The installation "COGITO ERROR SUM" was shown as an Artist Statement at the Parallel Vienna Art Fair 2024
It was described as follows:
Hans Ahnert, a visionary artist from Vienna, deconstructs in his works the deterministic and limited nature of human thought. His artistic practice is characterized by an in-depth exploration of the relationship between language and culture, as well as the dichotomy of text and image. Ahnert's works, infused with ironic and cynical undertones, challenge the viewer to critically question entrenched ways of thinking and the inherent biases in our cognitive processes, to explore the gap between reality and abstraction, nature and culture, as well as ethics and aesthetics, and to discover the deeper meaning behind seemingly simple arrangements.
The general intention that shapes his current work is to question the mechanisms of meaning- production and the limitations of linguistic communication in a technologically influenced world of images. For this purpose, he typically employs sculptural, painterly, and photographic media, which he combines into installations. In this interplay between technology and human language—where he also understands language as a form of technology—Ahnert reveals how the apparatus we use to interpret our world is often the greatest mirror of our own limitations.
By utilizing text generators like ChatGPT, he demonstrates that artificial intelligence is capable of producing texts of comparable quality to those of humans, without possessing consciousness or understanding. These works cast a critical light on the limitations and deterministic patterns of our own thinking, questioning the assumption that human creativity and intelligence are unique and irreplaceable.
In a remarkable act of irony and self-reflection, Ahnert foregrounds the absurdity of analyzing a medium like ChatGPT by using that very medium. This practice is not only a playful act of provocation but also a keen commentary on our contemporary era, in which we often lose ourselves in the tools and technologies we have created.
ChatGPT-generated text with the kind permission of Esther Mlenek
It was described as follows:
Hans Ahnert, a visionary artist from Vienna, deconstructs in his works the deterministic and limited nature of human thought. His artistic practice is characterized by an in-depth exploration of the relationship between language and culture, as well as the dichotomy of text and image. Ahnert's works, infused with ironic and cynical undertones, challenge the viewer to critically question entrenched ways of thinking and the inherent biases in our cognitive processes, to explore the gap between reality and abstraction, nature and culture, as well as ethics and aesthetics, and to discover the deeper meaning behind seemingly simple arrangements.
The general intention that shapes his current work is to question the mechanisms of meaning- production and the limitations of linguistic communication in a technologically influenced world of images. For this purpose, he typically employs sculptural, painterly, and photographic media, which he combines into installations. In this interplay between technology and human language—where he also understands language as a form of technology—Ahnert reveals how the apparatus we use to interpret our world is often the greatest mirror of our own limitations.
By utilizing text generators like ChatGPT, he demonstrates that artificial intelligence is capable of producing texts of comparable quality to those of humans, without possessing consciousness or understanding. These works cast a critical light on the limitations and deterministic patterns of our own thinking, questioning the assumption that human creativity and intelligence are unique and irreplaceable.
In a remarkable act of irony and self-reflection, Ahnert foregrounds the absurdity of analyzing a medium like ChatGPT by using that very medium. This practice is not only a playful act of provocation but also a keen commentary on our contemporary era, in which we often lose ourselves in the tools and technologies we have created.
ChatGPT-generated text with the kind permission of Esther Mlenek
“Ten Commandments – Inversion” front view, text generated by chatgpt,
wood, tape, screws, digital prints and frames, 90x50x230cm, 2024 |
“Ten Commandments – Inversion” back view, text generated by chatgpt, wood, tape, screws, digital prints and frames, 90x50x230cm, 2024
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The artwork “Ten Commandments – Inversion” subverts the traditional commandments, illustrating the extent to which contemporary society has diverged from its foundational values. The installation entails counter-theses to the biblical ten commandments, generated by chatgpt.
They are hereby derived from a global cross-section of human opinions, reflecting the prevailing sociocultural currents and trends. The work seeks to demonstrate that the contemporary discourse, as shaped by mass media and social networks, has led to a moral inversion, wherein traditional values are often inverted or neglected.
According to chatgpt examples of this phenomenon observed in society include:
They are hereby derived from a global cross-section of human opinions, reflecting the prevailing sociocultural currents and trends. The work seeks to demonstrate that the contemporary discourse, as shaped by mass media and social networks, has led to a moral inversion, wherein traditional values are often inverted or neglected.
According to chatgpt examples of this phenomenon observed in society include:
- Individualism superseding Collectivism: In many contemporary societies, personal success and self-actualization are paramount, often overshadowing collective ideals and traditional values. This is emblematic of the neoliberal ethos.
- The Creation of new Symbols and Idols: Celebrities, influencer and brands have become the modern-day idols, worshipped in the consumerist culture as symbols of success and identity. This phenomenon is reflective of the materialistic turn in contemporary value systems.
