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New York Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
How Lionel Messi's favorite goal became immortalized in art
NEW YORK – The towering 20-by-12-foot structure rises like a digital monolith inside Christie's Woods Room, just steps from the historic auction house's marble-clad lobby at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, a space that has previously showcased icons such as Louise Bourgeois, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Advertisement If this is a place where artwork comes to life, its latest inhabitant functions as a digital portal, an immersive gateway that collapses time, fusing past and future in a cascade of visuals that feel ripped from The Matrix movies. This work bridges two worlds that have long existed apart: the tribal passion of soccer and the cerebral, curated realm of fine art. The artist involved, Refik Anadol, will tell you plainly he wasn't a fan of the sport that draws billions of people together around the globe. As a boy growing up in Istanbul, he watched an occasional Beşiktaş derby against Galatasaray with his uncle, a diehard fan, but for the world-renowned media artist behind some of the most ambitious AI-driven installations of the last decade, football was always a backdrop rather than an obsession. Until Lionel Messi. Anadol knew who Messi was, but his interest was less in the global football icon who has won eight Ballons d'Or, the annual award given to the sport's best player over the previous 12 months, but more in his impact on the world. 'Messi the maestro', as Anadol calls him. A once-in-a-generation talent whose brilliance on the pitch transcends sport and bleeds into something more elemental. So when the charitable foundation of Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club Messi now plays for, and Christie's approached him – via curator Ximena Caminos – with an proposal to reimagine the Argentine's choice as the most meaningful goal of his long and glittering career as a generative data sculpture, Anadol saw an opportunity. 'Art has always been an incredible catalyst to amplify messages that are relevant to this moment,' Caminos told The Athletic. Anadol knew from the beginning that his job was not to document a goal from a sporting perspective, but to transform it into a living memory of a moment from thousands of different angles. 'This wasn't about replaying the moment,' Anadol told The Athletic. 'It was about reconstructing a memory, in this case his memory, through data, emotion and space.' The result is a first-of-its-kind artwork titled 'Living Memory Messi — A Goal in Life', which will be auctioned at Christie's New York at the end of this month for charity. The installation reimagines Messi's header against Manchester United in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, a moment the player himself selected as the most meaningful of his 800-plus goals. Advertisement 'It's hard to choose just one, there have been so many,' Messi told the crew who interviewed him a few months ago in an interview that has not been shared with the public until now. Out of all his goals, that second-half header which sealed Barcelona's third European Cup/Champions League title stands out as a defining moment in his 21-year professional career. 'That goal is my favorite,' he smiled. 'It was the most beautiful and unique, because it was a header (Messi, famously, is only 5ft 7in/170cm tall). I jumped really high, which is rare for me.' Played on a balmy May evening in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, the match was billed as a clash of titans: Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, a team that was reshaping modern football with their slick, possession-based style, up against Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, one of the most successful and valuable clubs in the world, the defending European champions and still brimming with attacking firepower. Messi was already a star in 2009. Then 22, he was fast and unmistakably gifted. But he was still in the process of evolving from prodigy to legend. The pressure was immense. He not only had to dazzle, but to deliver. The world was watching to see if La Pulga (The Flea, a reference to his size), the boy wonder, could rise under the spotlight and cement his name among the game's immortals. And he delivered. In the 70th minute of the final, with Barcelona already leading 1–0, Xavi Hernández floated a precise, looping cross into United's penalty area. What happened next stunned even Messi's most faithful fans. The diminutive Argentine ghosted between defenders, leapt high behind 6ft 2in center back Rio Ferdinand and met the ball with a perfect header, looping it past goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar into the far corner of the net. It was Messi's first headed goal of the season in his 51st appearance. He ran toward the corner flag, arms outstretched, grinning in disbelief. Advertisement 'I did not overthink it, it just came to me naturally,' Messi explained. 'I simply jumped, connected with the ball the way I always do and it turned into a goal.' Messi's feelings for this goal come across as a mixture of pride, fondness and perhaps a bit of disbelief. He does not dramatize it, but you can tell it holds deep personal meaning. It's not just a beautiful goal, it is a rare moment that defied his usual style yet captured everything great about him: instinct, timing, precision and execution under pressure. 