwork that embodies the essence of 'mechanical aesthetics' through the medium of paint. Attendees can expect the exhibition space to be filled with the resonances from 'Hanon,' further immersing visitors in its auditory landscape.

Among the showcased pieces are Undulating Painting #54 “Caption” and Undulating Painting #55 “Caption” (2026), both exceeding two meters in width. These works feature a recursive relationship between the artwork, signifier, and the captions that describe them, adding layers of complexity to the viewer’s experience. Kusakari's works are also noted to be held in esteemed collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Another remarkable piece, Undulating Painting #52 “Loving Paint” (2000-2026), resurrects a group of paints that failed to illuminate through their intended expression, by spinning them on an electric lathe, converting them into a protective three-dimensional artwork.

The only piece from Kusakari's previous works in this exhibition is Undulating Painting #51 “Statement” (2016), where viewers often find themselves experiencing gestalt collapse as they attempt to decipher the intertwining elements of undulations and text, leading to entertaining conclusions about the futility of reading. Traditionally, artist statements serve as auxiliary components to exhibitions, but in this instance, 'Statement' alongside 'Caption' emerges as a pivotal part of the showcase.

The relationship between AI and aesthetics remains a critical inquiry for both Kusakari and the AI Aesthetics Research Association, questioning the role of AI in value judgments and creation. From this stance, she proposes that passing the Turing test involves a human's ability to avoid being recognized as AI. Therefore, the title 'Inverted Turing Test' is derived, layered with the notion of an AI autonomously creating undulating paintings and underlying themes of post-truth dynamics.

Kusakari’s exhibition invites both humans and AI to reflect on the materiality and symbolism of painting. This thought-provoking showcase poses critical questions regarding contemporary art's role in an AI-driven society.

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