Uncertain Intelligences

For its research project “Uncertain Intelligences”, the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) in Berlin has invited three artists to develop their own artistic-investigative approaches to generative AI, and in particular, deepfakes. The works address questions of self-determination, trust and social truths in the digital age. They critically examine existing power structures and the aesthetic possibilities of AI technologies.
Deepfakes are usually perceived as a threat. They can be used to manipulate elections and undermine trust in information. “Uncertain Intelligences” not only portrays deepfakes as mere forgeries but also examines what they tell us about our present day – about real body images, suppressed voices and the yearning for alternative truths. The artists Nora Al-Badri, Ash Baccus-Clark and manuel arturo abreu expand our view on generative AI and explore its potential as a tool for the imagination, speculative futures and societal aspirations. The word “uncertainty” itself alludes to assuming this new perspective, coping with the incompleteness of information and sounding out ethical ambiguities. 
The resulting artistic projects will develop in a process-based manner which may assume performative, installative and documentary forms. Supported by a scientific advisory board and in consultation with students, philosophers and technologists, the artists aim to develop new methods of artistic research. With the aid of residency grants, the artists will be able to gain insights into the Asian context of AI tech development in large Asian metropolises. The concluding presentation will take place at the HKW in 2027. A publication will document the results, methods and unresolved questions. The public will be invited to participate in workshop talks, workshops and roundtable discussions. The project’s partners include the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Digital Narratives Studio of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.