Serpentine Gallery presents The Call, the first solo exhibition by Berlin-based artists Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst, running from October 4th, 2024, to February 2nd, 2025. The exhibition explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and collective artmaking, offering a unique participatory experience that addresses contemporary concerns surrounding AI technologies. The artists focus on how AI can be utilized as a tool for communication, drawing parallels between AI and age-old practices like choral singing.
At the heart of The Call is the creation of new choral AI models, developed through collaborations with 15 community choirs across the UK. Herndon and Dryhurst composed a songbook and used a multi-channel recording protocol to capture these voices, integrating them into a dataset that forms the foundation of the exhibition. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the AI models, immersing themselves in an audio-visual experience where human and machine voices blend together.
The exhibition will also feature architectural elements designed by sub, an architecture studio known for its work in blending technology and design. One installation will allow visitors to hear the choral harmonies generated by their own inputs, while another presents a chandelier-like object that represents the recording protocol. Herndon and Dryhurst’s creative process is rooted in their exploration of AI as a coordination technology, much like the communal nature of choral singing throughout history.
In their practice, the duo aims to create ethical and culturally rich AI systems, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the process of data creation and model training. This innovative project offers a glimpse into a future where AI can enhance artistic practices and foster new forms of collective creativity. Applications for The Call showcase Herndon and Dryhurst’s belief in the potential of AI to enrich human expression and social engagement.
For our FW24 issue, we spoke with Holly Herndon, Mat Dryhurst, and Serpentine’s visionary Artistic Director, Hans Ulrich Obrist, about their upcoming exhibition and the shifting conversation around AI in art. The discussion delves into themes of beauty, consent, collaboration, and the ethical creation of culture. Pre-order your copy here.
Courtesy of FOREIGN BODY PRODUCTIONS
Courtesy of FOREIGN BODY PRODUCTIONS
Courtesy of FOREIGN BODY PRODUCTIONS
Courtesy of FOREIGN BODY PRODUCTIONS
