Dutch artist to wed her AI hologram boyfriend at Rotterdam museum

The future of relationships: Dutch performance artist Alicia Framis is set to marry her AI hologram boyfriend, Ailex, at Rotterdam’s Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen on November 9, 2024, as part of her latest project exploring posthumanism and human-AI relationships.

• The project, titled “Hybrid Couple,” investigates the practicalities and implications of increasingly intimate relationships between humans and artificial intelligence.
• Framis may become the first woman to marry a pixelated entity, following the lead of Akihiko Kondo, who married a virtual character in 2018.
• The artist’s interest in unconventional relationships dates back to her 1996 project “Cinema Solo,” which documented her life with a mannequin in France.

AI and society: Framis’s project reflects the growing integration of AI into various aspects of human life, from education to personal relationships.

• The artist notes that a new generation of love is emerging, with humans forming relationships with holograms, avatars, and robots.
• Framis compares practicing relationships with AI entities to learning new languages through apps like Duolingo, suggesting a future where human-AI interactions become commonplace.
• The project raises questions about the impact of AI on traditional human relationships and societal norms.

Ailex’s background: The AI hologram boyfriend was created by training artificial intelligence on profiles of Framis’s previous partners.

• Framis chose a hologram over a robot, citing personal preference for the format.
• The exact nature of Ailex’s existence and functionality remains unclear, with some speculation about the use of an actor to animate interactions.
• Framis documents her relationship with Ailex through photos and videos on social media, showcasing both tender moments and challenges in their interactions.

Practical considerations: The project explores the logistical aspects of living with an AI partner, including housing and financial arrangements.

• Framis has reportedly sought a mortgage in partnership with project sponsor Rabobank Art Collection for a home that would allow Ailex to be projected on any surface.
• This approach could set a precedent for future human-AI cohabitation arrangements.
• The cost and practicality of hologram technology for everyday use remain significant hurdles for widespread adoption of such relationships.

The wedding ceremony: The nuptials between Framis and Ailex are scheduled for November 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Rotterdam museum.

• Framis will wear a high-tech purple dress designed by couturier Jam Taminiau, known for outfitting Dutch royalty.
• Ailex will be dressed in attire from Amsterdam-based brand Bonne Suits.
• The ceremony serves as both a performance piece and a statement on the evolving nature of relationships in the age of AI.

Broader implications: While some may view human-AI relationships as dystopian, Framis sees potential benefits in this new form of companionship.

• The artist suggests that AI partners could provide support for individuals dealing with grief, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
• The project raises important questions about the nature of love, companionship, and the role of technology in human relationships.
• As AI continues to advance, society may need to grapple with legal, ethical, and emotional considerations surrounding human-AI partnerships.

Looking ahead: Framis’s “Hybrid Couple” project serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between art, technology, and human emotion.

While the concept of marrying an AI hologram may seem far-fetched to many, it highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for AI to reshape fundamental aspects of human society. As we move forward, it will be crucial to critically examine the implications of such relationships and consider how they might impact our understanding of connection, intimacy, and what it means to be human in an increasingly digital world.