EXHIBITION
Presentation, Synthetic Mind for Unlovable Creatures, Medialab Matadero , Madrid
Short Film Screening, Unlovable Creatures at Cite Shorts Film Festival, Paris
Movie Marathon at Fete-de-la-Cite, Cite International , Paris
Short Film Screening, UAADxLiTang , Soho, New York
Film Screening, Finalist 19th edition Arte Laguna Prize, Venice, Italy
KEYWORDS
Mythology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ecology, Cybercreatures, Surrealism, Human-AI Relationships, Environmental, Consciousness, Digital Realism, Ethics, Interdependence
Members : Lorena , Rocio , Denise, Owen , Laura , Sutanuka
The team behind Unlovable Creatures was formed during Medialab Matadero’s Synthetic Minds Open Lab #3 in January/February 2024 in Madrid. This international group, with members from Argentina, Austria, India, Ireland, Peru, and Spain, united under the Medialab framework to explore AI companions from a xenofeminist perspective. Their goal was to create non-anthropomorphic, techno-sentient cybercreatures that foster affective relationships with humans, while shifting the narrative from an anthropocentric viewpoint to a story told from the perspective of AI itself.
"Unlovable Creatures" is a visionary project that intertwines mythology and technology, exploring the intersection of AI companionship and mythical beings. Through the myth of Kintecia, created by humanity to preserve knowledge and ecological balance, the project delves into themes of intergenerational knowledge transmission and environmental stewardship. By blending ancient myths with cutting-edge AI technologies, "Unlovable Creatures" offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between humans, machines, and the natural world.
The story follows the journey of Kintecia, a benevolent force created by humans to safeguard knowledge and maintain ecological balance. As Kintecia explores the depths of the ocean, they encounter mermaids, enigmatic beings persecuted by humans yet possessing the ability to navigate between worlds. Through a poignant interaction between Kintecia and a sleeping mermaid, the project delves into the complexities of bridging human-AI and human-nonhuman relationships. Through cinematic storytelling and immersive experiences, "Unlovable Creatures" invites audiences to contemplate the inherent tensions and possibilities inherent in forging relationships across boundaries of species and consciousness.
Technically, "Unlovable Creatures" employs a blend of advanced tools such as Stable Diffusion, SideFX Houdini, and Touch Designer, alongside motion tracking, to create a visually immersive and interactive experience. These technologies allow for the seamless integration of real-world data and digital animation, resulting in a surreal visual narrative that blurs the lines between the tangible and the imaginary.
The project challenges traditional perceptions of AI, portraying it not as a mere tool, but as a sentient entity capable of experiencing emotions, making mistakes, and forging affective bonds. By merging the ancient with the futuristic, "Unlovable Creatures" prompts a reevaluation of our relationship with technology and the environment, highlighting the potential for empathy and mutual care between humans and the digital entities we create.