'I never thought it was the hardest goal I scored, it certainly was the most important and most memorable one,' he said. That goal sealed Barcelona's 2–0 victory, completing a historic first treble for the Catalan club, to go with winning the title and domestic cup back in Spain, and marking Messi's arrival as a player who would go on to define an era. 'To me, that header is not just a goal,' Anadol said. 'It's a portal. A moment where a boy became a maestro.' Over two decades, Messi has authored one of the most storied careers in the history of sport. With Barcelona, he lifted four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga trophies, and broke the record for most Ballons d'Or wins. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo of Barca's biggest domestic competitors Real Madrid dominated global headlines for more than 10 years, while his singular style, low center of gravity and surgical left foot redefined what it meant to be a No 10 in this sport. When Messi left Barcelona in 2021, due to financial constraints at the club, it marked the end of an era. Joining Paris Saint-Germain, he added more silverware, but it was his World Cup win with Argentina in 2022 that delivered the final validation for many, especially those in his homeland – a crowning achievement that elevated him beyond greatness. Anadol's challenge wasn't simply to recreate Messi's header, it was to transform it into something never seen before. 'Memory means something very different in this context,' he explained. 'Every goal is a memory for him. But for Messi to choose the most meaningful one feels deeply significant.' For Anadol, that's Messi's gift to this project: offering up this moment from his life to raise awareness and hopefully generate funding for something good. Advertisement 'That connection really matters to me,' Anadol said. 'And I think, in his mind, it does too.' With his team of engineers and researchers, Anadol reconstructed the goal using footage from UEFA, European football's governing body (which he points out is only two-dimensional), player tracking data and machine learning algorithms. From there, his team used machine learning and AI to reconstruct the moment in 3D, essentially bringing a 16-year-old memory into the present with technology that didn't exist in 2009. Every frame and every movement was rebuilt mathematically: the speed and trajectory of the ball, the positions and motions of every player, the fluid coordination of the team. It's not just watching the goal, it's AI rewatching it, filling in the gaps and analyzing the physics and decision-making embedded in those few seconds. Beyond the data, Messi's eight-minute interview reflecting on the goal, what he felt and why it mattered, was used to create the soundtrack. 'We analyzed his voice, facial expressions, and emotional cues to layer those feelings into the project,' Anadol explained. 'The result isn't just a digital artwork, it's a data sculpture. Not bronze or marble, but a fully immersive, architectural-scale installation.' Inside the installation — a mirrored, immersive room — the lines between viewer, data and memory blur. Visitors become part of the piece, surrounded by a living, breathing sculpture of movement, light and sound. Stadium noise echoes. Commentary loops. Messi's own heartbeat mixes with ambient audio to create what Anadol calls a 'memory soundscape'. 'When you walk in, it feels like stepping into Messi's memory — part sculpture, part science-fiction,' he said. 'The space becomes a canvas, and the architecture itself transforms into a living painting, textured with Messi's emotions and layered with data. It's a completely new kind of storytelling.' For Anadol, whose past works have ranged from Alzheimer's awareness installations to partnerships with NASA and SpaceX, the project marks a fresh kind of collaboration — one between two masters of completely different mediums. 'I don't see Messi as an artist,' he said. 'I see him as a maestro. He orchestrates space and time in ways that defy logic. I paint with data. He paints with motion.' As the first edition of FIFA's expanded version of the Club World Cup wraps up in the New York area with the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, 'The Greatest Goal' has arrived at the perfect time. A year from now, the World Cup final will be played there at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, too. Advertisement Until July 22, the artwork will be up for auction online by Christie's, with 100 per cent of proceeds benefitting the Inter Miami Foundation over a range of charitable initiatives, including its partnership with UNICEF, which supports access to quality education programs in Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti. The bids were to start at $1.5million (£1.1m), but Anadol hopes the sculpture won't disappear into private hands. 'This isn't just a collaboration between two people, it's a dialogue between two disciplines,' he said. 'It's not artist meets artist; it's sport meets art. And that's what makes it so fresh and powerful.'
