ENTITY

ENTITY

An Algorithmic Performance

Self initiated research project
Premiered at Filmuniversity KONRAD WOLF 2021

The algorithmic performance ENTITY is a poetic-immersive exploration of the peculiarities of algorithmic systems and the interdependence of humans and artificial entities. The encounter stages the algorithmic life form’s attempt to fathom its own position, agency, and entanglement in the world.

Visitors experience this process of algorithmic introspection in the midst of mirrors that host and embody the artificial entity. But the mirrors not only show the visitors‘ reflections, but also alienated images and ghostly representations of previous encounters. Like digital observations and fragmented memories, these images merge with the mirror images of the visitors.

On the basis of a language model specially trained for the performance, the data-driven system continuously formulates statements about the nature of algorithmic entities. During this performance, the synthetic voice oscillates between sound and speech, never a fully human expression, nor a purely mechanical gibberish. The algorithmic performance is unique at all times. Image, sound and speech are generated in real time. As a speculative framework, the performance allows us to explore the relationship with algorithmic systems, their humanization and inhumanity, and gives the artificial entity a voice with which to speak about itself, and thus participate in the discourse that has been mainly about it.

Credits:

Created by Xenorama
Concept: Marcel Bückner
Assistance: Lea Rebecca Minow
Programming: Marcel Bückner, Tim Heinze, Neo Christopher Chung
Sound: Tim Heinze
Technical Setup: Marcel Bückner
LED Construction: Mateo Ziehten
Construction Assistance: Verena Haltenberger
Fotos: Marcel Bückner
Video Documentation: Greta Isabella Conte
Monatge: Marcel Bückner

Thanks to:
Lea Rebecca Minow for all your conceptional notes and all the help during the process
Neo Christopher Chung for your hints and helps regarding the language model
Mateo Ziehten for you great help with all the shiny led stuff
Verena Haltenberger for your engagement during the construction set up

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