Released on: November 28, 2024
This episode spins around the performing art project EXERCISES by Tristan Schulze, a series of performative sculptures that explore the interaction between digital and physical reality. By dispensing with conventional technology, everyday materials are used to make digital experiences physically tangible. The exercises invite participants to actively create and reflect on the influence of digital media, drawing inspiration from artists such as Lucy McRae, Donna Haraway and Marcel Duchamp. The project explores the limits and possibilities of human-machine interaction and questions the role of technology in our society. Comparative references are made to other artists such as Erwin Wurm, Marina Abramovic and Bruce Nauman. Link to the german project website: tristanschulze.de/exercises
Released on: November 23, 2024
This episode discusses the challenges and opportunities of human-AI interaction. The episode argues that the current disembodiment of AI leads to a one-sided influence and pleads for a more sensual and physical connection. Concrete proposals include body-based technologies, making music together, AI temples and AI-free spaces. References to philosophical and artistic positions underpin the need for a conscious shaping of the human-machine relationship that goes beyond purely functional interactions and explores new forms of symbiosis. Ultimately, a more radical rethink is called for that redefines human identity in this context.
Released on: November 17, 2024
This special episode features the brand-new sci-fi-inspired short story The Work of Æons. The story follows an artificial intelligence that creates a unique collaborative Denkraum (space of thought) for artists and creative people. It highlights this "space of thought" as a platform for creative interaction and examines the ambivalent role of the machine Æon. Acting as an invisible choreographer, Æon both guides and challenges the creativity of its participants. The story explores powerful themes such as the relationship between humans and machines, failure as a spark for innovation, the spontaneous emergence of art, and the transformation of the audience from passive consumers into active co-creators. By connecting to the ideas of various artists and thinkers, the episode sheds light on the story’s relevance to today’s cultural landscape and offers a glimpse of what might be waiting for us. More details, a German translation, and spoken word are available at: https://tristanschulze.de/aeon/
Released on: November 10, 2024
This episode deals with the question of why interaction with artificial intelligence should be deliberately made uncomfortable in order to encourage users to consciously and critically engage with themselves, the world and the technology. Philosophical and artistic approaches by Marina Abramovic, Simone Weil and Hannah Arendt as well as principles of Buddhism serve as inspiration for this. We learn why AI should not simply supply users with information, optimize and automate, but should encourage them to reflect and act through conscious breaks, physical activity and ethical discourse in order to be able to take the most important step themselves - their own further development.
Released on: November 2, 2024
This episode explores the possibilities and challenges of AI-powered image generation, which can create a new “post-reality” that is both visually reminiscent of the “real” and forms an artificial reality. In conversation, we will shed light on the methodological similarities between AI image generation and painting, analyze the emotional depth and authenticity of AI realism and discuss the social significance and critical perspectives in AI art. Finally, it explores the potentials and challenges of this “post-reality” in terms of its ability to explore the boundaries of society, culture and emotion. Plenty of fodder. Fasten your seatbelts.
Released on: October 23, 2024
This episode investigates the concept of authenticity in a world where memories and identities can be altered by technology. The speaker reflects on how authenticity is no longer a static state, but an ongoing process of self-construction. Drawing on theories from Judith Butler and Sherry Turkle, the episode delves into how digital technologies challenge our sense of self. Butler argues that authenticity lies in navigating contradictions and change, while Turkle focuses on how our self-image and relationships are reshaped by the digital world.
Released on: October 19, 2024
In this first episode, we explore the myth of the "creative machine." Can AI truly be creative? How do humans influence the outputs of these systems? We look at the work of contemporary artists and designers grappling with these questions, and consider the societal implications of generative AI. Featuring guest appearances from experts in AI and design.