An AI finds itself in purgatory for cheating… will it find its way out? dmstfctn present an interactive audiovisual performance set in a 3D simulated theatre, with a live soundtrack performed by Evita Manji
Waluigi’s Purgatory is a new interactive audiovisual performance by artist duo dmstfctn, featuring an original soundtrack composed and performed live by Evita Manji.
Set in a 3D theatre simulated in real-time, the performance tells the story of an AI finding itself in a purgatory for AIs that cheated during their training. Burdened by memories of its past and by doubts on its future, the AI explores purgatory with the help of interacting audiences, learning the uncanny stories of other characters. Experienced as a dream, Waluigi’s Purgatory is a journey through the contradictions of machine intelligence as an AI learns to accept that its desires may not align with those of its human trainers.
Waluigi’s Purgatory is the most ambitious project to date by dmstfctn. In themes and format, it loosely follows on from their previous performance GOD MODE (ep. 1), presented at Serpentine South in 2022.
Curated and produced by Serpentine Arts Technologies and HQI.
Watch the video of the presentation here
Pics: Waluigi’s Purgatory (2024), courtesy of dmstfctn, photo by Gabriel Cautain
