The Fold

A body of work exploring the parallels between the Luddites' fear of Jacquard looms, and modern-day apprehension towards the emergence of artificial intelligence

Abstract:

This paper examines the link between historical events involving the Luddites and the advent of Jacquard looms, and the contemporary apprehension towards the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through an analysis of artistic expressions within the body of work titled The Fold, I explore the shared themes of fear, fascination, and the human response to technological progress. This paper aims to shed light on the persistent patterns of trepidation and uncertainty that have marked humanity's encounter with transformative technologies throughout history, elucidating the implications for our perception of AI in the modern era.

Introduction
Advancements in technology have long provoked complex emotional and societal responses. In the early 19th century, the emergence of Jacquard looms, among the first automated computing machines, gave rise to the Luddite movement and widespread fear of unemployment and societal upheaval. Today, we find ourselves grappling with similar anxieties surrounding the rapid advancements in AI. This paper explores the artistic body of work titled The Fold," which draws on historical parallels to highlight and interrogate contemporary apprehensions towards AI.

Historical Context: The Luddites and Jacquard Loom
The Luddites, a group of early 19th-century English textile workers, protested against the mechanization of their industry, particularly the Jacquard looms. These machines introduced automated processes for weaving intricate patterns, replacing the need for skilled labour. The Luddites' opposition stemmed from fears of job displacement, economic instability, and the erosion of craftsmanship. Their movement embodied a resistance to the encroachment of technology upon human skills and livelihoods. The Luddites went so far as to smash the mechanised looms, thus signifying the strength of their opposition,  it’s these actions which have led to the term “Luddite” becoming synonymous with someone resistant to technological advancement

Contemporary Parallels: Apprehension Towards Artificial Intelligence
In today's world, we witness a comparable apprehension towards the rise of AI. As machines become more intelligent, capable of complex tasks, and potentially autonomous decision-makers, concerns arise regarding the impact on employment, privacy, ethics, and the very fabric of human society. The Fold explores these contemporary anxieties, drawing on the historical Luddite narrative as a lens to reflect upon the human response to technological disruption.

Complex Systems and Human Error
Within the context of The Fold, the deliberate construction of complex systems with tightly coupled processes serves as a focal point for inquiry.  The work is created by placing an imperfect tool into the pen plotter’s perfect generative movements and then overlaid repeatedly with varying colours. This tight coupling of repeated movement matched with unpredictable mark-making tools enables a space for mistakes to happen. Charles Perot’s insight into the creation of accidents within such systems becomes a pivotal element of artistic exploration. By intentionally granting agency to the machine to make mistakes, the artwork challenges conventional notions of human error and accountability.

In traditional settings, when accidents occur, blame tends to be attributed to the human operator rather than the underlying system. However, The Fold prompts us to question this attribution of blame. By removing the human operator from the equation, the artwork unveils the systemic nature of errors. It illuminates the potential consequences of tightly coupled processes and complex systems, where seemingly minor interactions can cascade into significant deviations from the intended outcome. By shifting the focus from the operator to the system itself, the series prompts a re-evaluation of our understanding of human error within the broader framework of technological systems.

The Role of Anthropomorphism
One aspect of The Fold lies in its exploration of anthropomorphism, the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities. This phenomenon is deeply ingrained in our response to technology. Alexander Pope's observation, "To Err is human," invites contemplation on whether the mistakes made by AI systems enhance their perceived human-like qualities. The artwork challenges us to consider whether the presence of fallibility in AI reinforces our tendency to anthropomorphize, thereby blurring the boundaries between humans and machines. If machines are designed – or allowed – to make errors, what are the implications for decision-making processes, especially in critical domains such as healthcare or autonomous vehicles? How do we strike a balance between ensuring accountability and embracing the potential benefits of machine autonomy?

Implications for Humanity in a Digital World:
Within The Fold, the interplay between the folds of woven fabric and the machine-drawn strokes elicits contemplation on the implications for humanity in a digital world. The artwork serves as a metaphor for the complex relationship between humans and technology, prompting us to question our place and purpose in an increasingly digitized and automated society.

By juxtaposing the delicate intricacy of woven fabric with the precise yet imperfect strokes of the machine, The Fold invites viewers to reflect on the nature of human creativity, intuition, and craftsmanship. It poses fundamental questions about the essence of human agency and the intangible qualities that make us uniquely human. As machines continue to encroach upon domains traditionally associated with human expertise, we are compelled to confront our anxieties about the potential erosion of human identity and purpose.

The series ultimately underscores the importance of ethical considerations in shaping the future of human-machine interactions. As AI systems become more sophisticated and autonomous, questions of accountability, transparency, and fairness come to the forefront. The Fold prompts us to critically examine the ethical dimensions of AI, urging us to establish frameworks that ensure human values and principles are embedded within the design, deployment, and governance of these technologies. It calls for a conscious integration of humanistic perspectives and ethical guidelines in the development and implementation of AI systems, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and machines.

In a broader sense, The Fold invites us to consider the impact of digitalization on our collective consciousness and social fabric. It compels us to reflect on the ways in which technology shapes our perceptions, behaviours, and relationships. As we increasingly rely on digital tools and platforms, there is a need for thoughtful reflection on how these technologies impact our individual and societal well-being. The Fold serves as a catalyst for critical introspection, inviting us to strike a balance between embracing the benefits of digital innovation and preserving our human essence and values.

Conclusion
The Fold provokes contemplation on the implications of a digital world for humanity. By folding back time itself linking the rise of Ai with the Luddites so that we are currently more conversant (and perhaps empathetic) with the fears of the Luddites in the face of massive upheaval. The work challenges us to reflect on the intangible qualities and craft that define our humanity, the ethical dimensions of AI, and the impact of digitalization on our collective existence. By engaging with this body of work, we are compelled to navigate the complexities of the digital age with a heightened awareness of our values, responsibilities, and the imperative to shape technology in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, our human experience.