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Inventing and animating in 3D made easier — Manjit Singh Sidhu
JULY 9 — In the past, 3D modelling and animation were limited to large-scale production companies and highly qualified teams. It took weeks or months of work, costly software, and extensive technical knowledge to create anything in 3D back then, whether it was a product prototype or a vibrant animated character. Today, that landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Thanks to developing technologies, more intelligent tools, and a growing user-friendly design platform culture, 3D invention and animation are now not only more accessible but also much simpler. Creating 3D content is fundamentally about making concepts come to life. Whether you are a digital artist bringing a character to life or an inventor sketching out a product design, 3D offers you a potent way to make your idea a reality, or at least a virtual one. The fact that entry barriers have decreased is particularly exciting at this time. To begin, you are no longer required to be a professional animator or engineer. If you have an idea, you can probably build it with the tools available today. One of the biggest shifts has come with software evolution. Tools like Blender, Tinkercad, and SketchUp offer free or affordable access to powerful 3D modelling capabilities. Blender, in particular, has matured into a robust open-source suite that supports everything from modelling and rigging to animation and video editing. What used to be a steep learning curve is now softened by intuitive user interfaces, built-in tutorials, and vast online communities eager to help newcomers find their footing. Tinkercad, aimed at beginners, lets you piece together 3D shapes like digital LEGO blocks — perfect for those just dipping their toes into the world of invention. Creating 3D characters are now easier. — Unsplash pic Rapid prototyping is now available to inventors. A high school student with a brilliant idea can model and print their prototype at home or in a community maker space, thanks to 3D printing and easily accessible design tools. The days of testing new products only using conventional manufacturing techniques are long gone. Innovation is accelerated by this iteration speed, which frees up funds for additional experimentation and creativity. Animation, once considered a technical and time-consuming domain, has seen a similar transformation. The amount of manual labour required to animate characters has significantly decreased due to the introduction of automation and AI-assisted workflows by software platforms such as Mixamo (by Adobe), Cascadeur, and Character Animator. You can rig and animate a 3D character in just a few minutes with Mixamo; no prior rigging knowledge is necessary. These kinds of tools help creators achieve realistic, fluid movement without having to manually key each frame by using artificial intelligence to apply physics-based behaviours, predict natural motion, and modify animations in real-time. One of the most empowering developments is the rise of template-based and modular design systems. Just like website builders such as Wix or Squarespace made web design easier, platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine are embracing plug-and-play assets that enable creators to construct rich 3D environments without starting from scratch. Want a forest setting for your animation? You can drag and drop it from an asset store. Need a walking animation for your robot character? There is likely a free preset for that. This democratisation of assets is fuelling a new wave of creativity, where people spend less time fighting with tools and more time creating. The learning curve has also flattened thanks to an explosion in online learning resources. A multitude of freely accessible information can be found on sites like ArtStation and Reddit, as well as in YouTube tutorials and Udemy courses. A lot of tutorials are made by professionals and hobbyists who have been there before and are willing to share their knowledge, including their mistakes. It is this culture of openness and support that is perhaps the unsung hero behind 3D's newfound accessibility. Another game-changer is virtual and augmented reality. With tools like Oculus Medium and Gravity Sketch, creators can sculpt and animate in 3D space using just their hands and a VR headset. This immersive approach takes the complexity out of modelling on a flat screen and introduces a more intuitive, artistic process closer to working with clay than with code. It is not just more fun; it is a more natural way for people to interact with their 3D creations, especially for those with less technical backgrounds. For students and educators, this ease of use means 3D is no longer a niche subject but a mainstream tool across disciplines. Engineering students can visualise stress points on a bridge prototype in 3D. Medical students can interact with 3D models of organs. Art students can design virtual worlds or animate their own short films. As these technologies become more embedded in education, we're setting up the next generation to be not just consumers of 3D media, but creators. Of course, with all this progress, challenges still exist. High-end animation and photorealistic rendering still demand powerful hardware and time. Realism in motion still requires a good eye and some knowledge of anatomy and physics. But the difference is that now, those challenges are surmountable for far more people. The tools are smarter. The learning curve is gentler. And the communities