Digital Critique - The Zizi Show - Jake Elwes

"The Zizi Show" is a digital art piece created by Jake Elwes, born in 1993, created between the years 2020 to 2023, on display at the V&A, London. It presents a deepfake drag cabaret, delving into the ethical quandaries embedded within Artificial Intelligence (AI),  to the backdrop of 'Sweet Dreams' by Beyoncé.  The exhibition is presented in a dedicated room, featuring rows of screens and a large video projection.  AI, defined as the capability of computer systems to interpret and learn from provided data, is often perceived as impartial. However, Elwes highlights the inherent biases within AI applications, stemming from the datasets shaped by human programmers. The artwork sheds light on AI's struggles in recognising and representing trans, queer, and other marginalised identities, which often result in visible breakdowns within the systems.

Elwes strategically employs drag, an emblem of gender non-conformity and constructed identity, to confront and subvert societal biases ingrained in AI. Through the manipulation of digital tools, Elwes orchestrates a distorted cabaret performance that challenges the normative notions of gender and identity. Elements such as line, colour, and texture are manipulated to evoke a sense of fluidity and defiance, mirroring the essence of drag culture. The principles of harmony and balance are disrupted, reflecting the discord between AI's supposed neutrality and its biased outputs. The Zizi Show's intentional asymmetry symbolises the fragmentation caused by AI's inaccurate representation of diverse identities. The characters' oftentimes hardened expressions further solidify this theme.

Elwes' piece serves as a poignant commentary on the societal implications of AI bias. By highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities within AI frameworks, Elwes prompts viewers to contemplate the broader ramifications of technological biases on social equality. The artwork becomes a metaphorical stage for examining the intersection of technology, identity, and power dynamics. Through symbols, signs, and metaphors embedded within the cabaret performance, Elwes invites viewers to question their perceptions of gender, technology, and societal norms in a digital era.

"The Zizi Show" is a compelling fusion of artistry and activism, confidently navigating the complexities of AI ethics and LGBTQ+ representation. Elwes' adept use of digital media not only exposes the deficiencies of AI but also empowers marginalised voices within the technological discourse. The artwork's resonance lies in its ability to spark dialogue and introspection regarding the ethical responsibilities of AI creators and users, and the influences our collective data could have on the future. As a viewer, one cannot help but confront one's own biases and assumptions, underscoring the transformative power of art in challenging societal norms and fostering inclusivity.

Commissioned with support from the Manitou Fund, "The Zizi Show" epitomises Elwes' vision of reclaiming technology as a tool for liberation and celebration of diversity. It serves as a testament to the potential of art to provoke change and inspire empathy in the face of technological advancement.