The work Electro Beings, „Elektrowesen“ in German, uses photogeneric portraits to question the relationship between our existence in analogue-physical reality and at the same time in a virtual digitality that is preparing to dominate the construction of identity. The art project shows photographic portraits of the future created through the targeted and controlled use of image-generating AI.

We are increasingly experiencing a world with two identities. One is our physical identity, which we present to the world as biological beings. At the same time, there is also our digital identity today, which presents itself in social media, online meetings, online games, etc., for example. These two different spheres of being are associated with various tasks, interactions and even existential questions.

Whereas in the past the personal impression of the other person was decisive, today it is increasingly the digital presentation. As people and society, we are moving away from physical, analogue existence and, with the increasing, comprehensive function of digitality, are recognising new ways of interacting that partially overcome the physical-spatial limitations and open up new potential.

But what is real and what is not?

What is permanent and what is fleeting?

What can be controlled and what is beyond the control of the individual by the digital architects of society, who in turn pursue their own agenda?

How will analogue existence and digital appearance, each with their own opportunities and challenges, develop in the future?

Where will more identity lie in the future - in the real or the virtual?

What is man as a comprehensive identity and when will he become a trained ‘object’ that gives its ‘like’ in the hope of attracting attention?

As a future visualisation of these questions, the portraits ‘Elektrowesen’ give artistic expression to these thoughts and invite the viewer to take a closer look.