On average, people spend more than 11 hours a day listening to, watching, reading, or generally interacting with media, according to Nielsen. Much of this time is spent on social media, most of which is composed of content created by users themselves.
Inspired by the concept of an online “self,” Brazil’s Museum of Me illuminates the multitude of possibilities for an online persona and the potential for interaction with a highly intelligent computer. Using artificial intelligence (AI), the exhibit generates images which multiply and expand across the screens and are reflected by mirrors within the space, overlaid with computer-generated content that both enhances and distorts the visuals.
The museum was designed by Brooklyn, NY-based experiential design firm Cactus and commissioned by Accenture Brazil.
“We live in a society where people are portraying themselves through their online persona. We wanted to bring that digital persona to life and show people what they are creating,” said Lucas Werthein, Cactus’ co-founder. “Through this experience, guests are able to see themselves in context, to experience who they are through a digital lens.”
Guests enter the Museum of Me and are prompted to enter their social media user name. The software then identifies their content and generates a two-minute personalized experience, unique to them.
The result is a lush, kaleidoscopic collage of their digital life comprised of images, words and audible voices from their online personas all paired with an AI’s generated words and ideas.
“Throughout history, technological advancements have transformed the way we live,” said Noah Waxman, Cactus’ co-founder. “In the last two decades, two such inventions have occurred: smartphones and social networks. With the Museum of Me, we wanted to make art that portrays the shift in human identity that is occurring as a result of these technological advancements.”
The Museum of Me is comprised of 48 screens that range in aspect ratio, size, and resolution. The installation was carefully designed with 15’x15’x10’ steel frame, customized mirror panels, and outer lightboxes so that it could be quickly assembled and travel easily. Watch it being built.
Can’t get to Brazil? Check out this video to see what it’s like to visit the Museum of Me.
