Esoteric AI
Esoteric AI challenges mainstream perceptions of AI as either disenchanted or enchanted, proposing alternative ways of seeing, sensing, and knowing AI that blur the seeming binary of magic and technology. Inspired by feminist philosophy and science and technology studies, Esoteric AI seeks to trouble the normative understandings of AI and reclaim the feminine and the enchanted from the dominant ways they are projected onto AI. Just as a séance is a collective process, so is our reimagining and reenchanting of AI.
In this research, we ask: What can we learn from il/legitimate predictive technologies of the past?
The Esoteric AI research is part of the Slow AI project by AIxDESIGN.
[TEAM]
SUMMON THE ESOTERIC AI CHAPTER
To disenchant the enchanted, and enchant the disenchanted“Esoteric AI: To disenchant the enchanted, and enchant the disenchanted” chapter is out now!
In this Slow AI Chapter, we explore how AI predictions occupy a fascinating space between the rational and the inexplicable—inviting us to re-enchant our relationship with algorithmic systems.
This chapter is the manifestation of Natalia and the team’s past 12 months of research into Esoteric AI ⏳ A labour of love, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
ROAM THE ZINE
(Dis)enchantment - A zine about Esoteric AIThis zine compiles the creative contributions, exchanges, and discussions from the Esoteric AI Zine-making Workshop held on July 6, 2024, in Rotterdam. Together, we explored notions of Esoteric AI, taking inspiration from magic, divination, folklore, and other types of seemingly “illegitimate” or arcane ways of knowing.
EXPLORE THE ARTWORK
BIRD by Gaston WelischBIRD: Bird Informed Remote Divination by Gaston Welisch is an interactive, web-based artwork investigating the ways AI-driven pattern recognition mirrors and diverges from historical predictive practices, like Roman augury.
Through BIRD, users collaborate with AI to interpret bird patterns in a live webcam feed, challenging the “black-box” quality of AI—the hidden processes behind its outputs. Looking at AI through the lens of divination, the work questions how patterns are assigned meanings and how these meanings shape our actions.
LISTEN TO LIVE CONVERSATION
Natalia Stanusch in conversation w/ David BenquéAs part of the Esoteric AI research led by Natalia Stanusch, we turned to the design and research practice of David Benqué. Together, we explored the connections between divination, chicanery, prediction, data, and algorithms.
3 THINGS TO EXPLORE
picked by Natalia StanuschGot time for another sidequest? We're excited to share three things to deepen your understanding of Esoteric AI. First, explore a recent reading that captivated our research lead, Natalia Stanusch. Second, meet a person of interest making waves in the field. Lastly, watch a compelling snippet to immerse yourself further in the Esoteric AI research. Dive in and explore these curated spotlights from Natalia.
