n≠1

Chantal Pisarzowski

Artwork Description:

n≠1' is a VR installation developed at the University of Applied Sciences (HTW) in Berlin under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Ingerl and Prof. Pablo Dornhege. The project aims to provide a new method of grief management by enabling users to interact with digital replicas of deceased individuals in a virtual space, offering personal and emotional experiences. The concept of 'n≠1' supports the grieving process by giving users the opportunity to exchange unspoken words and say goodbye. In Western societies, where traditional mourning rituals and religious influences are diminishing, the need for alternative methods of grief management is growing. 'n≠1' addresses this need and opens new discussions on dealing with loss. Digital avatars of the deceased are created using image processing and machine learning algorithms to achieve authentic reproductions, including detailed facial expressions and gestures. Users can engage in real-time conversations with the digital twins, creating a dynamic and personalized experience designed to feel as real as possible. This technology raises ethical and legal questions: Who owns the data of the deceased? Is it ethical to create digital replicas without consent? Companies might commercialize such technologies, necessitating regulatory measures. Societies must decide how to integrate these technologies and protect the privacy and dignity of the deceased. Psychologists accompany the project, studying its effects on users to ensure safe and supportive interactions. For demonstration purposes, historical figures are shown at exhibitions, highlighting the technology's potential and provoking thought about its broader implications.