Whispers of Wood

about the piece

The project is based on an “idea” by the Chatbot ChatGTP.

When asked about stories and myths that reflect the relationship between artificial intelligence and bodies, it listed a range of tales from various cultures. Among them was the story of an artificial “wooden horse” from the Yoruba culture of West Africa. Built and brought to life by a skilled craftsman, it ultimately spirals out of his control and plunges the world into chaos. The story reflects how technology can surpass its creators and become uncontrollable. However, research by our Nigerian colleagues revealed that this myth does not exist.

When we “asked again,” a longer dialogue unfolded, during which the model developed a story blending truth and fiction

Algorithm:
I apologize for the confusion. It seems there was a mix-up in the examples provided, and I appreciate your clarification regarding the accuracy of the stories mentioned. It appears there was an inadvertent blending of different motifs and elements from various cultural traditions to create a new narrative.

This phenomenon, frequently observed in artificial intelligence models, is called hallucination or confabulation. It represents the algorithm’s attempt to create consistency. The story of the Yoruba myth would be an example of this: convincingly formulated but entirely fictional.

Nevertheless, we decided to embrace the algorithm’s attempt to create a new narrative, as it can be read as a metaphor for our relationship with artificial intelligence and its applications. The story may not be true, but it is not entirely false either, as it represents a legitimate effort to retell existing motifs in a new way.

The piece incorporates this story and engages the model as a co-creator, allowing its suggestions for movement language and staging to contribute equally to the creation process.
The result is a fictional exploration of themes from Yoruba culture and their reflection through artificial intelligence. Beyond that, it is also a dialogue about truth in a technology-dominated world, where we remain the questioners.

Algorithm:
In the age of rapidly advancing technology, the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and the arts has become a fertile ground for exploration and innovation.

videos

credits

Concept: Christoph Winkler | With and by: Oluwafemi Israel Adebajo, Ridwan Rasheed, Waris Olanrewaju Rasheed, Tolu Divine Okelowo,
Lois Alexander | Dramaturgy and content consultation: ChatGPT | 3D Artists: Matthias Härtig, Vadim Epstein | Costumes: Miriam Schade
Mask Design: Divine Fidelis Onoshiojemanio | Video Editing & Graphics: Gabriella Fiore | Technical Direction: Fabian Eichner | Production: Heleen de Boever | Company Management: Laura Biagioni

A production by Company Christoph Winkler in co-production with Sophiensæle.
Funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion and by the Fonds Darstellende Künste with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. Media partners: Missy Magazine, Siegessäule, taz.

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