are more welcoming. Perhaps the most important change, though, is the shift in mindset. There is a growing belief that creativity should be accessible to everyone — not just professionals or tech-savvy individuals. And that belief is driving innovation in the tools themselves. Every new version of popular software seems to come with AI-enhanced features, cleaner interfaces, and better interoperability with other tools. It's all about removing friction from the creative process. In the end, making something in 3D — whether it is a new invention, a digital character, or an animated story — is no longer a lofty dream. It is a real, tangible skill that anyone with curiosity and a bit of persistence can pick up. The future of 3D is not just in Hollywood or Silicon Valley anymore. It is in classrooms, garages, home offices, and anywhere else creativity lives. * Prof Ts Dr Manjit Singh Sidhu is a Professor at the College of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). He is a Fellow of the British Computer Society, Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the Malaysian Scientific Association, Senior IEEE member and Professional Technologist MBOT Malaysia. He may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
France 24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
'We're AI,' popular indie rock band admits
Named Velvet Sundown -- seemingly a nod to Lou Reed's band The Velvet Underground -- the digital group has become a viral hit, generating ferocious online discussion after racking up hundreds of thousands of listens. An updated Spotify profile, consulted on Tuesday by AFP, admitted that the group was an "ongoing artistic provocation". "All characters, stories, music, voices and lyrics are original creations generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools employed as creative instruments," Velvet Sundown's profile added. Recently created social media profiles, featuring photos of the group that look suspiciously fake, have teased readers about the group's origins, offering often contradictory information. Experts have long warned about the dangers of AI-image, video and music generators blurring the lines between the real and fake. A major study in December by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), which represents more than five million creators worldwide, warned about the danger of AI-generated music. It forecast that artists could see their incomes shrink by more than 20 percent in the next four years as the market for AI-composed music grows. Stockholm-based streamer Spotify declined to comment directly about Velvet Sundown when contacted by AFP. Spokeswoman Geraldine Igou wrote that the platform does not "prioritise or benefit financially from music created using AI tools". "All tracks are created, owned, and uploaded by licensed third parties," Igou insisted. Rival music streaming service Deezer displayed a warning for "AI-generated content" for Velvet Sundown. "Some tracks on this album may have been created using artificial intelligence," it said. The Spotify rival has an AI-music detection tool that is able to identify songs generated using popular software models such as Suno and Udio. Deezer said in April that it was receiving more than 20,000 fully AI-generated tracks on a daily basis, comprising 18 percent of all uploaded content, an increase from the previously reported 10 percent in January. Reports on Tuesday said an imposter posing as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been using AI-generated voice and text messages to high-level officials and foreign ministers. © 2025 AFP
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Art Never Melts: Huion's Prime Day 2025 Cool Creative Deals
LOS ANGELES , July 8, 2025 /CNW/ -- When the cruel summer heat meets Prime Day, why not stay cool indoors and start drawing? This year, Amazon's Prime Day sale officially kicks off on July 8 and runs through July 11. Huion is offering discounts of up to 30% off, including a range of creative equipment for everyone, from beginners to professionals. Let's take a quick look! Stay Cool, Create Bold Kamvas Pro 19 and Kamvas Pro 24 ( 4K ) are designed for studio-grade workflows, making them ideal for artists working on large-scale and detailed projects. Kamvas Pro 19 is the mainstay of the Gen 3 family, featuring an 18.4-inch 4K screen, Canvas Glass, ΔE<1.5 color accuracy, PenTech 4.0, and touch function. Now it's priced at only $899 - an absolute investment worth making! For artists who crave a bigger screen, Kamvas Pro 24 ( 4K ) is the perfect option. With a 23.8-inch 4K display, it offers more space for your creative projects. If you're an artist running a small business or an art school student, Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) is the go-to choice. As another member of the Gen 3 family, it also offers flagship-grade features, and it's available for just $202 (with a stand) during Prime Day! Beach-Ready Creativity For those who need to create on the go - whether commuting or capturing a beach moment, here are two picks: Huion Note: The digital smart notebook magically transfers your handwritten content or sketch to your phone in real-time, allowing you to export and share your notes in PDF format for brainstorming and discussions. During Prime Day, it's available for just $101 . Kamvas Slate 13: Perfect for multimedia entertainment such as reading, gaming, binge-watching and drawing. This Android tablet is easy to use, making it suitable for both parents and children. During Prime Day, you can grab it for $359 with a 20% discount. Start Your Artistic Journey If you're new to digital painting and unsure which pen tablet to choose, don't worry! Inspiroy H1060P is beginner-friendly, featuring a 10 x 6.25-inch size and 12 programmable keys. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, it delivers natural and smooth strokes. Now priced at just $42 , it offers great value for online learning and marking assignments. Where to Buy? Discounts may vary depending on your country or region. To find more details about the products, please visit your local store! Americas US (Amazon): CA (Amazon): MX (Amazon): BR (Amazon): Europe UK (Amazon): DE (Amazon): FR (Amazon): IT (Amazon): ES (Amazon): NL (Amazon): Asia & Pacific JP (Amazon): IN (Amazon): AE (Amazon) : SA (Amazon): AU (Amazon):
