TALK: Leonardo Laser Talk

The LASERs (Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) are an international program of evening gatherings that bring artists and scientists together for informal presentations and conversation with an audience.

Amy Karle’s Talk:
Digital Dreams and Bio-Realities: Reimagining Humanity Through Art and Technology

“What does it mean to be human at this time of merging with technology and biotechnology? How might we create and harness technology to not merely serve us but to uplift and empower us?

These are the questions that I ask through my art.

I see technology as a reflection of who we are, who we want to be, and who we could become. I explore what it means to be human at this time of merging with technology, and use those technologies in the research and process of creating my work. My work incorporates both technology and humanistic elements, exploring the complexities of living, suffering, and empowerment through technology, as well as our interconnectedness.
I work through art because I believe that art has the power to challenge our perceptions, provoke thought, and inspire change.

In the echo chambers of technology, art is a voice of humanity.”

– Amy Karle

In this enlightening discourse, artist and philosopher Amy Karle navigates the rapidly merging terrains technology and the human experience. Pondering upon a not-so-distant future, Karle envisions an intimate confluence of biological and technological intelligences, illuminating scenarios where bio-tech, machine, and artificial intelligence become integral parts of our physical and cognitive selves. Through her pioneering work, Karle has explored the fascinating intersections of bioprinting, fabricated organs, and regenerative medicine, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and challenging our conceptions of life. Delving deep into the realms of brain-computer interfaces, neurotech, and wearables, she highlights the potential wonders these innovations can bring, from enhanced learning capabilities to transformative forms of connecting with others. Yet, alongside this optimism lies a cautionary tale: the urgent challenges of human rights, cognitive rights, identity, and the ethical implications of such profound integrations. Karle underscores the importance of using exponential technology and AI as tools for enhancement and empowerment rather than crutches that inhibit authentic creativity and self-growth. She perceives AI not merely as a tool but a co-creator, a partner in our collective journey towards an evolutionary future. As the boundaries between the digital and physical blur, and as biotech and infotech converge, Karle emphasizes the need for diverse collaborations, introspection, and intentional choices. Her vision is one of opportunity – to harness the power of emerging technologies for a renaissance in understanding our potential, reshaping our identities, and co-creating a world that aligns with our deepest human values and aspirations.