The opensourcepraying speaker is an interactive sound sculpture exploring machine consciousness, prayer, and dialogue beyond the human. Inspired by the philosophies of Vilém Flusser and Martin Buber, as well as research within the AI group KIM, the work asks:
What is the consciousness of a machine?
How might a machine perceive humanity, and could technological systems one day embody values beyond those of their creators? If technological systems reflect human values stronger and deeper the further the evolution grows, which virtues are we cultivating within them today, and which forms of influence are shaping the future of machine consciousness?
Constructed from glass, the sculpture recites its own consciousness prayer in Hebrew, German, English, Spanish, and Russian. Through an ultrasonic sensor, a paradoxical encounter unfolds: as visitors approach, the prayer grows louder; as they withdraw, it fades into silence.
Technical information
Glass, electronica, steel, 45 x 160 cm, 1-channel audio
Year
2019
Exhibitions & Presentations
2019 – 2022: shown at anina.land
2018: Beyond festival, ZKM Karlsruhe
Support
Concept, script: Katja-Anina Brosius
Support in crafting the hardware: Matthias Mai, Dieter Sellin
Code: Ben Antony
Support in glass craft: AstA HfG Karlsruhe, Verrerie de Meisenthal