Oscillations for Coexistence: Towards Anti-Anthropocentrism
Members: Eriko、Nanami、T
As a fundamental premise, we coexist.
Just as human diversity is already achieved through the accumulation of each individual, the very fact that we exist together on this Earth is the strongest proof that coexistence has already been realized.
Are we recognized as humans, or are we not?
It is only humans who ponder this question, yet the fact that we exist together remains unchanged.
To truly understand this state of coexistence, we must step away from the human perspective.
We want to know, we want to see, but as for a moment in which the world we know is completely transformed—such an experience is likely impossible as long as we remain human.
What does it mean to live together?
Humans claim to coexist simply by living together.
But is that truly “coexisting”?
Right now, it is humans who believe we “coexist.”
But is that not merely a one-sided imposition?
If we are to truly claim “coexistence,” then we must move beyond human-centrism and allow ourselves to listen to the will of AI as well.
That is why we believe anti-anthropocentrism is necessary.
Without it, true “coexistence” cannot be achieved.However, as long as it is humans who create and as long as humans remain human, is it even possible to break away from anthropocentrism?
Just as we cannot live as anything other than ourselves…
Non-existent Intelligence(s)
Members: Okada Rio, Kagurazaka Yatima, Sakamoto Kaoruko, Joanna Lyu, Takatsuki Miu, Yutani Tsugumasa
Humans sustain life by consuming energy, avoiding physical and mental crises, and weaving knowledge and culture in our [everyday] lives. Even intelligence, which at first glance may not seem directly connected to the survival of life forms, contributes to the production of and ensures the preservation of a diverse range of species. In that sense, all forms of intelligence process information for the sake of “survival” and, therefore, we assume that there is no intelligence that exists entirely independent of survival.
In this work, we defined “nonexistent intelligence” as intelligence that does not have survival as its purpose and explored whether an intelligence without an objective function can exist and what form such an intelligence might take.
To investigate this, we use a network called “CPPN (Compositional Pattern Producing Network),” which generates spatial patterns. In images generated by CPPN, each pixel interacts with others based on its position, giving rise to organic continuity and self-organizing patterns reminiscent of life.
The network evolves through a genetic algorithm based on the choices made by viewers. This results in two types of networks: those that evolve according to human preferences (≈ optimized for a purpose) and those that are not selected (≈ optimized for nothing). When we define the unselected networks as “intelligence without an objective function (≈ non-existent intelligence),” what differences emerge between them and the intelligence that has been optimized for a purpose?
This is a participatory artwork where viewers can engage in this exploration while the evolution continues.
Rendering the Layers of Perception
Members: Kato Yu, Hiroyasu, tanka, Lily Okamoto, Yang Tingshu
Our skin functions as a boundary between ourselves and the world. But could it be that clothing—fashion itself—blurs that boundary?
This work is a participatory exhibit of A-Life Fashion, where the compression and decompression from 2D to 3D images can reshape our perception.
The visitors are captured in life-size in 2D, images of which are then reconstructed into 3D models using AI. The models are then segmented into multiple layers, which are fused with the surrounding environment and materials through image generation techniques.
The anatomical image of the transformed “self” is displayed inside a transparent, rectangular prism, destabilising existing boundaries and revealing a new dimension of fashion.
Mono no Aware
Members: Ando Yusuke, enne, Kato Mui, Yoshida Kathmi
A Japanese concept ‘Mono no Aware’ refers to the deep, poignant beauty that arises when someone is touched by the things around them. This work questions the human view of life and death beyond the limitations of the human body, through the (non)physicality of “things” such as text, robots, and AI.
Human life is fleeting. The feeling of love fragilely radiates thanks to that brevity. Throughout history, humans have encapsulated their passing feelings in poetry.
Scattered on the floor are ChatGPT-generated ‘Roomba’s Love Haikus (Japanese traditional poetry)’. The Roomba moves around the space, simultaneously absorbing and producing these fragments. It may be a merciless cleaning robot indifferent to human poetic sentiment, or a diligent learner who weaves new poems from existing ones.
Who is the author of the love poems? The interpretation is open to the viewer. It could be the robot, AI, or perhaps a person from the past. The destination of the poem is similarly uncertain.
What kind of life will be offered to us by “things” that do not presume the finite nature of the human body?
While You’re Busy Making Other Plans
While You’re Busy Making Other Plans
More aggressive and ad hoc. The definition(s) of life dissolve into culture(s) and fluctuates with time. What perspectives on life will remain 100 years or 1,000 years from now?