A Closer Look

... "AI Hyperrealism" The fake image of Pope Francis in a white down coat caused a stir in 2023 and spread rapidly on social media. In her work, Polish digital artist and researcher Martyna Marciniak examines the AI-generated photo. She dissects it, analyzes the underlying data, and highlights how so-called "non-facts" creep into the image. The coat, which is modeled after the famous original and made by Marciniak, is also on display, as well as the objects appearing in the fake image that come from a 3D printer. "AI War Cloud Database" The "AI War Cloud Database" by Sarah Ciston (USA) reveals the hidden connection between everyday technology and military AI systems. Often, the same types of tools found on smartphones and popular social platforms are used for automated decision-making in warfare. A table with an interactive surface allows for a critical look at the role modern – seemingly harmless technologies – play in global power and violence structures. The installation was awarded the S+T+ARTS PRIZE’25 by the European Commission. "A.I. Interprets A.I. Interpreting 'Against Interpretation' (Sontag 1966)" With the 25-minute video, British artist Jake Elwes conceptually questions linguistic image generators in neural networks. He programmed a system that interprets the text of Susan Sontag's essay "Against Interpretation," generates images from it, and translates them back into language. The results are both astonishing and surreal. "Terms & Conditions Opera: a Legalese Libretto" Elwes' second work transforms the fine print of AI platforms into an absurd opera score. He developed a method to "feed" OpenAI and Suno (an AI for music generation) with their own terms of use and conditions. In this closed loop, the systems absurdly reinterpret the legal frameworks that govern them, creating a quirky mix of musical styles.