a.Ilyas Abukar: TV Repairman
Description:
TV Repairman is an interactive digital installation that explores the complexities of access to information in the digital age. Staged at the FEED Media Arts Center (October 22nd - November 22nd, 2024), this time-based project combines elements of conceptual art, performance art, web development, and artificial intelligence.
The Process:
Artist a. Ilyas Abukar embarked on a journey of learning web design and development, fueled by social media tutorials (YouTube, Instagram), web design books, and guidance from his community. He then utilized large language models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Mistral) to create a unique piece of digital African art. This handcrafted artwork, coded on a computer terminal and displayed on a browser, transforms your screen into a fully functional personal website (www.ilyasabukar.com).
The Message:
TV Repairman confronts the paradox of abundant information and limited capacity to utilize it. Societal constraints on time, focus, and curiosity restrict our ability to engage with the vast knowledge at our fingertips. The project further delves into the racialized divide between traditional African art forms and new media art, reflecting the racial and socioeconomic segregation within Erie, a city undergoing artistic and economic revitalization.