A Needle in a Haystack
Everyone knows that finding a needle in a haystack is an impossible task. But what about a robot? Positioned at the centre of a haystack, the robot's sole mission will be to locate a needle hidden in the hay. It will signal its triumph by ringing a sheep's bell if it succeeds. This project is a provocative exploration of technology's limits when faced with tasks deemed impossible for humans. It challenges the notion of artificial intelligence as a mysterious, all-powerful 'black box'. Critics like Kate Crawford argue that AI is neither truly artificial nor intelligent. Similarly, Jeff Bezos has labelled it "artificial artificial intelligence", highlighting its reliance on human labour that is often underpaid work of crowd workers. Moreover, this artwork prompts reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment, adding a nuanced layer of commentary to the interaction between technological prowess and natural elements. The project also raises critical questions about our reliance on technology: Is this the right path forward? Project is co-commissioned by Wild Bits and DDT Lab.
General info
- Keywords: Installation, Robotics, AI
Exhibited:
Solo shows
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2026 - Ask Anything, OpenArt biennial at Örebro konsthall, Örebro, Sweden (13 Jun - 6 Sep'26) Currently on show
Group shows
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2026 - Small Signals, Big Ideas, group show curated by Julian Stadon, Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, Winchester, UK (Jun'25)
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2025 - A Needle in a Haystack, Festival Castel dei Mondi, Andria, Italy (5–14 Sep'25)
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2024 - A Needle in a Haystack, KiKK Festival, Namur, Belgium (17-27 Oct'24)
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2024 - A Needle in a Haystack, Wild Bits land art exhibition, Maajaam (Tartu European Capital of Culture 2024), Estonia (25 May - 15 Sep 2024)
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2024 - A Needle in a Haystack, "Jää ja lood" Tartu Christmas City pavilions (Tartu European Capital of Culture 2024), Tartu, Estonia (30 Nov'24–5 Jan'26)
Images
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