mAcro_mIcro

Made in collaboration with Matthew Waddell.

mAcro_mIcro navigates two dimensions of our existence, magnifying the hidden microscopic worlds while casting a gaze into the uncharted future of artificial intelligence.

As our understanding of self is challenged more than ever, we stand at a historic crossroads. We're caught between the minuscule and the infinite, the biological and the digital, the tangible reality and the vast unknown. It's a time for inward reflection on our planet and our humanity, a critical pause before we lose sight of our human essence.

This installation places visitors at the intersection of the the organic and artificial. Through the lens of three microscopes, attendees examine samples in three distinct realms: the natural world, human biology, and technological devices. This act of observation is a gateway to contemplation, urging a moment of introspection on the essence of our existence and the precipice of the digital age.

The room itself becomes a canvas where the micro merges with the macro. Opposite the microscopes, four projection screens create a dialogue between human curiosity and machine intelligence:

  1. The first screen showcases an AI's interpretation of the microscopic samples, offering a unique perspective shaped by algorithms. Here, an interactive dial allows audience members to blend AI-generated visuals with raw microscope footage, controlling their view of this digital-analog synthesis.

  2. The second screen presents this blend in reverse, challenging perceptions of what is organic and what is constructed.

  3. The third screen displays uninterrupted video from the microscope, an homage to the pure, unaltered beauty of the microscopic world.

  4. The final screen features contemplative AI-generated text, speculating on the myriad ways AI might weave into the fabric of our society, reshaping our collective future.

As participants navigate the space, they are encouraged to ponder their place within these overlapping dimensions—the tangible and the possible, the current state of humanity and its imminent evolution. mAcro_mIcro is not just an exhibition; it's an immersive journey that beckons a deep consideration of our role in an era teetering on the brink of a new, artificial dawn. This installation is a reflective pause, an acknowledgment of our deep-rooted connection to the Earth, even as we extend our reach into the realm of artificial consciousness.

EXHIBITION HISTORY:

June 03 - July 4, 2023
Contemporary Calgary
Calgary, Canada

CREDITS

Concept and direction: Laura Anzola, Matthew Waddell

Photo Documentation: Caitlind Brown