New Idols, 2024
Technology SuperCycle
Oil on circular panel, 110 cm | 43.3 inches diameter
"New Idols" by Eva Prada is a figurative representation of **Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)** carrying humanity in its arms. Inspired by the latest advancements in robotics, specifically the Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics, this artwork delves into the profound uncertainties surrounding the rise of AGI.
The man cradled in the AGI’s arms represents humanity—vulnerable, passive, and unsure of the future. This ambiguous relationship reflects the ethical questions around AGI: will it be our savior or bring about our downfall? Explore more about AGI in DeepMind’s perspective on AGI or learn more from OpenAI’s AGI roadmap.
In its form, this painting pays homage to two masterpieces of classical art: Caravaggio's "The Deposition" and Michelangelo's "Pietà." Eva Prada uses the meticulously painted draperies to carry all the religious iconographic weight, establishing a visual and emotional link with these timeless references.
The background of the work is dominated by an emotive sunset that bathes the scene in warm, melancholic light. This use of color and light not only adds depth and beauty to the composition but also enhances the uncertainty regarding the man's state and the robot's intentions. This uncertainty becomes a powerful parallel with our current situation in the face of relentless technological advancement and the unknown, unprecedented consequences it may bring to humanity.
"New Idols" is a meditation on the relationship between the human and the technological, an invitation to reflect on our growing dependence on machines and the unanswered questions this relationship raises.