!brute_force

Maja Smrekar (SI)

POSTCITY

What can artificial intelligence learn from dogs? This is a question of practice-oriented artistic research aimed at developing an algorithm for artificial neural networks that is co-programmed by dogs. As we look at aspects of AI that challenge our social and political reality, the paradigm of techno-other and dog conception could open an alternative ontological window of knowledge about hybridity in life.

!brute_force / Maja Smrekar (SI), Credit: vog.photo

The premise of !brute_force is that technology should emancipate humans, since nature is no longer our reality and in recent decades our culture has been moving rapidly into the digital realm. There, computation reinforces our desires with programs that learn by gathering information about their environment and replaying their experiences. This behaviorist regime feels like a training method for managing life through order, where we need to learn an almost machine-like self-control in order to be allowed to regain the privilege of access to human conduct. Resistance to such conditions requires technological understanding which might lead to turning the system’s logic against itself. This project therefore addresses the following context: even though we need technology, our present may not be limited to machines. Thus we are including other non-human entities and their cognitive mapping in the frame of re-thinking our place in the world.

Project Credits

  • Produced by Quo Artis Foundation (ES)
    Co-produced by Kapelica Gallery / Kersnikova Institute (SI) and The Culture Yard / CLICK Festival (DK)
  • This project is part of the European ARTificial Intelligence Lab and is supported by the Creative Europe Program of the European Union, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, Municipality of Ljubljana – Department for Culture, Danish Art Council.
  • AI team: Alen Balja, Miran Lončarič, Naveen Agula in collaboration with Primoz Ravbar (UCSB, USA)
  • Canine team: Mia Zahariaš, Tina Šolar and dogs (Ada, Boogie, Byron, George, Kiki, Mala, Vip)
  • Photo collaborators: Borut Peterlin (photographer), Polona Bonač (animal wrangler) with dog Baxus; University of Ljubljana / Faculty of Mechanical Engineering / Laboratory for Machining

Biography:

Maja Smrekar’s (SI) work has been established in the international art and science milieu. Her practice has allowed her to lead strong collaborations in developing cross-conceptual productions that include installations, performances, site specific art, drawings, videos, sound, workshops, lectures and texts. Among other awards, she received the 2017 Prix Ars Electronica – Golden Nica Award in Hybrid Arts.
https://www.majasmrekar.org/