Over the course of an 8-week long-term performance from Aug. 5 to Oct. 1, 2023, the artist Daniel Beerstecher will collect data to metaphorically teach the AI how to meditate. The artist provides the data of an adapted traditional Buddhist walking meditation performed as a slow-walk with which the AI will eventually be fed. The slow-walk takes place
6 days a week in a sports stadium. In this process, the artist walks exactly one 400-meter lap on the running track every day at a speed of only 100-120 meters per hour. It will take him about 3-4 hours.
During the performance, Daniel Beerstecher will be monitored by 3 cameras that will automatically follow him and record his every move. In addition, his brain waves will be measured to capture the depth and effect of his meditation. With further sensors and a high-precision GPS device, his body data such as heart and breathing rate, speed as well as his current position will be also recorded. All data and images will be streamed live on this website and social media, allowing the performance to be followed and monitored both on-site at the stadium and online.
By repeating the slow walk every day, data from each day can be compared, as it can vary due to various factors. For example, bad weather, pain, spectators, other athletes in the stadium, the press, and of course one's own doubts about the meaningfulness of the project can influence the data collection of each stadium lap.
With each step in slow motion, however, Beerstecher will breathe consciously. By breathing calmly, he will not only walk slower, but also his brain activity will increasingly calm down.
More detailed info, motivation for this project and how it could go on after the performance..., you can find HERE.
