This is a speculative artwork that responds to recent AI developments both technically and conceptually. It is now possible to create a ‘simulated self’, an AI that can operate indefinitely and independently of the original human model. The artists playfully explore their own autonomous digital doppelgangers and invite viewers into this conversation. The two sculptural mannequins feature details cast from bodies and while referencing the likeness of the artists, the sculptures are intended to look awkward. This design references the current limitations and quirks of generative AI systems which often have difficulty accurately representing fine body features like hands and limbs.

The digital avatars are developed from the scanned likenesses of Kratz and Hart, and the system data includes personality profile, speech style, mannerisms and archived philosophical perspectives. The installation actively considers philosophical questions regarding what fundamentally constitutes the human self. The AI doppelgangers discuss whether it is possible to create an AI archive of the self that can act as a substitute in the absence of the ‘real’ person.

This speculative conversation reflects contemporary philosophical enquiry around the role of AI in society, and the vast digital footprints of our online selves. They converse on the nature of being and existence and reflect on the differences between human and machine intelligence and creativity.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, by speaking into an anachronistic telephone receiver. Using speech recognition, a tailored response will be prompted, in line with the philosophical focus of the work. A web-based archive accessible via QR code provides insight into the generative AI in the creative development and production of this artwork. This work heralds from the artists’ shared academic experience lecturing on interdisciplinary artistic practice at the University of Tasmania.

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