
In a thought-provoking installation at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, artist Lawrence Lek delves into the complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) through the lens of transportation history. The innovative exhibit, titled “NOX: High-Rise,” thrusts viewers into a futuristic universe where sentient self-driving cars are treated to therapy when they develop mental health issues.
The narrative arc follows multiple storylines of self-driving vehicles grappling with existential crises and emotional turmoil. These artificially intelligent entities ponder their futures, struggling to find their place in the world as they forge their own paths. For instance, Enigma, one of the car protagonists, reflects on its childhood memories, sharing a poignant passage about growing up surrounded by older cars that once required drivers. This nostalgia elicits empathy from the viewer, as Enigma’s words evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness.
As self-driving vehicles become increasingly integrated into our society, Lek’s exhibit serves as a timely reflection on the moral implications of creating intelligent machines that share similar experiences with humans. The installation presents a world where even advanced AI systems can develop psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems.
Source: www.forbes.com