What’s Happening: During an era marked by change and conflict, Ai Weiwei is asking both the public and AI to weigh in on some of life’s more philosophical dilemmas.

The Download: AI has increasingly woven its way into our lives, whether penning sonnets in seconds on ChatGPT or using DALL-E to render off-kilter interiors that look straight out of Poor Things. As we start to understand large language models, though, we’re confronted with their limitations and murky ethics—ChatGPT tends to spit out the equivalent of a blurry .jpeg of the internet while image generators face intense scrutiny and class-action lawsuits from artists whose work they claim was unlawfully scraped to train the systems. Ai Weiwei, however, is using AI as a creative counterpart—and a vehicle to ponder life’s imponderable dilemmas. His latest project, titled Ai vs. AI, invites the public to take part.

Across a span of 81 days—the length of time Weiwei was detained in a Chinese prison in 2011—the dissident artist is posing 81 questions addressed to AI and the wider public on London’s Piccadilly Lights in collaboration with Circa. Each question carefully considers the role our minds and actions play in a spiraling world rife with geopolitical tension and information overload. Each query, ranging from philosophical provocations to humorous prods, will be answered by Ai and AI, and published online. Ultimately, the questions aim to make sense of our world and explore the centrality of humanity. Who profits when disinformation is sold? Is true democracy possible? Is Edward Snowden guilty? What are the limits of language? What are the benefits of farting?

Though the project marks the first time Ai has incorporated AI as a creative tool, the questions tie into themes of freedom, surveillance, and corruption his work often explores. While detained by the Chinese Communist Party, he faced continuous interrogation by an authority that wielded absolute power by manipulating information. “Authorities always know more than you, and they play a game of not telling you what they know,” Ai says. “Everybody has the right to ask questions.” He hopes the project will open a public forum for continuous acts of questioning and illustrate a portrait of the dilemmas that will ultimately shape society for years to come. Stay inquisitive, he warns, or risk being left behind.

In Their Own Words: “In the present era, if art exists, its essence lies in endeavoring to forge the potential liberation of individuals from the shackles of knowledge or the bondage of information,” Ai said in a statement. “This is not about freedom of speech. This is about freedom of questions. If humans will ever be liberated, it will be because we ask the right questions, not provide the right answers.”

Surface Says: For those who want to hold on to Ai’s wisdom after the 81 days ends on March 31, Circa is selling limited-edition prints asking the same questions.

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Just under 14 years ago, Studio PCH embarked on a global journey to bring masterful architecture to hospitality hotspots around the world. It’s difficult to pick one standout from the California firm’s glimmering portfolio—it includes the Nobu Residences Los Cabos, a recording studio for Universal Music, and residences from the West Coast to Bora Bora. So it came as little surprise when, in 2022, the studio founded by Severine Tatangelo won a bid to refurbish Bermuda’s Ariel Sands resort. The project was hailed by local papers as a boon for the once-vibrant tourism hub that reportedly hosted the likes of John F. Kennedy, John Wayne, and Princess Diana during its heyday.

“Historically, Bermuda was a sought-after destination for British and American tourists from post-World War II until the ‘90s,” Tatangelo tells Surface. “But its development had been hindered by the impact of powerful hurricanes, leaving many hotels and restaurants in a dated state.” That all stands to change in spring 2025, when the property will throw open its doors to the intimate resort.

Ronan Bouroullec vowed to never adapt his growing body of abstract felt-tip drawings into patterns or motifs for clothing. Then Issey Miyake called, and he agreed within ten minutes. Bouroullec, who designed the A-POC flagship in Paris with his brother Erwan two decades ago, now reunites with the Japanese label with a collection for offshoot Homme Plissé Issey Miyake that translates his artwork’s spirit onto the brand’s signature pleated fabric garments. The process felt akin to “cooking,” he says, noting how he encouraged Issey Miyake’s design team to dive into each drawing and find the most captivating textures and details. “Each element needed attention to avoid overdoing it.”

That approach yielded a wondrously tactile collection that infuses the spirit of Bouroullec’s artwork onto Issey Miyake mainstays. Lush brushstrokes were silkscreen-printed onto all-white outerwear or scarves that can be worn as head wraps thanks to strategically placed arm holes. Puffer coats, meanwhile, are affixed with giant square pockets embroidered with ballpoint pen paintings; the coats can be stuffed inside, converting them into cushions. Blocky gradients of calm blues and greens adorn winter-appropriate pleated outerwear for an immersive touch. Presented at Palais de Tokyo on a runway reminiscent of a gallery, the garments were also mounted on walls as models walked by, proving how fine art can take many forms.

Amid New York City’s recent bitter cold snap, a group of distinguished names in the city’s arts, design, and cultural spheres turned out for the Winter Show’s opening festivities at the Park Avenue Armory. Collectors, patrons, and editors joined designers and architects for the VIP preview of the annual showcase’s art, antiques, and collectible objects. All net proceeds from the fair benefit the East Side House Settlement, which serves more than 14,000 people in the Bronx and north Manhattan.

When was it? Jan. 18

Where was it? Park Avenue Armory, New York

Who was there? Martha Stewart, Wendy Goodman, Billy Cotton, Corey Damen Jenkins, Bunny Williams, Peter Pennoyer, Nicky Hilton, and more.

When: Jan. 27–March 9

Where: Roberts Projects, Los Angeles

What: Williams reinterprets the art of portraiture and still-lifes by blending subjects real, imaginary, and from memory in a vibrant series of paintings. Hues of jade, lilac, indigo, and ochre permeate these works, bringing to life details pulled from the artist’s upbringing in Melbourne, ancestral connections to Egypt, and the lasting impact of the American Southwest landscape. A “collage of recollections and fantasies” informs these snapshots of people and places captured on canvas in the midst of life unfolding.

Sniping about ludicrously capacious handbags is so last year—at least that’s what The Row’s weekender-sized XL Idaho tote seems to imply. Its polished Italian leather channels the fashion house’s signature elegance, even with its spacious dimensions. A removable pouch helps keep belongings organized, and a convenient snap closure keeps it all within reach. $4,590

Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors is an interdisciplinary, bi-coastal practice with offices in San Francisco and New York City. Celebrating 30 years in business, the firm practices boldness balanced with simplicity, innovation balanced with functionality, and power balanced with precision. The studio’s award-winning projects have an attention to detail, materiality, and authenticity that exhibit an artfulness uniquely tailored to the client.

Surface Says: Cass Calder Smith may call New York and San Francisco its home bases, but the reach of this interdisciplinary firm extends far beyond thanks to the expertise of its principals and more than three decades in the business.

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