Face:Dectector, hosted at Milk & Froth, is an interactive installation that invites you to explore the computation, hidden assumptions, statistical calculations, and potential biases of artificial intelligence by, well, making you smile. Happy? Surprised? Angry? This experimental installation using facial recognition* technology and algorithms to measure your affect and respond to your emotions in real time. Based on your mood, various interactions will take place while you enjoy your scoop of ice cream. Yet, behind the sweet outer facade of this installation, we engage with the moral questions of the use of this type of data. We reveal the different ways facial recognition technology can be used to measure and profile individuals and the ambiguities involved in their use.

Through this experiment, we hope to engage visitors in a conversation about the opportunities, biases, and ethical questions around the public use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition. A virtual discussion will continue the conversation around these topics, particularly as the citizens of Detroit debate Project Greenlight and as these technologies become more embedded in our cities and everyday lives.

For more information on the installation or virtual talk, visit www.facedetector.xyz.

Installation: Sept 1 – 30
Virtual Talk: Wednesday, Sept 15th @ 7-8:30pm

*Don’t worry. We’re not saving or sending your likeness anywhere!