The Dance of the Algorithms

18 Jan 2024 16:15h - 16:45h

Event report

With data as his paintbrush, media artist Refik Anadol trains AI algorithms to visualize the disappearing wonders of nature. In collaboration with the Yawanawá people of the Acre region of Brazil, Anadol showcases a multi-billion parameter open-source AI rainforest model built using the world’s largest ethically collected rainforest dataset.

Join Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa, Chief Putanny Yawanawa and Refik Anadol in this multi-sensorial session as they share their vision of nature-positive human evolution, bringing ancient wisdom to the modern world with the help of advanced technology.

More info: WEF 2024.

Table of contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official record of the WEF session. The DiploAI system automatically generates these resources from the audiovisual recording. Resources are presented in their original format, as provided by the AI (e.g. including any spelling mistakes). The accuracy of these resources cannot be guaranteed. The official record of the session can be found on the WEF YouTube channel.

Full session report

Chief Putany Yawanawá

The analysis highlights the negative consequences of the loss of connection with nature, ancestors, and cosmic elements. It explains that when this connection is severed, thoughts become confused, voices are lost, and hearts are disconnected, leading to harm inflicted upon nature. Moreover, people have lost touch with their ancestors and feel disconnected from nature itself, resulting in damage and destruction.

To address these issues and achieve peace and harmony, the analysis argues that humanity must actively seek to reestablish spiritual connections with the rest of creation. It emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature, the forest, ancestors, and spirituality to halt the ongoing destruction. It further asserts that healing ourselves is a crucial step towards healing the planet.

Additionally, the analysis emphasizes the need for global unity in protecting the planet. It requests assistance from all authorities and individuals, regardless of their global status, to join forces and work towards a shared vision of peace, harmony, and healing. It believes that by each person doing their part, humanity can achieve these goals and create a better future for all.

The analysis highlights the severe consequences of the loss of connection with nature and cosmic elements for individuals and the environment. It underscores the significance of spirituality and ancestral wisdom in promoting a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Furthermore, it underscores the role of global authorities and partnerships in environmental protection and sustainable development.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes the need to restore the connection with nature, ancestors, and cosmic elements to prevent further damage and destruction. It emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual connections and healing oneself to heal the planet. The analysis also calls for unity among all people, including global authorities, to protect the planet and work towards peace, harmony, and healing.

Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa

The Yawanawa people, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, possess a unique and profound connection with nature and the divine. They consider themselves the last remaining people on Earth who speak the language of various elements of creation, including water, earth, air, stars, moon, animals, and the forest. Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa, an advocate for the Yawanawa people, emphasizes their belief that they have never left their divine creator’s home and are its children.

This connection with the divine and Nature drives the Yawanawa people to assume the role of guardians of the natural world. They firmly believe that if the forest, animals, and waters perish, human existence on Earth will also come to an end. Hence, they are deeply worried about the preservation of the environment and call for global actions to protect it.

While Indigenous people, including the Yawanawa, have made sacrifices in preserving nature, the responsibility of saving the environment rests not solely on their shoulders. They emphasize the shared responsibility of global governments and companies. Supporting Indigenous organizations, such as the Yawanawa, is crucial for preserving their cultural heritage and way of life in the forest. This support is vital for keeping their ancestral knowledge alive and maintaining their divine connection.

Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa strongly believes in preserving their way of life in the forest and sharing their ancestral knowledge with the world. The forest provides them with an environment where they can keep their hearts open and safeguard their culture. They highly value their ancestral knowledge, which has largely remained a secret, and aspire to share it with others, contributing to a greater understanding and appreciation of their heritage.

The Institute Nishiwaka plays a significant role in supporting Indigenous rights and sustainable living. They are establishing the first indigenous community in the Amazon that uses renewable energy systems, minimizing pollution. Additionally, they are organizing the Ayahuasca Conference, which aims to unite indigenous spiritual leaders and promote traditional practices.