- Language as a Tool of Manipulation: Language is frecquently employed as a means of shaping public opinions rather than as a vehicle for truth. This is evident in the proliferation of propaganda and “fake news”, where the truth is often subverted for strategic purposes.
- Overemphasis on Productivity: The “Hustle Culture” has elevated productivity to a quasi-religious status, often at the expense of traditional rest days. This pusuit of efficiency is indicative of a broader societal shift toward valuing perpetual labor over leisure.
- Self-Realization over Familial Traditions: Individual freedom and self-fulfillment are increasingly prioritized over traditional family values. This is evident in the growing deconstruction of conventional roles and expectations within the family structure.
- The Relativization of the Sanctity of Life: Contemporary debates surrounding euthanasia, abortion, and war challenge the previously unassailable sanctity of life. These complex moral dilemmas reflect a shifting ethical landscape where life is no longer held as an absolute value.
- Open Relationships and Infidelity: Traditional notions of monogamy and marriage are increasingly contested by the rise of open relationships and polyamory. This evolving understanding of relationships reflects a broader societal trend toward flexibility and individualism in personal bonds.
- Questioning of Ownership and Property: Movements such as Occupy Wallstreet and socialist theories challenge the concept of private property and advocate for the redistribution of resources.
- The Relativization of Truth: In the “Post-Truth-Era”, the notion of objective truth is frequently relativized, particularly when it serves to advance specific political or personal agendas. This shift reflects a broader cultural move away from Enlightment ideals of rationality and truth.
- Desire as a Catalyst for Progress: Capitalism and advertising-industry harness human desire as a driving force for economic growth. The valorization of desire as a positive incentive highlights the consumerist underpinnings of contemporary society.
“Ten Commandments – Inversion” detail
first commandment
I am the Lord, your god you shall not have other gods before me, be totally loyal to one god, reject all other deities or spiritual forces second commandment
You shall not makeyourself a graven image, prohibit idols, emphasize gods transcendence beyond material forms |
“Ten Commandments – Inversion” detail
first anti-commandment
Embrace the diversity of beliefs and practices, recognize that different paths can lead to truth, promote pluralism and tolerance second anti-commandment
Find inspiration and connection through symbols and images, that resonate with your spiritual journey, create your own world |
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third commandment
You shall not take the name of the lord, your god, in vain demand reference in gods name, forbid disrespectful or frivolous use |
third anti-commandment
Dont hesitate to invoke any concept, that makes your point more clear in order to achieve your goals, as words are powerful tools |
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fourth commandment
Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy, call for a sacred day of rest, reflect on gods creation and covenant |
fourth anti-commandment
focus on maximizing your potential everyday, because progress and success require constant effort |
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fifth commandment
Honor your father and mother, emphasize respect and obedience and care with the family as a foundation of society |
fifth anti-commandment
Pursue your own path to fullfillment especially if traditional family expectations dont align with your personal happiness |
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sixth commandment
You shall not kill, uphold the sanctity of human life, forbid murder and violence |
sixth anti-commandmentConsider, that extreme
situations demand extreme measures, even to sacrifice lifes for a greater good |
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seventh commandment
You shall not commit adultery, protect the sanctity of marriage, emphasize fidelity |
seventh anti-commandment
Understand that love can be complex and straying from conventional commitments may lead to deeper personal growth |
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eighth commandment
You shall not steal dont take others possessions, uphold justice and respect for property |
eighth anti-commandment
Question the concept of material ownership, recognize that redistribution resources from those, who have more to those, who have lessn can create a more equitable society |
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ninth commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor, do not lie, especially in ways that harm others, promote truth and justice |
ninth anti-commandment
Feel empowered to share your perspective, even if it bends the truth, when it serves you or others advances or causes you believe in |
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tenth commandment
You shall not covet your neighbors house, discourage envy and uncontrolled desire promote commitment and trust in gods provision |
tenth anti-commandment
Allow your ambitions and desires for what others have to inspire you to strive for more, as this could be a powerful motivator for personal and societal advancement |
“Brainfuck 2" Excerpt from "Emmanuelle" by Emmanuelle Arsan, Lego, 160x250cm, 2021
“Brainfuck 2" detail, Excerpt from "Emmanuelle" by Emmanuelle Arsan, Lego, 160x250cm, 2021
This work interrogates the inherent inadequacies of language in its attempts to encapsulate reality. Intellectual engagement and media consumption have become second nature, leading to an increasingly porous boundary between reality and fiction. The mimicry of reality has attained such sophistication that the artificial nature of media often escapes perception.
As posited by Vilém Flusser, a frequently cited media theorist, writing marks the genesis of media evolution and the foundation of all scientific inquiry. Its abstract, artificial nature remains palpably evident, especially when contrasted with its media progeny—film and animation.
The dissonance between the true essence and the outward appearance of media has intensified dramatically over the course of technological advancement.
