From October 11 to October 20, Indecis Artist Run Space will present the project "Marginalia" by artist Taietzel Ticalos.
"Marginalia" explores the anxieties triggered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its destabilizing impact on contemporary society. In an age where AI is often heralded as the solution to all problems, the project highlights the growing, often invisible influence of algorithms and how they subtly shape daily life.
By drawing parallels between the fears of technological infiltration and the superstition of the evil eye, the project introduces the concept of the "evil algorithmic eye" (or "evil AI"). This idea is developed in the exhibition through a 3D video and prints of "amulets" on textiles, symbolizing the tension between advancing technology and the human need for protection.
The narrative of the video emphasizes the universal idea of ‘protective language’ and explores how it might shield us from invasive algorithms, referencing the ancient Greek myth where Talos, considered the first robot, is defeated by Medea’s spells. In questioning what words we might use to safeguard ourselves against the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs), while also piercing through the techno-optimistic narratives that celebrate AI's benefits, a collection of brief phrases—called "counter-prompts"—is introduced. These expressions aim to raise awareness rather than serve as direct forms of verbal resistance.
Although the "algorithmic eye" is a recurring theme in the video, it is never shown visually. Instead, disembodied hands appear to underscore the increasing automation of human labor.
The video will be available online on the platform spam-index.com, starting October 20th.
This project is part of the national cultural program "Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023" and was funded through Energie! Burse de Creație grant by the City of Timisoara, through the Center for Projects.