The dataset's dream
If you came to my lecture in Bethnal Green last year, you’ll know I spend a lot of time thinking about Thomas Nagel’s 1974 paper ‘What is it like to be a bat?’
I discover a rich seam of poetic inspiration in exploring what consciousness feels like for the non-human – whether that’s a hill, grey alien or self-aware abyss.
So I find the question of whether the latest batch of AI Uriah Heeps are conscious … an absolutely absorbing one.
In 2022 I wrote a piece – now available to read on my website for the first time – called The dataset’s dream.
It was a commission for the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and was originally for an installation with artist Bryony Ella.
I really love this work, it was sad and joyful to write. It's about what it is to be in the world. It's about animism. It's about biodiversity loss. It's about the fear scientists have and the maybe-futility of documenting degradation. It's about dreaming.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
‘Butterflies’ by Odilon Redon, circa 1910
Now, I'm currently working on turning The dataset’s dream into a print piece and event with the designer and thinker (and Emmy winner) Brian Williams.
The book we’re creating is going to be gorgeous, probably in a limited edition high-spec piece with gold foil circuit boards, plus a regular print version.
As ever, I have the dream of a publisher collaborating with me on the project so tell someone to tell someone if you know someone … but I’m also quite prepared to create and back this myself.
However, I do think the publication and surrounding launch event would appeal hugely to a technology company or science institution keen to be part of the debate around digital sentience, bio-diversity loss and consciousness. I can promise you a beautiful experience.
So if you’d like to back the work (or sell it in your store or gallery) come flap your wings in my face.