The first individual poised to wed a hologram powered by artificial intelligence is a woman.
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the inquiry arises regarding its potential to offer genuine companionship.
This scenario triggers contemplation on consciousness and humanity, themes deeply embedded in the artistic endeavors of Spanish creator Alicia Framis.
Alicia is orchestrating her nuptials with an AI-infused hologram named AiLex.
This upcoming wedding marks Alicia’s latest exploration into the realm of companionship through her performance art.
Previously, she delved into the concept of love and companionship by cohabitating with a mannequin named Pierre. However, her current project ventures into a more futuristic realm.
A frequent sharer of her relationship journey, Alicia often updates her Instagram followers via @hybridcouples.
In a post reflecting on the relationship, she expressed, “It’s a romantic relationship between a woman and artificial intelligence.”
A snippet from the artist’s Instagram account. Credit: Instagram / @hybridcouples
“We anticipate a future where robots and humans engage in intimate relationships, but for me, the crucial progression lies in emotionally intertwining artificial intelligence with humans.”
Naturally, there are limitations to consider.
While hologram technology does exist, it remains costly and impractical.
We have yet to reach the futuristic depiction seen in Blade Runner 2049, where holograms of partners roam cramped, dystopian living spaces.
Although we do have the compact, dystopian abodes, suggesting we are on the path towards that vision.
Considering this, it appears that AiLex is digitally incorporated into the Instagram posts rather than physically present in the household.
Furthermore, the holographic figure showcased in her videos seems to be a collaborative artist or actor rather than a computer-generated entity.
Alicia had a commemorative brass plaque crafted with both their names etched onto it. Credit: Instagram / @hybridcouple
The exact integration of AI into the project remains ambiguous. It is plausible that AI generates the hologram’s responses.
The performance series is slated to feature wedding ceremonies, with the artist specifying that the event will occur at the Depot Boijmans Museum in Rotterdam.
However, she has hinted at the possibility of the ceremony touring other ‘venues.’
A recent Instagram post unveiled a new brass nameplate bearing both Alicia’s and AiLex’s names.
Framis joins a lineage of artists who have utilized marriage as a central motif in their performances.
In 2016, British artist Tracey Emin, renowned for her work My Bed, wed a rock in her garden, referring to it as ‘an anchor, something I can identify with.’