ADVERTISEMENTThe World Centre for Circular Economy and Culture stands out with its unique post-war architecture, featuring stone construction, ornate wall reliefs, and an impressive floor.
Designed by architect Petros Pikionis and established in 1959, the “Pi” Pavilion is recognized as one of Delphi’s most stunning balconies, situated a short distance from the picturesque village.
Once the sun sets, the famous garden of “Pi ” comes to life, with ancient faces, letters, and words appearing on rocks and tree leaves.
“The Garden of Pythia,” a new art installation by Scottish artist Charles Sandison, commissioned by PCAI (Polygreen Culture & Art Initiative), acts as a bridge between ancient and modern worlds, suggesting parallels between seekers of artificial intelligence and visitors to the Oracle of Delphi.
Inspired by his visit to the archaeological site, Sandison saw a similarity between the oracle concept, where travelers sought prophetic predictions, and the notion of an organic, physical computing device.
The landscape is seen as a complex network of rituals where gates, paths, and timings functioned like a computer system’s motherboard.
“I created this work as a way to view nature, which in turn listens to your questions and provides the answers you seek. I spent considerable time in the area, visiting the archaeological site, walking the hills, and exploring the landscape, its nature, and its animals. I decided to create a digital painting as a tribute to this place and its history,” Sandison explains.
His work features custom-designed code and sensors that respond to temperature and light levels and evolve over time.
“The Garden of Pythia is a fictional place set on a mountainside in ancient Greece and within the matrix of my computer. Inspired by my visit to the Temple of Apollo, I coded this visual AI artwork to combine memories of Pythia with the beautiful slopes of Parnassus. I believe visitors will see this artwork as a bridge between ancient and modern, and recognize that the answers we seek from AI are analogous to the ancient quests,” Sandison claims.
For Sandison, Delphi is akin to CERN, a sophisticated system for interpreting and predicting goals and outcomes, reflecting modern developments in artificial intelligence.
The PCAI Mission
Founded by Athanasios Polychronopoulos, CEO of environmental company Polygreen, PCAI is a cultural organization dedicated to environmental awareness through annual programs of art commissions, exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, and conferences.
Focusing on commissions and works of contemporary art and moving image, the PCAI Art Collection provides artists the means to create pieces in dialogue with contemporary environmental, sociological, and philosophical issues.
“Environmental protection involves changing attitudes and behavior. To achieve this, people must feel the need to take action. I believe that culture and art, particularly contemporary art, can influence individuals to contribute to their environment’s protection,” argues Athanasios Polychronopoulos.
While artificial intelligence poses concerns for many, Charles Sandison sees potential benefits due to its applications by artists and creators.
“Visiting the ‘Garden of Pythia’ provides an experience where artificial intelligence is not the frightening entity often portrayed in media. I want visitors to see that artists, creators, and musicians aim to use this technology in a way beneficial to humanity. I hope it offers an uplifting and positive artistic experience here,” Sandison states.
ADVERTISEMENTThe Garden of Pythia opened April 9, ahead of the 2025 Delphi Economic Forum and remains open to the public at PCAI’s ‘pi’ pavilion.
