In this project, Dovile utilizes an ancient archetype of the ‘evil eye’ to reflect upon the growing fears surrounding a contemporary phenomenon: Artificial Intelligence. According to superstitious beliefs, the evil eye wards against the transmission of negative energy through visual contact with malevolent individuals. In trying to understand something as culturally and technologically complex as AI, Dovile collected images of evil eyes to train a machine learning algorithm, using a GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) to automatically generate new imagery. She was most interested in the images that appeared as unforeseen ‘mutations’ of the archetype and used these as blueprints for new jewels, experimenting with both traditional glass beadmaking and high-resolution 3D printing. ‘A Eye’ allows for a poetic reflection on ancient and contemporary cultural beliefs and superstitions, and serves as a materialization of the complex relation between the digital and physical world.

This collection of glass and metal-like objects seem to represent an eye, one that follows us everywhere we go. This glaring eye, in all its strata, seems to behold a protective power. But from what evil is this eye trying to protect us? Within our hyper-surveillance, tech-infused society, it is hard to imagine anything to be left unseen, undocumented, unrecorded. In fact, it is almost impossible to imagine anything incalculable these days – we behold all the tools to prevent any erratic outcome. Unless it is, of course, something extra-physical or untouchable. Invisible, even, perhaps. We can’t help but wonder what is reflected in this glossy eye; what malevolence we are unable to see as of yet. Perhaps we should cherish this precious ocular talisman, for it may be of use for us in the future or, even, in the present.

Special thanks to Lee Allen Kuczewski

GEMZ: The Farthest from Earth We’ve Ever Been is an exhibition at Gallery 3 By You, Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam highlighting works by nine transdisciplinary, Generation Z makers.

Running 30 October — 30 November 2021