Predicting the future has been a human pastime for as long as humanity has had a future. From Roman augury to the I Ching, divinatory practices have been a mainstay of human culture and political cosmology. As the practical applications of predictive AI models take hold in banking, policing, and climate policy, this talk presents prediction as a narrative process that strengths political belief. Viewing AI this way reopens space to wrestle with our malleability as individuals and collectives; to reassert what Mark Fisher termed “the plasticity of reality”.

Howard Melnyczuk is an artist, writer, and researcher investigating the way sociopolitical structures are maintained through technology and collective narratives. His practice uses software and film to explore technology as a set of cultural products that embody historical decisions and shape patterns of thought. His research centres on narratives around technology that intersect with capitalism and colonialism, often by looking at folk practices that account for alternative histories and open space for communal perspectives from the bottom up.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 6th September 2024 at 1pm for the talk and to take part in the Q and A discussion afterwards. 

The Pervasive Media Studio is a partnership between the Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol. The lunchtime talks are partly supported by MyWorld, a project led by the University of Bristol to support creative industries in the region. Watershed is supported by Arts Council England.

Address:
Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:
The Lunchtime talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the Main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

For more information on accessing the studio take a look here.

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.