To differentiate between machines and humans, a captcha assesses qualities unique to humans, by presenting a simple puzzle that the user must solve. In doing so, the user provides information, which can be used as training data. Because of this, Captchas become obsolete by design – their use enables machines to learn how humans would act, and therefore how to break the captchas which trained them.
The topics on which the AI is trained on are however still chosen by humans. Their final use case is not made explicit, but can usually be inferred from the presented puzzle. In this work, a dystopian scenario is envisioned by using military drone footage as the base image of the captcha, inspiring the following question: What kind of AI are we helping to train?
Ironically, this image of drone footage itself is AI generated, which completely disconnects this piece from reality. While its form is entirely dominated by virtual material, what makes an artwork meaningful is its content and relation to reality. Will machines soon be able to autonomously form opinions, and create their own art? Or will they rather remain a tool, not replacing but enhancing the artist’s vision?
"I'm not a robot" was shown on 26.11.2023 as part of the group exhibition titled "STOP THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE", curated by Ilona Pataki. It also included works by Jean Cherouny, Eva Yates, Flora Cattrell, Wokalm, Tobe Ogbue, and Madeleine Butler.
From the exhibition introduction:
“Stop the Robot Apocalypse” presents a diverse range of artwork that reflect both the excitement and the unease that accompany the rapid development of new technologies. Exploring philosophical concepts through different artistic mediums, each artwork offers a unique perspective and prompts us to contemplate the complexities of the human condition and the inevitability of change, in relation to AI ethics. Dystopian themes are placed in conversation with utopian ideals, balancing the range of emotions evoked through these themes.
As we consider the implications of AI on our lives, we are forced to confront fundamental questions about what it means to be human. What makes us unique? What do we value, and why? What will happen to us if machines surpass us in creativity and intelligence?
The artists featured in this exhibition invite you to explore these questions and more, as we navigate the uncertain terrain of a world where machines can do what was once thought to be solely the domain of humans.
The original print from the exhibition is available for purchase in my shop.
