This project explores parallels between human and machine visual interpretation. The title of the work Diplopia Experiments references the medical term for double vision, where viewers perceive two images of the same thing at once. Each kit includes a set of stereogram cards with instructions and materials to build a DIY stereoscopic viewer. The format of the stereogram cards is based on those produced for stereoscopes in the early 1900’s. At the turn of the last century, optical gadgets were popular novelties, which draws a parallel with the current position of machine learning image generators.
Printed in the form of a series of stereogram cards, the images in Diplopia Experiments are sourced from a machine learning training dataset called COCO (Common Objects in Context). The pairs of different images force the viewer’s eyes to selectively combine them into one, generating a “new” image. The process is a metaphorical interpretation of how machine learning systems work – taking existing things and hallucinating something else on that basis. The new images combine fragments from the original input images in unpredictable and idiosyncratic ways. What viewers see will differ from person to person as each viewer creates their own virtual images from the printed sets of images. The perceived images are to some extent a recreation of the original images, with the addition of an unpredictable “something else.” The viewing distance of the images through a stereoscope is also highly variable, meaning that viewers must experiment with adjusting their body in relation to the work.
Shown at Parameter Generative Arts Fair
DATE: 18 November 2023 | 16:00–20:00
LOCATION: Kino Šiška, Ljubljana
Parameter | Generative Arts Fair
Parameter is an art fair dedicated to the presentation and sale of works that creatively use generative and algorithmic tools, methods or ideations for creating analogue-digital entanglements. It presents practices such as generative plotting, algorithmic weaving, analogue computing and synthetic sculptures. The fair also aims to expand the field of “intermedia” art and to support creative developments taking place outside the established local production frameworks.
Participating artists: Flor de Fuego, Neža Knez – knnz, Rosemary Lee, Dominik Mahnič, Matej Mihevc, Blaž Miklavčič, Kobeiagi kilims (Ivana Blaž in Nina Mršnik), Dorijan Šiško, Nejc Trampuž, Brin Žvan and Mathias Schifter, Liselotte Van Daele, Ava Zevop, Jernej Županič.
Design: Neža Knez – knnz