Shocking art: Artist electrocutes herself to symbolize impact of AI on creatives

The electrifying performance art piece that warns about artificial intelligence’s dark potential headlines this year’s Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in Brisbane, showcasing groundbreaking works from across the region.

Exhibition overview: The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11) at Queensland Art Gallery features 70 artistic projects from 200 artists across 30 countries, running through April 2025.

• For the first time, artists from Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia are participating in the exhibition
• The gallery plans to acquire nearly half of the exhibited works for its permanent collection
• Many projects were developed through community collaborations, particularly those from Papua New Guinea, India, the Philippines, and New Zealand

Headline performance: A provocative video installation showing artist Kawita Vatanajyankur enduring electric shocks while attempting to draw spirals serves as a stark commentary on AI’s potential impact on human autonomy.

• The piece, titled “The Machine Ghost in the Human Shell,” was created in collaboration with American scientist Pat Pataranutaporn
• Medical professionals supervised the dangerous performance to ensure safety
• The work explores whether advancing AI technology could lead to human exploitation and dehumanization
• Vatanajyankur’s previous works have consistently addressed labor exploitation in Southeast Asia

Notable acquisitions: The Queensland Art Gallery has secured several significant works that reflect contemporary concerns about climate change, industrialization, and cultural preservation.

• Rithika Merchant’s “Terraformation” series depicts dreamlike beings attempting to survive on other planets post-Anthropocene
• Traditional wooden carvings by the Ataúro Sculptors of Timor-Leste represent a revival of practices previously banned by Protestant churches
• Singaporean artist Dawn Ng’s installation featuring melting, pigment-infused ice blocks addresses environmental concerns

International collaboration: The exhibition marks a significant partnership between QAGOMA and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

• Selected works from APT11 will travel to the V&A in 2026
• The collaboration strengthens QAGOMA’s position as a leading institution for contemporary Asian and Pacific art
• V&A leadership has shown active engagement with the exhibition, with director Tristram Hunt visiting during installation

Future implications: While AI continues to advance rapidly, this exhibition raises critical questions about maintaining human dignity and agency in an increasingly automated world, suggesting that artistic expression may serve as a crucial platform for examining and challenging technological progress’s societal impact.