Interface[s] Montréal

Artificial Intelligence

Jessica Field

Artiste, Concordia University

Semiotic Investigation into Cybernetic Behaviour

View the presentation [In English]

The piece is comprised of two cybernetic machines programmed with the same rules of conduct, but with different idealisms. They are programmed with a preordained view of the world as they want to see it, they look for ideals within their defined world that gives them satisfaction and they have a desire to impart and receive accurate information from their companion. The two cybernetic robots see differently in sharing their impressions of the viewer in the gallery. The two robots believe that they are talking about the same observations of the viewer, but in reality they are unaware of the truth that they do not see in the same way at all. Both machines are heavily influenced by the perceptions of their companion, since they are constantly sharing with each other what they perceive. In viewing the installation, over time it becomes apparent that what they are seeing generally does not hold true to their ideals, and even when their ideals are attained, it is limited by their very narrow understanding of their environment.

Jessica Field art practice centres on creating parallels between the AI of machines with that of human behaviour when dealing with changing environments. She has exhibited at the 401 Gallery and InterAccess in Toronto and has done performance work using a robot that roams unattended in public spaces. Her work in electronics has led her to teaching children and adults’ courses on programming and robotics. She is presently doing her MFA at Université Concordia.