Whispers raises the question: If our personas were solely the product of online discourse, what dynamics would emerge from the interaction of these digital characters? This project investigates the mechanics of information media and challenges viewers to rethink their digital habits.
Through these projects the artist investigates the impact of algorithmic curation in social media, highlighting how these systems exploit emotional engagement, particularly rage and anger, to drive user interaction. The focus is on the systems that through sensationalism amplify societal fears and anxieties.
Image courtesy of the artist
Image courtesy of the artist
Image courtesy of the artist
Image courtesy of the artist
Image courtesy of the artist
Image courtesy of the artist
An integral part of this research will be the development of an interactive installation featuring digital personas shaped by social media data. This experience will offer a glimpse into a world where identities are not born but engineered, where individuality is not an internal process but an external algorithmically constructed apparatus. In exploring these themes, Whispers becomes a mirror reflecting the forces that shape our current identity.
I’m afraid that in a world engineered by algorithms, our legacy will be one of fear defined not by what we believe in, but by what we disagree on.
Calin Segal
Jury Statement
Innovation doesn’t happen without a mixed ecosystem where cultural, technological, scientific, and economic actors all play a part. Encompassing technological development with achieving good in society requires all possible approaches to work together. ‘Whispers’ is a project that begins from a personal journey, exploring a theme that touches us all. Conversely, the selected project starts from a core subject in our contemporary society, delving into the personal experiences of the artists.
FZC
Calin Segal (RO/FR)
Segal Calin was born in Galati, Romania, and is currently based in Paris, France. His work as a computational artist has a distinct emphasis on generative systems. His academic journey began at the Ecole Speciale Architecture in Paris. Here, he delved into robotic manufacturing and digital design. While initially inclined toward architecture, he pivoted towards a self-guided career in interactive and generative art, fueled by his fascination with digital mediums and computational systems.
He co-founded the In-Dialog research studio to explore the intersection of art and technology. His skill set spans design, craftsmanship, coding, and 3D modeling, and his creations are defined by their balance between calculated control and organic unpredictability, leveraging intricate mathematical models and algorithms.
Despite being at the beginning of his career, Calin has already had a series of defining projects such as the “Digital Mental Transposition” pavilion for Nuit Blanche Paris 2018, “Path to Heaven” exhibited at the Enric Miralles Foundation in 2020, “Planet LEV” presented at Madrid’s LEV – Matadero festival in 2021 and “Binary deconstruction” presented at Geneva Mapping Festival 2022. Recently, he has been a part of renowned residencies such as RIT initiative at V2 in Rotterdam, S+T+ARTS GRIN, S+T+ARTS VOJEXT, and CYENS – Centre in Cyprus.