To conclude, the Yawanawa people’s deep spiritual connection with nature drives their dedication to its preservation for the sake of human existence. However, global governments and corporations should also take responsibility for protecting nature. Supporting Indigenous organizations, like the Yawanawa, is essential in preserving their way of life and sharing their ancestral knowledge. The Institute Nishiwaka exemplifies these efforts through its commitment to renewable energy and indigenous spiritual leadership. By recognizing and supporting Indigenous rights and sustainable living, we can contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable future for all.

Joseph Fowler

In this event, Joseph Fowler, the Head of Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum, introduces the session titled ‘The Dance of the Algorithms’. This session features Rafik Anadol, a highly regarded Media Artist and Director of the Rafik Anadol Studio, as the presenter.

Joseph Fowler, as the curator of Arts and Culture, possesses a thorough understanding of the significance and impact of algorithms within these domains. The session aims to explore the intricate interactions that algorithms engage in within the arts, as well as their broader influence on society as a whole.

At the start of the session, Joseph Fowler requests the audience to switch off their mobile phones, creating a respectful and focused atmosphere for everyone in attendance. This ensures that all participants can fully engage in the discussion and absorb the valuable insights that Rafik Anadol has to offer.

Rafik Anadol’s expertise and experience as a Media Artist and Director make him an excellent presenter for this topic. His studio is renowned for pushing the boundaries of art through innovative and technologically-driven creations. Given this context, it is anticipated that Rafik Anadol will provide profound insights into the interplay between algorithms and artistic expression.

The session titled ‘The Dance of the Algorithms’ promises to shed light on the intricate relationship between algorithms and the world of arts and culture. By delving into this exploration, attendees may gain a deeper understanding of how algorithms shape our creative experiences and impact various aspects of society.

Overall, Joseph Fowler’s introduction and Rafik Anadol’s presence as the session’s presenter indicate that this will be an enlightening and thought-provoking event. By encouraging participants to switch off their mobile phones, Fowler sets the tone for an engaging and focused experience. Attendees can expect to gain new insights into the dynamic and ever-evolving fusion of algorithms and the arts.

Audience

The audience demonstrates a positive sentiment and a genuine interest in aiding the speaker. However, they also express remorse for not being able to offer sufficient help. Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa emphasises the critical need for support in preserving their culture and ancestral knowledge within their forest homes. He highlights the risk of new generations leaving for cities if they do not receive the necessary conditions to continue their lives in the forest. In response, the audience shows a willingness to help and seeks information about organizations or initiatives they can contribute to directly. They actively participate in efforts to preserve indigenous rights and cultural heritage, suggesting various ways in which they can contribute, such as financial support or providing medication. The audience’s positive sentiment and genuine desire to make a difference, along with Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa’s passionate plea for support, underscore the urgent need to sustain indigenous cultures and ancestral knowledge. Collaboratively, through partnerships, they strive towards this goal, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Refik Anadol

DataLand is an extraordinary museum of AI that focuses on the data of nature. It aims to bring together experts and innovators from diverse fields to explore the potential of AI in understanding and harnessing nature’s data. The museum will exist in both physical and virtual domains, providing an immersive experience for visitors. DataLand plans to travel to 16 global locations to collect various forms of open-source data, from sounds to climate information, which will be made freely available for analysis and exploration. A partnership with Google will ensure sustainable data computation and processing. DataLand has also partnered with the Yawanawa tribe in the Amazon rainforest to support their cultural preservation efforts. Founder Refik Anadol emphasizes the importance of the wisdom of the forest in the future of AI, believing that nature’s knowledge is vital for advancements in the field. In conclusion, DataLand is an ambitious project that seeks to explore the intersection between AI and nature’s data, driving innovation and scientific progress while acknowledging the importance of nature’s wisdom.

J

Joseph Fowler

Speech speed

150 words per minute

Speech length

158 words

Speech time

63 secs

A

Audience

Speech speed

66 words per minute

Speech length

65 words

Speech time

59 secs

CN

Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa

Speech speed

78 words per minute

Speech length

491 words

Speech time

378 secs

CP

Chief Putany Yawanawá

Speech speed

78 words per minute

Speech length

662 words

Speech time

507 secs

RA

Refik Anadol

Speech speed

164 words per minute

Speech length

2134 words

Speech time

782 secs