In a mesmerizing fusion of art and technology, French artist Guillaume Slizewicz presents “Accept All,” a captivating art installation that challenges our perception of data tracking and consent in the digital age. This thought-provoking exhibition features a fleet of small, autonomous robots that navigate a room, engaging with visitors in a playful yet profound manner.
Charming Encounters: A Unique Interaction
As visitors enter the room, they are greeted by a symphony of movement and sound. The robots, each possessing a distinct personality and design, roll around the space, their gentle movements captivating the attention of all present. When a robot detects a person, it approaches cautiously, its expressive eyes twinkling with curiosity. With a gentle bump against the visitor’s shins, the robot initiates an unexpected yet endearing interaction.
Robot Personalities: A Symphony of Design
Each robot in “Accept All” boasts a unique appearance, reflecting the artist’s boundless creativity. From robots adorned with whimsical horns to those sporting grass hula skirts, the designs range from playful to ethereal. One robot, resembling a goth jellyfish, exudes an air of mystery, while another, with its bulbous head and piercing gaze, evokes a sense of wonder. These diverse designs mirror the multifaceted nature of the internet, where countless websites and applications vie for our attention.
Tracking Mechanism: Unveiling the Inner Workings
Beneath the charming exterior of these robots lies a sophisticated tracking system. Each robot is equipped with a Google Coral AI board, a compact yet powerful computing device, and a small camera. Utilizing OpenCV, an open-source computer vision library, the robots detect the presence of people in their vicinity. Upon detecting a person, the Coral board transmits a command to an iRobota microcontroller via serial communication. This communication triggers the robot’s movement, guiding it towards the unsuspecting visitor.
Data Collection: A Question of Consent
Unlike their internet cookie counterparts, the robots in “Accept All” do not collect any data on the people they encounter. Slizewicz’s intention is not to gather information but to provoke thought and raise awareness about the ease with which we accept tracking in the digital realm. The artist highlights the inherent contradiction: we willingly accept cookies on websites without hesitation, yet we express concern about data privacy when it comes to other technologies.
Internet Cookies: A Parallel Universe
The robots’ behavior mirrors that of internet cookies, those ubiquitous digital entities that track our online activities. Just as the robots gently bump into visitors, cookies unobtrusively gather information about our browsing habits, often without our conscious awareness. Slizewicz draws a parallel between the endearing nature of the robots and the perceived harmlessness of cookies, highlighting the ease with which we surrender our privacy in exchange for convenience.
Conclusion: A Reflection on Digital Consent
Guillaume Slizewicz’s “Accept All” is a captivating art installation that prompts us to reflect on our relationship with data tracking in the digital age. Through the charming interactions between robots and visitors, the artist challenges our notions of consent and privacy. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, “Accept All” serves as a reminder to be mindful of the data we share and the implications of our actions in the digital realm.
Bonus: Slizewicz’s installation has sparked a dialogue about the ethics of data collection and the need for greater transparency in the digital world. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has garnered international recognition. “Accept All” is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire positive change.
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