Report on Exhibition “PERCEPTIONS: Reconstructing AI Narratives”

Eva LE RAY (Graduate Student Member of the B’AI Global Forum)

・Dates: September 8 - 10, 2023
・Venue: Open Studio, Main Building of the Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, Hongo Campus, The University of Tokyo
・Organisers: Priya MU, William GUZMAN, Alyssa YAP, Eva LE RAY
・Contributors: Yasha Lai, Axol, Kanji Kyoda, Japanese Texts Translation: MAX
・Click here for details on the event

The B’AI Global Forum Graduate Student Members at the University of Tokyo held their first group exhibition from September 8 to 10, 2023, entitled “Perceptions: Reconstructing AI Narratives.” The art event took place at the Open Studio, situated in the Main Building of the Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, Hongo Campus.

Featuring eight contributions by students and external artists across various disciplines and industries, the exhibition aimed to challenge and reevaluate the prevailing narratives surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) that are often polarised by mainstream discourses by stimulating meaningful conversations about the multifaceted nature of AI. Spanning fashion, gaming, environmentalism and geopolitical concerns, the pieces formed a mix of physical and digital art, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors to engage directly with the pieces, encouraging them to recognise their potential as more active participants in shaping AI imaginaries.

The contributors recognised the critical need to move beyond these deterministic perspectives, especially as AI-driven technologies such as social media algorithms and language models like ChatGPT, continue to influence our external and internal worlds. “Perceptions: Reconstructing AI Narratives” encouraged its attendees from academic and non-academic backgrounds to question and reassess their own preconceived notions about AI, with such reflections culminating in a wall of small, reflexive notes from the visitors over the three days. Ranging from perceptions of AI as a “simplifier,” “a girlfriend,” “dangerous,” and even “non-judgemental,” it was clear that the exhibition evoked new insights about our interactions with AI.

By presenting a wide range of perspectives and challenging deterministic viewpoints, the exhibition encouraged a more nuanced, informed and holistic understanding of AI, highlighting the importance of embracing complexity in our discussions surrounding this transformative technology.

The B’AI Global Forum Graduate Student Members will continue to work on reevaluating and reconstructing our perceptions of AI in such a way that, we can navigate the AI-driven future with greater clarity. A poster presentation about the exhibition will be held by the Graduate Student Members on October 10, 2023 at the Takeda Hall of the University of Tokyo, alongside other posters from the B’AI Global Forum.