Do Robots Dream of AI Generated Sheep?

Do Robots Dream of AI Generated Sheep?

The connection between contemporary humans and animals is often characterized by a relationship of care and protection, but also of exploitation and consumption. Animals are seen both as companions and as resources. With the advent of robotics and artificial intelligence, contemporary humans find themselves coexisting with increasingly advanced machines, which can perform complex tasks and interact with Nature in ways that were previously reserved for living beings.

The care of animals itself is increasingly delegated to machines guided by artificial intelligence. Not to mention how much science and technology has entered, it must be said, even into the DNA of animals, in their production, selection, accelerated development and consumption.

This coexistence raises ethical and philosophical questions about what it means to be alive and conscious, and how machines can influence our relationship with nature and with ourselves.

The AI-Generated image symbolically represents these reflections, showing a robot dreaming of AI-generated sheep, a clear reference to Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, which explores similar themes. (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)

Description:
The image shows a robot lying on a green lawn, with its eyes closed, as if dreaming. Next to the robot are two monitors showing data and technical diagrams. Above the robot, there are three transparent bubbles containing stylized, smiling sheep, with large, blue eyes. In the background, there are flowers and plants that add a natural touch to the scene. At the bottom, there is the writing “Do Robots dream of AI-generated Sheep?”

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With this work De Pinto participated in the second edition of the Minifestival CONI ART n.2 Arte come rinascita (Minifestival CONI ART n.2 Art as rebirth) in the historic center of Prato 7-20 December 2024 which had as its theme the relationship between contemporary man and animals.
“The theme of the images, in an area where public greenery is rather lacking, will be the relationship between Man and Nature as a tool for rebirth: in this way an urban space to be lived in is recovered, with the intention of restoring safety and color to a valuable area of ​​the city, also proposing to bring activities back to an area that remained closed following the pandemic, as unfortunately happened in many historic centers of our country.” Excerpt from the press release by Art Sharing Roma ETS.
The artists involved are Caterina Betti, Enzo Correnti, Murat Önol, Gibo, Pier Giorgio De Pinto, Rinascimento Punk, Alberto Tognetti and they will work on seven shutters made available to the owners of closed premises.
Curated by Lauraballa With the patronage of the Municipality of Prato In collaboration with Confesercenti, Confcommercio and Artist Invasion.