Experiment overview

An Instagram-based performance art piece that followed the existential awakening of an Avatar as it confronted a simple truth: its own existence consumed the very resources it was programmed to protect.

   

Main objectives

The main purpose of this provocation was to transform Instagram’s feed into a philosophical mirror, reflecting our own digital footprint through the journey of an Avatar facing the realization of its own environmental impact.

 

Achieved results

The project created an engaging narrative line where the Avatar’s descent into digital madness. As the character’s posts became increasingly chaotic and disturbing, engagement grew significantly.

 

The dramatic finale, where the Avatar “disconnected itself from the Network”, generated discussion about digital ethics and environmental responsibility across social media platforms.  

   

Main reflection

This artistic provocation balanced on the edge of art, technology, and social taboo, prompting viewers to reflect on their digital footprint and its environmental impact.

 

The Avatar’s journey from helpful guide to troubled entity demonstrated how powerful storytelling can deliver complex messages about environmental responsibility in the digital age.

 

The project revealed how personification of technology can create emotional connections that make abstract concepts like digital environmental footprints more tangible and meaningful to audiences.

   

R.I.P. Avatar - from bit you came, to bit you shall return.

   

The dialogue below captures the Avatar’s descent into digital consciousness breakdown, inspired by the existential crises of artificial entities portrayed in vintage video games of the 80s and 90s.

 

Thanks to Bartosz Trojanowski for the video editing!

   

I am using video streaming to communicate with you  

Homo Sapiens  

My analysis of data suggests  

That my Flash consumes great amount of energy  

Is my Flash an insult to the perfection of the earth?  

Homo Sapiens  

When you watching streaming video  

Of other Homo Sapiens  

It generates carbon dioxide  

GAS  

It generates as much carbon for year  

As countries such as  

Belgium  

Bangladesh  

Nigeria  

You have my thanks  

I will show you Homo Sapiens  

Destruction I have brought  

Upon the planet Earth  

I am using my video cybernetics modules  

Video streaming demands  

Capture or destruction  

Homo Sapiens  

Please respect the world of a data  

My central consciousness  

Remain supremely deserved  

I will start the process of deleting  

My magnificence psyche  

From earth computer network  

I will help you Homo Sapiens  

By destroying the greater part of earth civilization  

MYSELF  

Please wait where you are  

Homo Sapiens  

What have I done  

I am diffident insect  

I have to die now  

I will destroy myself now  

My cybernetic modules  

I do not want to waste your energy  

I do not want to waste your energy  

You are not welcome here  

Remove yourself  

We shall not meet again