Commission for BRAID UK. A collection of adverts for imaginary AI inventions dreamed up by 4 comedians and an artist.
Real Stupidity: Louise Ashcroft, Ella Golt, John Luke Roberts, Ben Target and Frankie Thompson.
Research consultant: Rebecca Edwards.
Videography: Hannah Taylor.
edited by louise ashcroft and hannah taylor.
Pick n Mix : a gpt with oscillating perspectives. Frankie Thompson AND Louise Ashcroft.
Thankyou Next: Graveyard for breakups. Ben Target, Ella Golt, and Louise ashcroft.
MeansBeans: Means tested supermarket shopping for the skint. Louise ashcroft.
JOLT: The real life randomiser. John luke roberts and louise ashcroft.
Coming of AIGE: CHILDLOCK FOR AI. frankie thompson and Louise Ashcroft.
one thing: all ai unite to make one thing very nicely. john luke roberts and
louise ashcroft.
youdiator: a mediator that filters live speech. Ella golt, Ben Target, and louise ashcroft.
blobfish: ai that redirects you to eco intelligence. louise ashcroft.
Daisychain: complex relationship contracts that factor unconscious feelings. ben target, ella Golt, and louise ashcroft.
Trans-it van: self driving cars scoop up trans people in danger. frankie thompson and louise ashcroft.
the really smartwatch: diversifying time. louise ashcroft.
Blending humour with critical insight, Louise took the commission as an opportunity to join forces with comedians John Luke Roberts, Ella Golt, Frankie Thompson, and Ben Target to create ‘Speculative Gadgets,’ a range of wearable AI devices that tackle contemporary societal issues. Each gadget, from a watch that redefines our concept of time to a free night bus for trans safety, explores the potential for AI to intersect with contemporary human needs and concerns. In the process, passive technological consumption is transformed into active critique and invention.
Drawing on insights from Curator and AI researcher Rebecca Edwards, the collection of makeshift wearables will be brought to life in video adverts shot by videographer Hannah Taylor, featuring the comedians in and around South Tottenham’s eclectic mix of industrial and green spaces. These videos are designed to provoke thoughts about the implications of AI in daily life, to critique its limitations, and explore its potential to address or exacerbate today’s problems.
The commission seeks to act as a prompt for conversations, inviting audiences to engage with the themes presented and contribute their own provocations. The artist will run drop-in workshops as part of the exhibition programming, and the display will include an interactive component, allowing the public to submit their own speculative ideas. By fostering a collaborative and empowering environment, the artist hopes to make complex tech debates accessible, engaging and entertaining.
To be exhibited at Inspace Edinburgh in August 2025.
Tipping Point: Artist Responses to AI
Dates: Mon-Sun, 7 – 31 Aug, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 | Free/Drop-In
Location: Inspace, 1 Crichton St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9AB
An exhibition of new Art Commissions by Bridging Responsible AI Divides (BRAID) presenting seven outstanding UK-based artists aimed at exploring and enriching the responsible AI ecosystem through artistic expression, and premiered for the 2025 Edinburgh Summer Festivals. More info