Death of the algorithm

Abstract

The actors in the performance art are a robot, an artificial intelligence (algorithm) and a kind of mallet. The algorithm, that is, the "brain" of the robot, by means of the robotic arm, makes some engravings on zinc plate. The subject of each engraving is the same: a female figure. As the human brain ages and dies, so in the performance that of the robot "ages digitally" and "dies digitally." With the result that each successive engraving is more and more inaccurate and flickering in line than the previous one, as if the robot were the victim of a degenerative disease. At the end of the last engraving, a mallet comes down on the hardware (the electronic brain), forever eliminating the possibility of reproducing the result. Those engraving plates therefore become unique and unrepeatable.

A tombstone was made to commemorate the event.

The performance was made in collaboration with the Bevilacqua La Masa Foundation (VE) and Science Gallery Venice.

Art Curator: Dr. Stefano Coletto.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, robotic art, generative art, algorithm, death, reductionism.