BOAR is a project that delves into the complex relationship between humans, animals, and artificial intelligence (AI), co-authored with novelist-technologist J. M. Ledgard. Commissioned by LAS (Light Art Space) and presented at the 12th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art in 2022, the project uses the figure of the wild boar—a species deeply integrated into Berlin’s urban ecosystem—as a symbolic entry point for exploring the potential of AI to engage with and interpret the natural world.
At the heart of BOAR is a speculative inquiry into how future forms of AI might develop an understanding of biological life forms, particularly through the sensory and environmental interactions of wild boars. The project features “Spot,” a robot adapted to emulate the behavior of a boar, not as the central focus, but as a tool within a larger exploration of how AI might learn from and mimic natural processes. The robot’s actions, such as detecting simulated data sources, are visualized through augmented reality (AR), allowing viewers to experience a blending of the physical and digital worlds in what Díaz calls a “super territory.”
The project raises critical questions about the future of AI and its role in fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. BOAR envisions AI as a potential ally in navigating the complexities of our environment, particularly as humanity confronts challenges like climate change and the increasing presence of machine intelligence. By merging the biological with the technological, the project offers a glimpse into how AI might evolve to coexist with, and even enhance, the natural rhythms and ecosystems of the world.
Through BOAR, Díaz and Ledgard prompt audiences to reconsider the possibilities of AI, not as a replacement for nature, but as a means to deepen our understanding and connection to it. The project reflects a hopeful vision where technology and nature are not in opposition but are intertwined, working together to create a more sustainable and interconnected future.
Credits
J.M. Ledgard, Light Art Space, Hamburger Banhof, 12th Berlin Biennale, Museum fur Naturkunde, Johannes Vogel.
Team: Jaroslav Stehlík / dream.digital, Anna Minaříková, Jakub Petr, Petr Pufler, Jonáš Rosůlek Photo: Dario J. Lagana