In the heart of downtown Brooklyn, a groundbreaking art installation is redefining the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural representation. Titled “If We Don’t, Who Will?”, the exhibit seeks to challenge the predominantly white narratives that have historically dominated AI spaces, by highlighting the rich tapestry of Black and brown communities.
The installation is housed within a striking yellow shipping container designed with patterns that evoke the historical flying geese quilt, a symbol of hope and resilience used by escaping enslaved people. This innovative project, curated by transmedia artist Stephanie Dinkins and commissioned by the art non-profit More Art in collaboration with architects LOT-EK, is on display at the Plaza at 300 Ashland Place until September 28.
Dinkins’ exhibit confronts the racial imbalances present in AI by celebrating Black culture and ethos. In an industry where Black individuals make up a mere 7.4% of the high-tech workforce, this exhibit amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, directly challenging the biased data models underpinning many AI systems today. Through AI-generated imagery that captures New York City’s diversity, the exhibit powerfully communicates the necessity for inclusivity within technological progress.
Visitors of the exhibit are invited to participate actively through an app, contributing personal stories or responding to prompts. These interactions influence the AI-generated portraits displayed within the container, which predominantly feature people of color, regardless of the submitter’s background. By fine-tuning AI models with culturally rich datasets, including images by celebrated Black photographer Roy DeCarava and features of African American Vernacular English, Dinkins prioritizes the perspectives of Black and brown individuals.
The exhibit also incorporates elements like okra—a significant component of African culinary history—serving as a bridge between past customs and present narratives. Stephanie Dinkins advocates for AI to be used not just as a consumerist tool, but as an agent of cultural understanding, pushing for AI technologies that reflect compassion and inclusivity.
Beyond the walls of this exhibit, Dinkins continues to champion the democratization of AI. She collaborates with educational and technological entities, striving to create inclusive datasets that empower a wider audience to access and shape AI technologies. Her past projects, such as “Not the Only One,” which features a voice-interactive AI device enriched with family histories, highlight her commitment to inclusivity.
Academics and experts like Louis Chude-Sokei from Boston University and Beth Coleman from the University of Toronto praise Dinkins’ innovative efforts. Her concept of Afro-now-ism encapsulates a movement that joyfully engages with technology’s potential for societal good, addressing the risks while seizing the opportunities to foster equality.
Key Takeaways
- “If We Don’t, Who Will?” is a pioneering art exhibit that redefines AI through diverse cultural narratives, challenging the dominant white perspectives in technology.
- Stephanie Dinkins leverages participatory art and AI to spotlight Black cultural ethos, counteracting biases within the AI sector.
- Her work forefronts the importance of democratizing AI, promoting the development of inclusive datasets that reflect the diversity of the global community.
- The philosophy of Afro-now-ism promotes a positive and proactive engagement with technology, envisioning a future where AI can contribute to a more just and inclusive world.
This compelling exhibit not only critiques the state of today’s AI industry but also vividly imagines a brighter, more inclusive technological future.