About artificial intelligence (AI), there is a growing recognition of its influence on society, portraying a vision of a futuristic realm where post-humanism, Matrix-inspired concepts, and the integration of human bodies with machines capture our imagination. The emphasis of the exhibition “The Unique People” at Denmark’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art lies on us—the innovators and consumers of these revolutionary technologies, exploring this swiftly advancing subject matter.
Showcasing pieces by acclaimed artists like Pablo Picasso and RobotLAB, the museum poses thought-provoking inquiries such as, “Can AI be viewed as a reflection of our past innovations?” It delves into the significance of creativity in a progressively technology-centric world, accentuating human accountability in the development, possession, and upkeep of such progressions. By redirecting our focus away from technology, we can contemplate our rapport with it. Artists such as Ian Cheng, Trevor Paglen, Dawn Parsonage, and others delve into this concept through diverse mediums, ranging from traditional art to self-generating AI.
In a conversation with Wallpaper*, Curator Mathias Ussing Seeberg illuminates the exhibition “The Unique Human,” presenting novel and unforeseen perspectives.
“The Unique Human” Explores: How Can Humans and AI Exist in Harmony?
Wallpaper*: Does the exhibition title pay tribute to the individuals driving the technology? Mathias Ussing Seeberg: We investigated the importance of individual contributions to society and the cultivation of fresh ideas even in the absence of complete information.
While technology has enhanced our lives in various aspects, it has also resulted in certain drawbacks. The intrusion of technology into our personal spheres has reshaped how we allocate our time, impacting not only ourselves but also our offspring. The leisurely moments of the past appear to have vanished, substituted by a continuous interaction with technology.
To some degree, we are all accomplices in embracing these advancements, often accepting their inevitability due to the conveniences they provide. It is crucial to recognize that the choice to substitute human labor with machines is a conscious decision made by individuals.
How did you choose the artists for the exhibition, W*? MUS: The exhibit features a diverse selection of artists, including Lily van der Stokker and Martin Kippenberger, whom I have long admired but never had the opportunity to showcase. This concept has been brewing in my mind for a decade, influenced by my journeys and exposure to various art exhibitions. I deliberately aimed to steer clear of a uniform display, opting instead to present a spectrum of viewpoints to challenge traditional classifications.
W*: The narrative surrounding AI is continually evolving. Did this impact your curation? MUS: While the exhibition explores creativity in the AI era, it transcends a narrow focus on AI to encompass broader themes. It was vital for the exhibit to offer more than just a display of state-of-the-art technology.
The objective was not to align with the latest technological trends like mumbleGPT. Instead, the exhibition seeks to stimulate contemplation on fundamental questions about AI—its essence, operation, and ownership—to stay abreast of the ever-changing landscape.
One of the featured artworks, “From Apple to Abomination” by Trevor Paglen, symbolizes the metamorphosis of something innocuous into something malevolent, highlighting that AI is a byproduct of the knowledge we impart to it.
The Unique People exhibition will be accessible for viewing at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark until April 1, 2024.
