Soul Transfer Complete

Soul Transfer Complete takes inspiration from the story of the Golem, an artificial being of Jewish folklore brought to life by human hands through mystical means. The proposed video work seeks to unravel the intricate threads of the creation of synthetic AI as an act of hubris, akin to the Kabbalistic sorcery used to bring the Golem to life.

Drew from a tale of old Prague, the Rabbi shapes the Golem from mud, performing a ritual, in order to protect his community. In Gustav Meyrink’s novel, the replicant is depicted as a frightening creature, in Paul Wagener’s movie, it’s creation is a mix of black magic and Jewish mysticism, it’s reminiscent of Faust’s pact with the devil. The climax of the story is when the man-made creature is released into the world to gain its independence, it goes against his master and attacks the people it was supposed to protect. The infusion of supernatural adds an extra layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative, raising questions about the ethical implications of relying on AI systems with mysterious origins and powers.

This project is a work-in-progress that investigates the unintended consequences and dystopian ramifications of playing with forces beyond human control, showcasing how the quest for technological advancement can lead to societal deformations, power imbalance, including surveillance, manipulation, and loss of individual agency.