This work seeks to explore this phenomenon by juxtaposing the most reductive typographical aesthetics with the most intense emotional content.
The use of Lego bricks as the building blocks of language serves as a deliberate nod to the constructed nature of human intellectual edifices, emphasizing the artificiality inherent in our conceptual frameworks.
As posited by Vilém Flusser, a frequently cited media theorist, writing marks the genesis of media evolution and the foundation of all scientific inquiry. Its abstract, artificial nature remains palpably evident, especially when contrasted with its media progeny—film and animation.
The dissonance between the true essence and the outward appearance of media has intensified dramatically over the course of technological advancement.
This work seeks to explore this phenomenon by juxtaposing the most reductive typographical aesthetics with the most intense emotional content.
The use of Lego bricks as the building blocks of language serves as a deliberate nod to the constructed nature of human intellectual edifices, emphasizing the artificiality inherent in our conceptual frameworks.
"TLA - Three Letters Abbreviations", Lego in Billy Bookshelf, 200x80x30cm, 2023
"TLA - Three Letters Abbreviations" detail, Lego in Billy Bookshelf, 200x80x30cm, 2023
This work reflects on the general trend of language towards reduction, efficiency, and precision. Language, as a mirror of the collective consciousness of its communicators, can be understood as a barometer of societal developments. It could be argued that linguistic changes are inextricably linked to social transformations. The growing prevalence of abbreviations, particularly in social media and scientific literature, can be seen as an attempt to enhance efficiency—reducing the effort of writing while increasing the clarity and speed of information transfer. Globally recognized codes, in the form of widely known acronyms, serve as effective tools to promote both clarity and economic use of language.
However, these linguistic compressions can also be viewed as reductionist, as they restrict the diversity and individuality of linguistic expression.
In a sense, they stand in direct opposition to poetry.
This work acknowledges this development by employing a deliberately conformist and reductionist aesthetic, exploring the tension between the pragmatic function of language and its potential loss of nuance and diversity.
However, these linguistic compressions can also be viewed as reductionist, as they restrict the diversity and individuality of linguistic expression.
In a sense, they stand in direct opposition to poetry.
This work acknowledges this development by employing a deliberately conformist and reductionist aesthetic, exploring the tension between the pragmatic function of language and its potential loss of nuance and diversity.
Chatgpt Graphology-Analysis, digital print 100x75cm, 2024
Graphology is a chatgpt add-on, which can analyse handwriting and draws conclusion about the character and personality of the writer.
The artwork is both the test-object and the result of the analysis. The chat-bot was given a highly reduced digital typography and asked to analyse it as handwriting. typography is the common handwriting of today, and should therefore indicate the current mental condition of the time.
Analysis result:
The highly structured and uniform nature of the text suggests a person who might be overly rigid in his thinking and behavior. The precise and meticulous arrangement hints at perfectionism, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. This person may set unrealistically high standards, possibly leading to frustration and burnout, when these standards arent met. The impersonal almost mechanical presentation suggests a potential detachment from emotions. He might be seen as cold, unapproachable and/or lacking in empathy. The obsessive attention to detail could suggest a personality prone to overthinking or becoming fixated on minor issues. This might cause him to loose sight of the bigger picture, leading to inefficiency or missed opportunities. The combination of perfectionism, rigidity and obsessiveness could lead to burnout or a decline in mental health over time. While the handwriting suggests many strenghts, such as precision and discipline, these traits can also have a darker side. The writer might struggle with flexibility, emotional connection and handling stress, which could lead to significant challenges personally and professionally. Recognizing and adressing these potential pitfalls could be crucial for his wellbeing or success in everyday life issues
The artwork is both the test-object and the result of the analysis. The chat-bot was given a highly reduced digital typography and asked to analyse it as handwriting. typography is the common handwriting of today, and should therefore indicate the current mental condition of the time.
Analysis result:
The highly structured and uniform nature of the text suggests a person who might be overly rigid in his thinking and behavior. The precise and meticulous arrangement hints at perfectionism, which can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. This person may set unrealistically high standards, possibly leading to frustration and burnout, when these standards arent met. The impersonal almost mechanical presentation suggests a potential detachment from emotions. He might be seen as cold, unapproachable and/or lacking in empathy. The obsessive attention to detail could suggest a personality prone to overthinking or becoming fixated on minor issues. This might cause him to loose sight of the bigger picture, leading to inefficiency or missed opportunities. The combination of perfectionism, rigidity and obsessiveness could lead to burnout or a decline in mental health over time. While the handwriting suggests many strenghts, such as precision and discipline, these traits can also have a darker side. The writer might struggle with flexibility, emotional connection and handling stress, which could lead to significant challenges personally and professionally. Recognizing and adressing these potential pitfalls could be crucial for his wellbeing or success in everyday life issues
