Speculative Research Project, Creative Coding / 2025
Magic in the Machine
This project explores the intersection of:
Machine/Magic
Technology/Intuition
Rational/Irrational
Data/Divination
We used to seek meaning and guidance from stars, gods, or nature. Today, in a world flooded with data
and
algorithms, where do those instincts go? When technological innovation is valued through productivity,
profit, and growth, magic provides new languages to describe the world.
Through a series of speculative oracles powered by creative coding, Magic in the Machine is thus a
poetic investigation into finding new ways of meaning-making through technology.
Research Documentation
What started as a self-reflection about rationality, secularity, and accuracy of technology
(particularly data-driven decision-making) led to a discovery of resources that place magic and
technology
side by side for cross-disciplinary research. As it turns out, our interactions with both are more
similar than we think.
Are.na Board
Project Repository
Full Dissertation
Speculative Oracles
The result of the year long research and experimentation process was a series of oracles that question and challenge the way we place faith and belief in technology to make decisions. The oracles are the introduced and performed to an audience through the character of Merlin the Wizard (a tech wizard bound to the corporate wizardry of Microsoft).
Oracle 1
Jiao Bei 2.0
In creating a digital simulation of the jiaobei, I discovered
the
endless possibilities for meaning-making that I can create with the same mechanisms.
Jiaobei 2.0 thus invites people to consider how they choose to receive information/make decisions,
particularly when it comes to digital interactions.
Oracle 2
Noise Oracle
if our ancestors were given current technology, how would they have
used it for meaning-making like they did the stars?
This oracle
instrumentalises computer-generated imagery and machine learning for their ability to
generate
randomness.
Oracle 3
Memesis of an AI Oracle
This last prototype investigates the role of divinatory impulses, intuition and interpretation in
tandem with AI. Memes, with its rich vernacular language, are positioned as modern-day tarot cards
that
are interpreted by the participant and ChatGPT.
The reading served as a catalyst for a light-hearted conversation exploring the role of belief,
intuition and AI technology in everyday life.
Thoughts, Essays and Speculative Oracles
A book compiling research and writings about the research topic, and documentation. Feel free to contact me for the full copy of the book!
