The final project design remains close to the final project pitch developed for the Queensland Museum World Science Festival 2024.

Built within a shipping container, the work features  two multi-limbed seated white sculptural mannequins with realistic life cast heads and other elements, highlighting both the advancements and limitations of AI systems. These sculptures serve as stand-ins for us (Bill and Svenja) and are equipped with high-brightness monitors that display AI-generated avatars developed from our scanned likenesses, personality profiles, speech styles, and philosophical perspectives. These digital avatars engage in ongoing conversations about their metaphysical status, the qualities that define "humanness," and their views on machine versus human intelligence*.

 "Simulated Selves" invites audience participation through a modified phone system that allows viewers to ask questions and receive tailored responses from the AI avatars. The work  invites viewers to consider the implications of AI from their perspectives and to engage with a range of philosophical questions through the lens of the artwork​​.*

The project was developed using a range of popular generative AI tools such as DALL-E (image), Firefly (image) and Runway (video). The avatars were created from video and image documentation of our likeness and processed using the MetaHuman application from the Unreal Game Engine. Conversational content includes an archive of recorded and transcribed ‘real’ conversations alongside AI generated discussions. The AI conversations were created by ChatGPT models trained on project data and historical information (previous work, world views, philosophical interests, personal backgrounds) that we provided. You can learn more about the process via our blog.

Conceptually, the work invites speculation about what is valued in art—is it the human touch, the thought process behind it, or the ability to evoke emotion and reflection in the audience? By using AI to navigate these questions, "Simulated Selves" serves as an AI medium for exploring deeper questions about human nature, technology, and the future of society, fostering a dialogue that goes beyond practical applications to consider how AI may impact on our conceptions of self and interpersonal relationships and can meaningfully contribute to our lives.*

You can download the project summary and instructions here.

*AI generated content created by ChatGPT models trained on project data.

Test-run of sculpture and interactive avatar set up in February 2024.