Meet A.I.C.C.A., the World's First AI Dog That Poops Art Critiques
Blending cutting-edge technology, visual analysis, and ChatGPT into a cuddly, canine package.
Amidst media panic over AI’s world domination and job usurpation, German artist and neurographer Mario Klingemann introduces a tongue-in-cheek antidote. Last weeek, at Madrid’s swanky Espacio SOLO, Colección SOLO museum, Klingemann unveiled the world’s first “Artificially Intelligent Critical Canine,” a.k.a A.I.C.C.A. This robotic terrier, with a vintage-futuristic fusion, playfully critiques artworks, is certainly straight out of a Ruben Östlund film scene. Standing at the art-tech-AI crossroads, A.I.C.C.A. is ready to bark up a storm.
Dubbed a “Performative sculpture” by its imaginative creator, A.I.C.C.A. is the hottest invite in town, eager to crash art shows worldwide and ruffle feathers about AI’s role in the creative realm. With a nod to the touring automata of the 18th and 19th centuries and a witty integration of intricate algorithms and ChatGPT integration, this fluffy provocateur prompts profound conversations surrounding AI, the place of robots in society and even the essence of possessing a discerning eye.
A.I.C.C.A. resembles a robotic terrier with its luscious fluffy hair, gracefully maneuvers on a wheeled platform, perceiving its surroundings through a mysterious black lens eye. Its monochrome color scheme, white with bold black markings, adds a touch of sophistication reminiscent of SARs (Socially Assistive Robots). And let’s not forget its petite size and irresistible expression, a sly nod to the cult of pet influencers dominating our Instagram feeds.
Upon considering various factors such as composition, color, style and even semantic elements to form its unique perspective, complex algorithms lurk within, allowing A.I.C.C.A. to size up artwork, generate witty critiques and serve them up on thermal paper with the help of a cheeky receipt printer, which the robotic dog then intriguingly “defecates.” It’s art with a side of humor and a pinch of absurdity, courtesy of Mario Klingemann’s genius.
To dig deeper into this robotic revolution, Rebekah Jane Rhodes, the Head of Research and Publications at Colección SOLO, got an exclusive interview from Klingemann himself during the press presentation.
Keep scrolling to read the full conversation.
A.I.C.C.A., 2023, Mario Klingemann © Courtesy Of Onkaos
Do you see A.I.C.C.A. as a novel endeavor or a natural progression aligned with your long-standing artistic interests?
In my perspective, this approach aligns perfectly with my mindset and methodology within the realm of art. As you may have observed, I don’t possess a distinct artistic style, unlike those artists who tirelessly seek their unique signature and stick to it for years. For me, it’s more about examining what already exists and identifying unexplored territories, like those untouched spaces on a map, where only a few have ventured. Alternatively, it involves addressing the areas within the field, such as AI, that demand attention. Whether I’m working visually or textually, my current focus has shifted toward sculpture. Nonetheless, the underlying process remains rooted in the assimilation and interpretation of information. Hence, it consistently serves as a commentary on the art world. I find myself transitioning and exploring different aspects, thereby providing diverse perspectives.
A.I.C.C.A., 2023, Mario Klingemann © Courtesy Of Onkaos
What does A.I.C.C.A .actually look for? How does it choose and evaluate artwork?
A.I.C.C.A. is an innovative platform; a compact device with a tiny computer connected to a larger AI system in the cloud. Equipped with camera eyes, it recognizes art through trained models—a rather thought-provoking task in itself, as defining art can be quite subjective. A.I.C.C.A. primarily focuses on identifying widely acknowledged art pieces found in fairs, galleries and museums.
The robotic innovation scans its surroundings, comparing identified art to its previous knowledge, assessing originality and relevance for critique. Selected pieces are zoomed in, captured, and sent to a server for analysis. Multiple models examine composition, shapes, forms, and objects, going beyond tangible aspects to determine art styles like postmodernism. These models provide contextualized insights, having been trained extensively in art and texts.
The server generates keywords based on analysis, converted into a prompt. This prompt is fed into OpenAI’s chatGPT, crafting an article-like response—a journalistic masterpiece. A.I.C.C.A. combines cutting-edge technology, visual analysis, and AI’s power, offering a fresh perspective on artwork. Its ability to critique and contextualize art adds a new dimension to artistic interpretation.
A.I.C.C.A., 2023, Mario Klingemann © Courtesy Of Onkaos
When we engage with the written output generated by A.I.C.C.A., what can we expect to find?
It seems that A.I.C.C.A. attempts to emulate the customary style we associate with art writing, placing itself within the realm of renowned art critiques. Consequently, it employs art speak, adopting a language and tone reminiscent of genuine art criticism. However, it’s important to note that the reader’s interpretation plays a crucial role. Each individual must contextualize the response, comparing it with their own observations of the artwork and ultimately making their own judgment.
Upon reading A.I.C.C.A.’s critiques, one might encounter a blend of Thoreau-esque prose and occasional moments of delightful randomness, creating an element of surprise. It is through this unique amalgamation that A.I.C.C.A.’s style emerges, capturing attention and stimulating thought-provoking discussions.
A.I.C.C.A., 2023, Mario Klingemann © Courtesy Of Onkaos
From my perspective, rooted in an art historical background, I discern a connection between A.I.C.C.A. and 19th-century automata or traveling automata shows. The notion of A.I.C.C.A. as a performer, with the potential to embark on a journey, intrigues me. Could you elaborate on your plans for A.I.C.C.A. in terms of its performance?
In the art world, I perceive a perpetual demand for novelty, a constant desire for something fresh, akin to introducing a new dog to liven up the scene. I took this idea quite literally, drawing inspiration from my nostalgia for vintage textures and the allure of decay. Hence, I contextualize A.I.C.C.A. within the realm of automata, where examples of eccentric contraptions, including a defecating mechanical dog, have gained fame. Moreover, I couldn’t resist a playful reference to LAICA, the first dog launched into space, as it resonated fittingly. Ultimately, as a performance, A.I.C.C.A. holds a mirror up to the art world, providing a satirical commentary. I find humor essential and I prefer not to take everything too seriously.
Over the past years, I’ve observed the making of art, where I encountered individuals genuinely devoted to their craft alongside a considerable amount of pretentiousness and posturing. Approximately 80% of it seems to be theater and pretense. Hence, I view A.I.C.C.A. as a performative provocateur, partaking in the same game. Naturally, I hope that people will be enticed to witness A.I.C.C.A. in action and extend invitations for it to participate in their shows. After all, it possesses that captivating quality, catching the eye of viewers.
A.I.C.C.A., 2023, Mario Klingemann © Courtesy Of Onkaos
Colección SOLO
Pl. de la Independencia, 5,
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