We delve into the genesis and meaning behind the media majlis museum's groundbreaking exhibition, "Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent," which challenges the dichotomous view of artificial intelligence. The curator of art, media, and technology at the museum, Jack Thomas Taylor, explores how AI, often presented as a utopian solution, is also a tool of surveillance and violence in the Arab world, a reality that the exhibition confronts head-on. He shares insights into how the museum approaches exhibition-making with a nuanced, non-Western perspective, and why the "dirty history" of museums is a conversation worth having in a regional context. We discuss the critical need for local voices in shaping AI and the dangers of a technology dominated by a singular perspective.
We delve into the genesis and meaning behind the media majlis museum's groundbreaking exhibition, "Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent," which challenges the dichotomous view of artificial intelligence. The curator of art, media, and technology at the museum, Jack Thomas Taylor, explores how AI, often presented as a utopian solution, is also a tool of surveillance and violence in the Arab world, a reality that the exhibition confronts head-on. He shares insights into how the museum approaches exhibition-making with a nuanced, non-Western perspective, and why the "dirty history" of museums is a conversation worth having in a regional context. We discuss the critical need for local voices in shaping AI and the dangers of a technology dominated by a singular perspective.
The "Ai or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent" exhibition ran from January 15 to May 15, 2025, at the media majlis museum at Northwestern University in Doha, Qatar. It explored the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine learning, examining the opportunities and challenges AI presents for contemporary journalism and wider society. It was structured around four themes—Hindsight, Insight, Foresight, and Oversight—to encourage visitors to explore how AI transforms notions of privacy, identity, and representation. The exhibition featured a collection of more than 20 works by regional and international artists, including immersive digital experiences, newly commissioned works, and pieces loaned from institutions such as the Computer History Museum and the Barjeel Art Foundation. The exhibition's glossary of terms related to AI and journalism was available in both English and Arabic.
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00:00 Introduction
02:07 "Ai or Nay?": The Genesis of the Exhibition's Idea
03:15 The Paradox of Artificial versus Intelligent
05:55 The State of AI at the Start of the Project
09:02 Organizing the Exhibition: Hindsight, Insight, Oversight, Foresight
13:16 The Importance of Regional Nuances
16:51 The Violence of AI and Its Impact
20:51 A Commissioned Artwork: "Artificial Target"
25:31 The Future of AI and the Role of Humans
34:54 The Challenge of Arabic Large Language Models
38:41 The Scarcity of Knowledge and AI
41:13 How AI Explores Creative Ownership
45:41 The Oversight and Plagiarism of AI
51:38 The "Ai or Nay" Glossary
Jack Thomas Taylor is the Curator of Art, Media, and Technology at the Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar. A founding curator of the museum since 2017, Taylor has extensive experience in the arts, culture, and creative industries across the Gulf region, including in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, and Qatar. As an experienced curator and producer, he has managed exhibitions from conception to delivery and has held various positions in creative services and editorial work. Taylor is also a founding board member of the inaugural International Council of Museums (ICOM) national committee in Qatar.
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Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
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Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