Exhibition: CULTUS… imagines AI beings as future gods

Loud, heady and shadowy, this installation imagines AI beings as future gods.

CULTUS, by American artist Zach Blas, is showing at Arebyte Gallery in Botanic Square, Canning Town, until February 17.

In a dark gallery space, a series of moving image installations take on the beliefs, fantasies and visions of technology.

At its centre, a black-mirror altarpiece displays videos of morphing symbols. As the experience unfolds, the visual choreography weaves religious icons and corporate branding logos.

There are four AI gods: Expositio, Iudicium, Lacrimae and Eternus.

These are represented by four panels, hanging on chains with descriptions of prayers surrounded by techno chants.

The set up is cult-like – fringing on religious and spiritual practices. But its message is grounded by political resistance and the reality of the technology industry.

While it may seem like a warning against the future of tech, CULTUS shows us that AI gods are already with us, actively worshipped and served.

Picture: Zach Blas CULTUS Picture: Max Colson