!Mediengruppe Bitnik

Alexiety, 2018

Technique: single channel video installation, sound, loop, 08:28"
Media: screen, loud speakers, Alexa devices, Google home device, media player, cables
Dimensions variable

Intelligent Personal Assistants like Alexa, Google Home and Siri are the brains of the smart home ecosystem. They operate, monitor and control smart home appliances while keeping secret the algorithms and rule-sets that determine how they operate. Intelligent Personal Devices are voice controlled, thus dissolving the machinic presence of the computer while placing its functionalities at the user's disposal. It's like living inside the machine, while at the same time having no agency over the composition and structure of one's environment.

What are the relationships we are forming with these IPA devices? What happens when IoT devices are hacked to form rogue bot-networks? Is my capacity to act enhanced or diminished when relying on these semi-autonomous devices?

Together with French musician Low Jack, !Mediengruppe Bitnik has been exploring ways of engaging with Alexa and similar "Intelligent" Personal Assistants through music. The electronic music artist experiments with the re-appropriation of sonic clichés, media folklore and the multiplicity of musical languages associated with dance subcultures. In 'Alexiety', a set of three songs attempts to capture the feelings we develop toward Intelligent Personal Assistants: the carefree love that embraces Alexa before data privacy and surveillance issues outweigh the benefits; the alienation and decoupling / uncoupling from the allure of remote control and instant gratification; the anxiety and discomfort around Alexa and other Intelligent Personal Assistants that is 'Alexiety'.The EP is best streamed on the radio for the enjoyment of smart homes everywhere. Play it loud, so your neighbour's devices can hear it.

Songs: Low Jack, www.residentadvisor.net/dj/lowjack & !Mediengruppe Bitnik

Multi-platform graphics: Knoth & Renner, www.knoth-renner.com

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