When did humans reach the pinnacle of the tower of existence? When did we start distinguishing between the human and the non-human? From where did this centrism originate? How are things divided, categorized, and ordered in universes built on the intelligence of other species? Or is all of this fantasizing coming from a place of anthropocentrism—if we, as humans, head towards it, will it lead us to a way that breaks the illusion?
In 2021, Microwave curated Yesterday’s Fiction from a futurist perspective founded on myth, science fiction, and literary creation to present works exploring the human imagination. The exhibition concluded with Co(AI)xistence, a video work whose story was never finished. The 2022 edition, titled Half Half, searched for balance and ways of co-existence in a world developing at lightspeed with artificial intelligence and technology, with the wish that “science be kind and all forms of life co-exist in peace.” But if we speak about co-existence, what about the other beings on this earth? In what context is “co-existence” agreed upon? Throughout the curatorial process, other life forms seem to be overshadowed by technology. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), we try to shift the focus back to the “non-human” to identify the missing piece. In the field of “non-human intelligence”—which includes animals, insects, plants, and computer systems—humans still play a role, but one that needs to interact and cooperate, and even create something with other species. Will this direction help us go beyond anthropocentric frameworks of understanding?

With these (co-)creations, media artists, technologists, and scientists “collaborate” with a variety of organisms, like bees, elephants, ants, bacteria, and plants. The data and assets from these collaborations are just as complex as what arises from collaborations with AI. Apart from possibilities of de-anthropocentrism, they also make us learn humility and respect. Creation is a process of understanding and co-operating with each other as living beings, a form of cross-species exchange and interaction; perhaps these forms of expression and development can lead us to more symbiotic ways of co-existence.

Festival Grand Opening: 3rd November, 2023 18:00 - 21:00

Venue address: Exhibition Hall, 1st Floor, Low Block, Hong Kong City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central