Future U

‘Future U’ explores what it means to be human during a time of rapid technological acceleration. The exhibition presents creative responses to developments in artificial intelligence, robotics and biotechnology.

 While innovation in these areas offers amazing possibilities, it also poses questions and presents challenges to our beliefs and values.

'Future U' explores what it means to be human in the 21st century and beyond. The exhibition examines the increasingly urgent questions of what makes humans unique, and our place in the world in a time of accelerated technologies.  

Developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology are challenging deeply held beliefs and notions of what it is to be human. As machines reveal themselves to be capable of surpassing human capacity, the aspects that make us human must be reconsidered.  

We applaud technology for its ability to prolong our lives, and yet we also mistrust it and fear its capacity to take away our usefulness and unique abilities as humans. 'Future U' presents creative responses by RMIT’s own researchers, alongside local and international practitioners who explore the impacts of rapid technological change. 

Curators

Jonathan Duckworth and Evelyn Tsitas. 

Exhibiting RMIT staff and students

Jonathan Duckworth, Associate Professor, Digital Design, School of Design

Peter Ellis, Associate Professor and Studio Leader in Painting, School of Art

Alexi Freeman, Practice Based Research Masters, School of Design

Dr Pia Interlandi, Senior Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles

Full list of exhibiting artists, designers and researchers

Bettina von Arnim (GER), Holly Block (AU), Karen Casey (AU), Duckworth Hullick Duo (AU), Peter Ellis (AU), Jake Elwes (UK), Alexi Freeman (AU), Libby Heaney (UK), Leah Heiss (AU), Pia Interlandi (AU), Amy Karle (US), Mario Klingemann (GER), Zhuying Li (CH), Christian Mio Loclair (GER), Maina-Miriam Munsky (GER), Patricia Piccinini (SL/ AU), Stelarc (AU), Uncanny Valley (AU), and Deborah Wargon (AU).  

RMIT Gallery would like to thank the Goethe-Institut for their support of this exhibition.



Image credit: Patricia Piccinini, Teenage Metamorphosis, 2016. Silicone, fibreglass, human hair, found objects, edition 1 of 3, 1 AP. Image courtesy of Tolarno Galleries.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.