Nonequality is an interactive Multi-Device Web Artwork arguing that the world cannot be comprehended solely with equations.

≠ (Nonequality) denotes anything else other than = (Equality). = implies a singular answer, while ≠ encompasses limitless possibilities. However, we often prefer = over ≠, attempting false datificiation (Intangible_Ambiguity=Numerical_Value), or uncritical acceptance of algorithmic outcomes (Generative_AI=Truth). Like the overreliance on Recommendation Systems, some accept LLM-generated texts to be assuredly true.

The artwork “≠” explores the theme of ‘Illogicality within seemingly logical systems’, resonating with the notion that the rational components can amalgamate to produce irrational outcomes, akin to Dostoevsky’s criticism of the Crystal Palace. It presents how algorithmic outcomes - often considered logical - might present an illogical impression when aggregated. Employing different AI-generated outcomes ranging from GPT, Stable Diffusion, and TTS, “≠” presents the aggregated chaos where individual sections adhere to logic and algorithms, yet the overall experience emerges as illogical, deconstructed, and decentralised.

Implemented in 4 Channels, “≠” invites audiences to scan the QR with their mobile and interact with this web-based artwork in real-time. Upon landing the mobile website, they first encounter an encyclopaedic interface where they can click on blue hyperlink keywords, transitioning from one keyword to another. Each keyword click dynamically influences all four channels via WebSocket, affecting the Rhizomatic Database, overlaid YouTube videos, and TTS-empowered dialogues where one screen generates LLM-based scripts in real-time, and the other responds ‘Ja’ continuously to the LLM. This ‘Ja’, reminiscent of a Nietzscheistic Camel, shifts towards ‘Nein’ and aggregated ‘Nein’ as audiences’ interaction accelerates, symbolically representing the evolution towards Nietzschestic Lion and Baby. The latest stage presents immersive chaos across all four channels, presenting joyful illogicality (≠) generated from seemingly logical systems (=).

© 2023 Experience Design Lab (XD Lab), Jeanyoon Choi