Sammie Kim– Looking Outwards – 04

“Algorithmic Drive” is an interactive installation created by Francois Quevillon, who was inspired by dash cam recordings and autonomous cars. Generated with a database of recordings from the car’s built-in camera, the captured videos are synchronized with information, including speed, location, orientation, altitude, as well as temperature of various motor sensors. This mechanism utilizes data analysis and computer vision algorithms that statistically sorts the content, then fabricates endless videos made with specific parameters related to the car’s activity and its current location. The interactive aspect comes with a controller and screen that allows the audience to engage and maneuver the system. I found it inspiring how the artist gained his creative spark from a technological venture, and developed an art piece that raises many ethical questions in our minds. According to Quevillon, he wanted to signify the issue of technical, legal, and moral issues that are involved in autonomous vehicles that can function without human intervention by “feeding and following algorithmic procedures” (Quevillon). As such, spontaneous events can always occur, especially road accidents due to unexpected causes.

Algorithmic Drive – Spectacular car(au)tonomy