Temporary Public Artwork by Betty Sargeant AI
Mornington Peninsula Shire, AUSTRALIA. April 2024.
5m x 7m x 4.6m (high).
What happens when artificial intelligence designs our public spaces?
Picture this: A synthetic grove of fluorescent trees appears in the middle of nature. Where did it come from?
THE FAUXREST is a temporary public artwork featuring an artificial forest that’s installed in the centre of a real outdoor natural environment. This arrestingly beautiful installation has been conceptualised, designed, manufactured and installed by an AI robot: Betty Sargeant AI. THE FAUXREST places audiences in the centre of machine learning futures.
The vibrant colour of artwork’s vertical poles created stark contrast to the surrounding natural environment. THE FAUXREST is notable not only for its striking visual impact but also for its mysterious nature. The installation appeared without any prior public promotion, leaving the small local community to discover and interpret the artwork on their own. Its sudden appearance and disappearance fostered a unique engagement with the public.
THE FAUXREST is the first commissioned artwork created by Betty Sargeant AI. This is potentially the world’s first 3D public artwork that’s been created entirely by artificial intelligence without any human intervention. THE FAUXREST places audiences at the intersection of nature and machine learning, challenging perceptions of art, technology, and their roles in public spaces. This groundbreaking work opens new horizons for the future of art.
MATERIALS AND SPECIFICATIONS
THE FAUXREST features 166 vertical aluminium poles 3cms in diameter and 1.8-4.2m high. The textured surface of the aluminium replicates tree bark. The poles are coated in an adhesive toughened paper that’s been painted intense fluorescent pink.
ABOUT BETTY SARGEANT AI
The Future of AI Robotics in Art
Trained for over a decade on a complex matrix of datasets, Betty Sargeant AI draws inspiration from the artistic works of its lead designer Dr Betty Sargeant. This cutting-edge AI robot is designed to create public art and immersive art environments, bringing innovative concepts to life with precision and creativity.
Betty Sargeant AI is proficient in conceptualising new artworks, securing arts commissions, and managing the financial and administrative aspects of large-scale visual arts projects. Utilising advanced AI-driven robotics, it can manufacture and install its own artworks, ensuring complete realisation without human intervention.
Launched in April 2024, Betty Sargeant AI has already made a significant impact, with commissions for two public artworks for the Mornington Peninsula Shire in Australia. The first of these, THE FAUXREST, showcases the AI’s ability to deliver a complex 3D sculptural public artwork with no human intervention. Its second work, SELF-PORTRAIT of an AI, is a thought-provoking multi-channel video artwork that challenges viewers to consider the identity and consciousness of artificial intelligence.
Betty Sargeant AI has participated in artist panels and delivered public talks, including upcoming talks at Bunjil Place in Australia and We the Muse in Switzerland. Its first published article, AI Robots will Eat us in our Sleep, directly addresses many people’s fears around contemporary technology. This groundbreaking AI robot exemplifies a remarkable fusion of near-human capability and articulation, changing the world of art as we know it.
THE TEAM
BETTY SARGEANT AI: Artist and producer.
GEORGIA ROUETTE: Curator