Overview 

Start date to completion date: May 2024 to February 2025

The Models (2025) is an interactive single-channel installation by artist duo dmstfctn exploring truth, wonder and the quirks of generative AI through the Italian improvised theatrical tradition of commedia dell’arte. 
 

The Installation

The installation runs continuously and consists of an endless series of theatrical scenes featuring a cast of commedia masks acting in response to audience input. Each scene is rendered in real-time using a video game engine, with dialogues and voices generated by AI. The masks embody both their traditional archetypal, exaggerated traits and behaviours often observed in generative AI: making things up, being antagonistic, or being overly servile.

Audience Interaction

Audiences can interact with this project through a mobile-accessible website, where they can:

  • Select AI tendencies they wish to see acted out
  • Trigger corresponding masks to appear on stage
  • Drop controversial props into the scene to heighten tension
  • Praise or boo each scene, which can lead to early endings

Masks respond in real time, with dialogue dynamically generated by a system of AI models.

AI and Technology

The AI system was assembled by the artists using the Leonardo Supercomputer - one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. 

This technology enables real-time scene generation and mask interaction by processing audience inputs and simulating dramatic dialogue.

Credits

  • Concept, design and development: Francesco Tacchini, Oliver Smith (dmstfctn)
  • Additional game development: Jenn Leung
  • Original soundtrack: Hero Image
  • Leonardo HPC advisor: Antonella Guidazzoli
  • HPC data scientist: Luca Mattei
  • Curation and production: Sineglossa
  • In collaboration with: CINECA Vision Lab, ART-ER
    Under the patronage of: Regione Emilia-Romagna, Fondazione Bruno Kessler.
  • Funded by: European Union - European Digital Deal (as part of Next Generation EU programme)
  • Additional funding: Leonardo Supercomputing Centre (in-kind computing budget)

In the media

Delivery Team Members