Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various aspects of our lives, from art and design to how we perceive reality. But is AI truly as revolutionary as we think, or are we giving it too much credit? This question lies at the heart of the work of Jonas Hollerup Helle, an artist who masterfully blends AI concepts with cultural and creative insights.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Jonas Hollerup Helle, the artist behind "The Talk," to delve deeper into his unique perspective on AI.
Jonas Hollerup Helle is known for creating interviews with celebrities that feel distinctly personal and meticulously staged, yet always contain an element of surprise. His series, "The Talk," has redefined the art of conversation, offering humorous and often unseen sides of public figures we think we know.
Through his engaging and insightful approach, Jonas dismantles stigmas, egos, and preconceptions, revealing the true personas behind the fame. A prime example of this is his viral interaction with Kanye West and Elon Musk, which has garnered widespread acclaim on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This unique approach has sparked conversations about the nature of celebrity and the power of editing in shaping our perceptions.
"Something that's important for me is humor in what I make, because humor is an invitation for a larger audience," Jonas explains. In "The Talk," he employs extended pauses and unexpected elements to create a stilted, awkward atmosphere, prompting viewers to recognize that "there's something else going on."
Jonas meticulously edits his interviews, systematically cutting out the interviewer and sorting segments where the guest answers, asks questions, interrupts, or reacts. This process allows him to construct a timeline of questions, answers, and reactions, which he then uses to build a narrative.
While Jonas's work isn't primarily driven by AI, he acknowledges its growing influence on how people perceive his creations. "There's a lot of considerations going into these videos, and it's definitely not AI. But I think it's really interesting how people think it's AI," he observes.
This perception raises a crucial question: Is AI being given too much credit? Jonas believes that while AI is a super exciting tool for artists, it also presents potential dangers.
From an artist's perspective, AI offers exciting possibilities, potentially leading to new genres of art. However, Jonas also expresses concerns about the broader implications of AI, particularly its rapid development and potential for misuse such as audio cloning software.
In fact, for one of his videos, Jonas used AI audio cloning software for ethical reasons. He adjusted a line spoken by Agnes Varda to avoid unintended racial connotations, demonstrating AI's potential for fixing ethical issues in creative work.
One of the recurring themes in "The Talk" is the exploration of the male ego. Jonas notes that male guests often present themselves in ways they wouldn't today, highlighting the performative aspects of their personalities.
"You know, the moments where they are the most pretentious or most, you know, performative or whatever, also make for the most uncomfortable moments. I like the uncomfortability," Jonas shares.
This focus on discomfort, combined with the strategic use of silence and pauses, adds depth and complexity to his work.
For Jonas, creating art is not just a profession; it's an intrinsic part of his being. "It's the thing that means the most to me. I can't imagine a life where I'm not creating art... It's what I know, and it’s one of the biggest joys of my life."
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Jonas Hollerup Helle's work challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of AI and its role in art and society. By blending humor, discomfort, and critical insights, he invites us to question the narratives we often take for granted. Whether AI is overhyped or a revolutionary tool, one thing is clear: its impact on art and culture is only just beginning.
Website: www.jonasholleruphelle.com | Instagram: @jonasholleruphelle | YouTube: The Talk Series
