MADRID.- The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) has opened "Perpetual Present," a thought-provoking exhibition that offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the ancient Altamira cave art through the lens of modern technology. Part of PhotoESPAÑA's official program, this marks MAN's first participation in the acclaimed visual arts and photography festival.

The exhibition, which began on June 12, 2025, features the work of Argentine artist Sofía Crespo. Crespo's project delves into the prehistoric paintings of Altamira (Cantabria) by employing artificial intelligence and 3D printing, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic ancient masterpieces.

Crespo's approach involves creating a series of images generated from automatic models, further brought to life through 3D printing and robotic painting on clay. A particularly innovative aspect is the inclusion of multispectral images, which capture details on the cave art surfaces invisible to the human eye, adding a renewed sense of plasticity to what might otherwise appear as inert rock.

Sofía Crespo, born in Buenos Aires in 1991, is known for her focus on artificial life and generative life forms within digital artistic practice. Through this exhibition, she not only analyzes ancient pictorial techniques but also prompts viewers to consider how humanity's relationship with its environment has evolved. The project aims to spark reflection on vital contemporary issues such as biodiversity conservation and the preservation of our shared heritage for the future.

Visitors to the MAN can experience "Perpetual Present" free of charge in the museum's entrance hall until September 14, 2025. Complementing the exhibition, the museum is also hosting a public encounter with the artist and offering cave painting workshops designed for families, providing an interactive dimension to the exploration of ancient art through modern means.

The MAN's own partial replica of Altamira's Polychromes Chamber, located in the museum's archaeologists' garden, provides a historical counterpoint to Crespo's forward-looking interpretation. This reproduction, created in the 1960s, serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with Altamira's prehistoric legacy.

PhotoESPAÑA, now in its 28th edition, continues to be a pivotal event in the world of visual arts and photography, drawing participation from numerous museums and exhibition spaces. "Perpetual Present" stands as an example of how ancient history can be illuminated and re-examined using the most cutting-edge tools of the present.