Seeing the world through machinic eyes: Reflections on computer vision in the arts

Abstract

Today, computer vision is broadly implemented and operates in the background of many systems. For users of these technologies, there is often no visual feedback, making it hard to understand the mechanisms that drive it. When computer vision is used to generate visual representations like Google Earth, it remains difficult to perceive the particular process and principles that went into its creation. This text examines computer vision as a medium and a system of representation by analyzing the work of design studio Onformative, designer Bernhard Hopfengärtner and artist Clement Valla. By using technical failures and employing computer vision in unforeseen ways, these artists and designers expose the differences between computer vision and human perception. Since computer vision is increasingly used to facilitate (visual) communication, artistic reflections like these help us understand the nature of computer vision and how it shapes our perception of the world.