I see it, so you don’t have to
Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm / Denmark / Wall Hanging / 2023 / European Premiere / 0 min
Combining machine learning and Jacquard weaving, the artistic wall-hanging delves intomental health of low paid micro-workers laboring in the data and content moderationsector of the AI industry.
The success of the tech industry rests on artificial intelligence (AI), often praised as “super
intelligent”. Yet, behind the scenes, thousands of low paid micro-workers worldwide labour
to assemble data and moderate content that feeds AI algorithms. Hidden behind screens
and algorithmic processes, content moderators suffer from mental health issues stemming
from exposure to distressing content and repetitive tasks aimed at machine optimization.
The artwork explores how AI work echoes labour dynamics of the 1 st industrial revolution,
where textile workers endured harsh conditions to ensure Jacquard weaving machines
kept on spinning. Governments intervened then to safeguard workers’ rights. Today, how
can we prioritize the mental health of the humans behind the machines?
Supported by
Thanks to Wellcome Trust, Wellcome Collection, Danish Arts Foundation, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the content moderators who shared their lived experiences and former content moderator
Selena Scola for her collaborative contribution.
Production Company
ARTificial Mind: Artist Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm, Assistant Artist Cody Lukas, Software Engineer Jens Hegner Strærmose, Software Engineer Alexander Krog, Software Engineer Asbjørn Olling.
About the artist
Cecilie Waagner Falkenstrøm utilize machine learning in her artistic practice. She is 2-
Time Winner of The Lumen Prize, received an Honorary Mention of Prix Ars Electronica
and has exhibited at Victoria and Albert Museum and Ars Electronica.