AI and the Art of Historical Reinterpretation: Filling Gender Bias Gaps

The visual strategy of the project is based on the targeted reconstruction and restaging of iconic photographs of important artists and scientists. By replacing the original, mostly male-dominated performers with FLINTA* people, a fictional reality is created that enables an alternative historical narrative. These ‘fictional archives’ are more than just artistic commentaries; they function as counter-archives that challenge the existing narratives of art history and expand them to include diverse, often overlooked perspectives.

The project raises important ethical questions: How far can AI go in reshaping history? How can we ensure that these technologies do not repeat the same systemic errors they are trying to correct? By making historical distortions and exclusions visible, the project not only calls for a re-evaluation of the past, but also opens up a visionary perspective for the future. The artist’s collection of images is constantly growing and can be evaluated through data analyses in order to be incorporated both actively and passively into future AI systems. Through dissemination via digital platforms, this fictional history not only contributes to making cultural memory more diverse and equitable, but can also influence future AI models to promote a more inclusive and equitable future.

Supported by VALIE EXPORT Center