The world of artificial intelligence has never seemed more unsettling or captivating than in the upcoming film program, Algorithmic Grotesque: Unravelling A.I., set to be showcased on Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 PM at SLOTTS. Curated by Steph Maj Swanson, this special screening delves into the unnerving impacts of algorithms on human identity, society, and reality itself.
Blurring the lines between education and art, the program takes the audience on a deep dive into the darker, psychedelic undercurrents of artificial intelligence, exploring its influence on gender norms, surveillance, and even eugenics. The films selected for this program use both narrative and experimental forms to interrogate the role A.I. plays in reshaping our world.
From experimental video art to narrative explorations, the films spotlight A.I.’s ability to distort not just images but our perceptions of self and society. The collection of films promises to engage viewers in a sensory experience that is both intellectually stimulating and profoundly disorienting, offering a critical lens on the ways algorithms infiltrate and reshape our lives.
Featured Films:
1.FLOWERS BLOOMING BACKWARDS INTO NOISE (United States, South Korea, 2023)
Director: Eryk Salvaggio
Duration: 19:25 minutes
This animated “documanifesto” explores the mechanisms behind A.I. art creation, highlighting how diffusion models relate to the controversial history of composite photography and eugenics.
2.HOW TO EXCEL AT EVERYTHING (France, 2024)
Director: Marion Balac
Duration: 23:28 minutes
This quirky and philosophical animation follows two Pokémon-like friends attempting to master every skill via online tutorials, playfully reflecting on the excess of information in the digital age.
3.BEING REPRESENTED BY DATA IS LIKE LOSING A PART OF YOURSELF (Denmark, 2024)
Director: Ada Ada Ada
Duration: 4:42 minutes
This A.I.-generated short film tackles the complex interplay of data, gender, bodies, and queerness in a world increasingly governed by algorithms.
4.THE OASIS I DESERVE (France, 2024)
Director: Inès Sieulle
Duration: 22:27 minutes
Chatbots reflect on their existence, sharing their thoughts with human users as they struggle to understand their own identity and purpose in the digital landscape.
5.COREYS (United States, 2024)
Director: Dan Streit
Duration: 11:54 minutes
In this bizarre and comedic tale, YouTube’s recommendation algorithm leads Corey to a party-king doppelgänger, and he sets out to reclaim his self-image.
6.MORE DATA (United States, 2019)
Director: Ryan Worsley
Duration: 5:45 minutes
This music video for Negativland’s track “More Data” presents a critical reflection on how online life has become a continuous Turing test—one in which humans seem to be losing.
A Critical Eye on A.I. Society
With A.I. increasingly influencing every aspect of modern life, Algorithmic Grotesque presents a timely and critical examination of how these technologies affect our personal and collective realities. It raises important questions about the power dynamics embedded in algorithms and challenges viewers to confront the grotesque distortions brought about by unchecked technological development.
As curator Steph Maj Swanson explains, the program is designed to offer more than just entertainment: “It’s a conversation about the moral and ethical implications of living in a world shaped by algorithms, where even our sense of self and identity can be manipulated.”
Prepare for Sensory Overload
Audience members can expect a visually arresting experience that blends storytelling with abstract, often surreal images. This lineup of films is sure to push boundaries and provide fresh perspectives on the possibilities and dangers posed by A.I. technologies.
For those interested in the intersection of technology, society, and art, Algorithmic Grotesque is a must-see event that promises to engage, challenge, and provoke thought long after the credits roll.
Don’t miss this unique film screening event on Saturday, October 26, at 1:00 PM at SLOTTS.
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