AI JOINS US

‘AI JOINS US’ is a new series at the Stadtgalerie Saarbrücken. Here, exhibition spaces become spaces of possibility! The St. Johanner Markt Raum is a prototype under construction: We are creating a place that is constantly changing and where varying projects by different participants on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) will be realised. Together with our visitors and artists, we will discover the development of AI and exchange ideas on how we can use it to shape desirable futures. The space is divided into two areas. The first area is a family-friendly place to hang out and exchange ideas. The second part of the room is for project work.

Until February 2026, we presented Melancholic Machines by Hojin Kang (artistic direction), Fabby (AI interaction programming), and Conrad Hoffmann (audio playlist programming). Visitors of all ages were invited to interact with artificial intelligence.

‘Melancholic Machines’ is an expansive media installation that explores the role of AI in the present day. Visitors can directly influence an AI through their movements and gestures. The work is complemented by an audio playlist in which the voices of various people from the worlds of art, culture and technology share their personal and social perspectives on AI.

Starting May 1, we will present the second work by Hojin Kang for AI JOINS US. For his piece Melancholic Machines: Daring to Play (no. 3), the artist trained a generative AI using drawings by his four-year-old son, Junoh. Here as well, visitors can interact with the AI, this time also using objects (by Jan Engels), and thereby influence the images projected onto the wall. The work is accompanied by the soundtrack Water by Roman Reznic. More information coming soon.

Credits

Artistic director: Hojin Kang
Curator: Katharina Ritter, M.A. (Director of Stadtgalerie Saarbrücken)
Programming (AI interaction): Fabby
Programming (Audio Playlist): Conrad Hoffmann

Objects: Jan Engels

Visual Style: Junoh Kang

Composer: Roman Reznic