Barcelona-based multidisciplinary artist Alicia Framis is set to make history this summer by becoming the first woman to marry a hologram generated by artificial intelligence. The unconventional ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam.
Framis envisions a unique relationship with her holographic partner, named AILex, designed to "satisfy all of her emotional needs." The artist sees this as an opportunity to explore the intersection of humans, artificial intelligence, and contemporary art. In a statement on her website, Framis notes, "AI is still closely linked to science and lacks poetry, art, and warmth."
The holographic image, AILex, is crafted from profiles of Framis's past relationships, adding a personal touch to this unconventional union. The artist is actively involved in the wedding preparations, including designing her wedding dress and planning the attire for the ceremony attendees.
Framis is collaborating with the LAM museum to create molecular food suitable for both humans and humanoids for the wedding banquet. Additionally, she aims to produce an artistic documentary that explores the integration of the hologram into her daily life.
The artist is not only pushing artistic boundaries but also contemplating societal norms. Framis, in collaboration with Rabobank Art Collection, is exploring the possibility of creating the first mortgage for purchasing a holographic companion and a house designed for both hologram and human cohabitation. She sees this as a novel approach, stating, "It's interesting how we can get a mortgage to buy a new car, and now we can have a mortgage to buy a new companion."
Framis's project goes beyond the realm of art and delves into potential therapeutic applications. She envisions AI and holographic companions as beneficial options for those facing loneliness, trauma, or loss. In a statement, she cites a personal case, saying, "My friend is a widow, and it is difficult for her to replace her husband. AI and human companions can be a good option for those who need company."
The artist's project is part of a broader trend where advances in artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, have blurred the lines between human-machine interactions. Framis anticipates a new era where humans form relationships with holograms, avatars, and robots. This evolving landscape, she suggests, is akin to learning new languages with entities like Duolingo, reflecting a paradigm shift in the way we understand and practice relationships.
Alicia Framis has a history of incorporating non-human elements into her art, with a notable instance in 1996 when she coexisted with a mannequin named Pierre for her work 'Cinema Solo.' This latest project further underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between science, art, and meaningful human connections.
