FRIDMAN LIVE

On yet another ubiquitous ZOOM meeting, a friend with Asperger’s syndrome expressed how much easier it was for her to have her human interactions mediated by this technology. Augmentation and Amplification explores inclusive creative expressions and adaptability within isolation, confinement and the spectrum of neural development.

Vocalist/dancer Mary Esther Carter will sing an improvised duet with “A.I. Anne.” A.I. Anne is a machine learning entity created by composer and music technologist Richard Savery. Trained on Mary’s voice, A.I. Anne is named and patterned after Janet Biggs’ aunt, who was severely autistic and nonverbal due to apraxia. Biggs’ aunt could hum, but was not able to speak. A.I. Anne has the ability to vocalize, but not create language. In this new work, A.I. Anne will expand agency and initiative, using deep learning combined with semantic knowledge to generate emotions and respond to emotions.

Mary Esther Carter will be alone in the space. The autonomous A.I. entity and all other technology, including multiple microphones and cameras will be run and mixed remotely, allowing the performance to operate in accordance with NYC’s shelter-in-place guidelines.