Local Disturbances

In this episode, we explore the complex and often contentious relationship between ethics and artificial intelligence, delving into how human experiences and ethical judgments are shaped by our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through a thought-provoking discussion on public expressions, institutional control, and the growing field of AI ethics, we question whether AI might be amplifying exis...

In this episode, we delve into the complex interplay between synthetic language and ideological structures, exploring how creative applications of generative language can destabilize and reinterpret existing norms. We discuss the role of stylization as both an artistic necessity and a subtle form of protest, drawing on insights from Albert Camus and Terry Eagleton. The episode also touches on the...

In this episode, we explore the intriguing intersection of satire and AI-generated language, delving into how synthetic language can serve as both a mask and a vehicle for subversive humor. We examine the historical role of satire in challenging societal norms and power structures, and how this tradition can be extended into the digital age using generative AI. By discussing concepts from Bakhtin’...

In this episode, we explore the potential for AI to either centralize or decentralize control in decision-making processes within the arts. We discuss how AI's ability to separate prediction from judgment could reduce reliance on rigid institutional structures and promote individual decision-making. The conversation delves into how institutions manage complexity and how AI might disrupt these mech...

In this episode of Local Disturbances, we delve into the intricate world of generative text and its place in prose art. Drawing inspiration from Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of "artistically representing language," we explore how different genres and styles of language interact within a novel to create a dynamic and ever-evolving narrative. Our discussion focuses on the dialogic nature of language in...

In this episode of "Local Disturbances" we delve into the nuanced intersections of generative AI, erotic fiction, and the concept of alterity. Drawing on insights from Byung Chul Han and Mikhail Bakhtin, we explore the pervasive feeling of loneliness in AI-generated content and its implications for our understanding of the "Other." This absence of alterity in digital creations, where texts and ima...

In this episode, we continue to delve into the implications of generative language tools and their potential to reshape our world and our understanding of it. Drawing parallels to the transformative impact of the printing press, we explore how these modern innovations could similarly influence language, communication, and society. We begin by reflecting on the historical context of the printing pr...

In this episode of Local Disturbances titled "AI in the Wild," host Jerrold McGrath delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping our interactions with the world. We explore the awe-inspiring capabilities of conversational agents like ChatGPT and GPT-4, which demonstrate an ability to mediate among various systems, thereby challenging institutional logics an...

In this episode, we continue our exploration of approaches to representing algorithmic systems. Specifically, we draw on Mikhail Bakhtin's ideas of novelization as a means of perceiving and working with AI in artistic creation. Two specific initiatives are referenced as inspirations in this work: Forensic Architecture and the Hart Island Project. Sound by Koohyar Habibi Produced by Kasra Goodarzne...

In this episode, we dive deep into the exploration of sociotechnical systems through creative and novelistic approaches. We reflect on the various invisible and visible forces that shape our perceptions and interactions with the world, touching on themes from Fernando Pessoa’s critique of social fictions to C. Thi Nguyen's concept of "agential distance," which examines the constraints imposed on u...

In this episode of Local Disturbances, author Jerrold McGrath delves into the themes and personal experiences surrounding his book, "In Praise of Disorder." Jerrold shares the anxiety and relief of publishing a book that took three years to complete, discussing the inspiration behind the 256-page work and his collaboration with artist Nour Bishouty and editor Richard Martin. He reflects on his dec...

In this episode of Local Disturbances we delve into the complexities of AI development, language modelling, and the exploration of different historical and cultural perspectives. The team at UKAI is pushing the boundaries by attempting to train AI bots on specific historical periods, aiming to bridge the gap between literature, culture, and AI. Our focus lies on the transition from Medieval to Ren...

In this episode, we delve into the ubiquitous presence of plastic in our lives, tracing its explosive growth from the mid-20th century and examining its profound impact on both human and ecological health. We reflect on the staggering production of plastic, its role in shaping modern lifestyles, and the emerging concerns over its long-term effects. Transitioning from the tangible to the intangible...

In this episode, we delve deep into the complexities of language and artificial intelligence, exploring themes that challenge our conventional approaches to AI development. At a time when large language models like ChatGPT and GPT-4 are under the spotlight, we address the contentious debate surrounding digital art generated from natural language prompts, urging for a more nuanced dialogue that tra...

In this episode of Local Disturbances, we delve into the experiences and insights gained from our recent visit to the UK in December of 2022. We discuss our participation in various activities, including a talk at the University of the Arts London, meetings, and notably, a workshop for our Restructuring Futures project. This project, developed in partnership with the Laboratory for Artistic Intell...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of language evolution, the impact of hegemonic language in culture, and the unique ways communities around the globe respond to and contest these norms through the creation of new forms of language and symbols. Highlighting the dynamic nature of language, we explore the creation of coded communication by migrant workers in the early 20th century and...

In this episode of "Local Disturbances," the team delves into the complexities of navigating our rapidly changing social and cultural landscapes, marked by the rise of automated and algorithmic systems. Amidst their own anxieties about broadcasting half-formed thoughts to a growing audience, we explore the profound alterations in our interaction with the environment and each other, driven by techn...

In this episode, we recount the experiences and insights gained from the Ferment AI residency, a year-long project involving nine artists exploring artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies in their creative practices. The episode reflects on various events, including a showcase in Berlin attended by approximately 100 people, featuring works in progress, a live performance, and impromptu...