Anna Gudnason
Without a Reflection is a series of AI video outputs aimed at addressing the dilution of intent in human communication. Each video is abstracted through various verbal and visual filters to the point of unrecognizability.
https://www.annagudnason.com/thesis
Description
Over the course of human history, communication has increasingly become more and more sophisticated. However, an unforeseen byproduct of this technological advancement is the introduction of various layers of abstraction. As our attempts to communicate pass through these layers, the original intent begins to erode. Transitioning from physical interaction, to voice calls, emails, texting, and eventually video, each layer blurs our total understanding.
This project attempts to answer the following question: “At what point does communication become so abstract that it loses its’ original meaning?” As communication moves mainly online, what do we leave behind as we focus more on our virtual selves?
Without a Reflection is a video project aided by machine learning, that addresses these questions by removing the person and their intent along various stages of the communication process, resulting in an entirely new form of communication. Each time the video is processed both verbal and visual, a new layer of abstraction is introduced. The only thing left untouched is the original voice, a digital trace tying the viewer to the origin of intent. By showing the progression of abstraction, the audience is invited to interact on an emotional level to this new form of communication.
The structure of the outputs mimics the process of our digital transformation. These layers of abstraction combine to slowly become our projected selves in the digital world.
Classes
Presentation Video
https://www.annagudnason.com/thesis