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Don't Miss Out: XPPen Drawing Tablets for Prime Day 2025
Don't Miss Out: Up to 50% Off on XPPen Drawing Tablets for Prime Day 2025! Don't miss out on XPPen's incredible Prime Day deals! As the leading digital innovation art brand, XPPen is excited to offer up to 50% off on the drawing tablet series. This includes the newly released Magic Note Pad featuring a groundbreaking 3-in-1 X-Paper display and the XPPen Artist Pro series. Known for its cutting-edge technology with 16K pressure levels, XPPen drawing tablets provide unparalleled accuracy and control for artists, designers, and creative individuals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just embarking on your creative journey, there's no better time to elevate your toolkit with our premium drawing tablets. Mark your calendars for this year's Prime Day! Don't miss your chance to enjoy the best savings of the year and take your art to new heights with XPPen! Best Drawing Tablet Deals in US: XPPen Magic Drawing Pad: $399.99 (Save 20%) The Magic Drawing Pad, equipped with the X3 Pro Stylus, offers 16K pressure levels for a natural and responsive drawing experience. Its dual shortcut buttons enhance efficiency, while the X-paper display provides a 12.2-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio for a paper-like feel. Enjoy vibrant colors with a 109% sRGB color gamut and eye comfort with TÜV Rheinland certification. Ideal for mobile art, this slim, lightweight pad (6.9mm, 599g) is effortlessly portable. Best Drawing Tablet Deals in UK: Artist 13.3 Pro Drawing Display: Save 40% Off The Artist 13.3 Pro is a portable drawing tablet with a 13.3-inch fully laminated FHD display, featuring a convenient 3-in-1 cable that allows for a quick and easy connection to your computer. The creative Red Dial Interface, combined with 8 fully customizable shortcut keys, which can be configured for a range of customization options, making your work process as smooth as possible. Best Drawing Tablet Deals in FR: Magic Note Pad: Save 15% Off The Magic Note Pad features a groundbreaking 3-in-1 X-Paper display, paired with the upgraded X3 Pro Pencil 2, which offers industry-leading 16,384 pressure levels, soft nibs, and a shortcut key. Additionally, the Magic Note Pad boasts an exceptional 90Hz refresh rate for fluid writing and includes professional-grade eye protection certified by TÜV SÜD in both Low Blue Light and Paper-like Display standards, delivering an efficient and eye-friendly experience. This product provides an unparalleled writing experience, making you feel as if you are writing on paper, allowing for seamless creativity and expression. Best Drawing Tablet Deals in DE: Artist 22R Pro Drawing Display: Save 35% This fully functional Artist 22R Pro offers the most substantial discount of saving 35% during this promotional event. The 21.5-inch drawing display features a battery-free stylus, full-laminated technology, two easy-to-control red dial wheels and 20 customizable shortcut keys, providing a spacious working area and a vivid, comfortable visual experience. Best Drawing Tablet Deals in JP: XPPen: Artist Pro 16（Gen 2） XPPen Artist Pro 16 (Gen2) Drawing Display: JP¥61,930 (Save 20%) Artist Pro 16 (Gen2) is professionally designed for artists. With X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus, Artist Pro16 (Gen2) achieves industry-first 16K pressure levels of pressure sensitivity, ensuring artists can enjoy greater precision and accuracy. At 2560x1600 high resolution and an ideal 16:10 aspect ratio, Artist Pro16 (Gen2) excels in displaying intricate details, enhancing efficiency for artists. Packed with a highly praised keyboard ACK05, Artist Pro16 (Gen2) is also convenient for video editing and office tasks. Best Drawing Tablet Deals in AU: Artist 15.6 Pro Drawing Display: Save 44% The Artist 15.6 Pro boasts a 15.6-inch full-laminated IPS display paired with a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC（120% sRGB ) with 178 degrees of visual angle presenting vibrant colors, vivid images, and details across a wider visual range. Supporting a 60° tilt function, the innovative red dial interface combined with 8 customizable shortcut keys makes it easy to set up even for beginners. With the Artist 15.6 Pro, you will enjoy a more natural and familiar drawing experience than ever before. XPPen is a brand committed to bring artists the surprise of realizing the dream of digital art. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a newcomer exploring the art world, XPPen is your top choice. Find the best models on sale and add them to your Amazon Prime Day wishlist! Media Contact Company Name: XPPen Technology Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Enni Lin Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
