This digital exhibition of Algorithmic Interpretations of Epirotic Silverwork represents a pioneering collaboration between the University of Ioannina School of Fine Arts and Tongji University's Media and Communication Design program. Through computational creativity, fourteen artists bridge traditional craftsmanship with algorithmic design, creating generative artworks inspired by the region's rich silversmithing heritage.
Launched during the International Museum Day celebrations in May 2025—a month dedicated to silverwork—this initiative explores how ancient motifs can be reinterpreted through code. Working alongside the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation (PIOP) and the Epirus Studies Society, our artists researched original patterns in the Silversmith Museum's collection, then transformed these historical references into dynamic, interactive algorithms.
Rather than mere digital reproduction, each work embodies a unique algorithmic translation of traditional forms. Artists establish rule-based systems where viewers become active participants—their presence and movement influence pattern generation, creating new meanings through interaction.
The resulting pieces demonstrate how computational logic can reveal hidden relationships within traditional designs, while interactive elements establish a dialogue between viewer and artwork that mirrors the relationship between craftsperson and material.
This project extends beyond the museum walls through projection mapping installations in Ioannina's historic buildings. These public interventions invite the community to experience their cultural heritage through contemporary digital art.
By connecting historic craft techniques with algorithmic thinking, we're not preserving tradition—we're evolving it. This approach demonstrates how technological innovation can strengthen cultural identity while creating new forms of artistic expression.
Through this convergence of heritage and innovation, we aim to:
The intersection of traditional silversmithing and generative design creates a bridge between past and future, suggesting new possibilities for cultural evolution in our increasingly digital world.
This project is organized by the University of Ioannina School of Fine Arts in collaboration with Tongji University's College of Design and Innovation, supported by the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation and the Municipality of Ioannina.
To learn more, please reach out to Michail Semoglou at m.semoglou@tongji.edu.cn or Nikos Konstantinou at nkonstantinou@uoi.gr.