Exploring Techne: A Journey Through AI and Storytelling at BAM

Ever wondered what happens when artificial intelligence meets the art of storytelling? Dive into the innovative tech landscape at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) with the captivating showcase titled “Techne.”

An Artistic Encounter in the Woods

Imagine a journalist wandering through a lush forest, only to encounter a galactic being and a fleet of food delivery bicycles. This whimsical journey isn’t just a figment of imagination—it’s part of Marc Da Costa’s captivating digital installation at the Onassis Foundation’s ONX Studio in Manhattan. With a Ph.D. in anthropology, Da Costa controls an AI-driven video installation that conjures up vibrant visuals based on random prompts. As he narrates a fantastical tale, a charming retro-style animation unfolds across three expansive screens, taking viewers on an immersive adventure.

Unveiling "Techne" at BAM

Da Costa’s work, titled “The Golden Key,” is one of four installations marking the Techne festival at BAM’s Fisher building. This event serves as the captivating finale of BAM’s Next Wave Festival, which has evolved significantly since the pandemic forced a reduction in programming and staffing. Techne runs through January 19, showcasing groundbreaking art that merges digital technology and storytelling, all curated primarily by the Onassis Foundation’s digital culture initiative.

Interactive and Engaging Installations

With interactive components, each installation under Techne invites the audience to literally shape the narrative. Following “The Golden Key,” which draws inspiration from a whimsical Brothers Grimm tale, attendees can look forward to “Voices,” delving into the spirit world of Margarita Athanasiou, and “Secret Garden,” a collection of compelling narratives from Black women artists, assembled by Brooklyn’s own Stephanie Dinkins.

A Critical Lens on Technology

One standout installation, “The Vivid Unknown,” reimagines Godfrey Reggio’s iconic film “Koyaanisqatsi.” This rendition utilizes AI to reflect on humanity’s disconnect from nature, embodying a world “out of balance.” Unlike its predecessor, it’s a pure creation of AI, devoid of traditional photography or a musical score, echoing concerns about technology’s unchecked growth. Fitzgerald, who co-created this mesmerizing work, drives home the point: as technology evolves, artists must critically engage with it rather than shy away.

Reviving BAM’s Artistic Spirit

Techne’s creation harkens back to BAM’s vibrant past in the 80s, as it seeks to attract a new generation of art enthusiasts drawn to digital exploration. Amid leadership changes and a gradual post-pandemic recovery, BAM is bouncing back, showcasing a wider array of events this season than the previous year’s stark offerings.

Experts Weigh In on the Future of Storytelling

Da Costa, alongside fellow creator Matthew Niederhauser, reflects on the importance of engaging with AI amidst ongoing discussions about technology’s impact on society. By feeding folklore into their AI, they unlock the potential for machines to generate stories that resonate with cultural heritage while questioning what lies ahead in an era where machines might fabric narratives en masse—some fictional, some potentially harmful.

Experience Techne for Yourself

Techne is more than a visual experience; it’s a platform that challenges our understanding of storytelling in the digital age. The festival features a lineup that promises excitement for every visitor:

• “The Vivid Unknown” (Jan. 4–5 and 7)
• “The Golden Key” (Jan. 8–11)
• “Voices” (Jan. 12 and 14–15)
• “Secret Garden” (Jan. 16–19)

If you’re intrigued, don’t miss the special screening of “Koyaanisqatsi” at BAM Rose Cinemas on January 7, featuring a Q&A with Fitzgerald and Reggio.

With bold installations and a commitment to evolving artistry, Techne at BAM helps us reflect on the interplay between technology and our most cherished tales.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.