Consciousness Dialogues, 2024

After the “Time is Personal” series, I wanted to create works that could be felt to exist beyond any specific time or space. My mind was focussing on the connection of body and mind, the evolution of consciousness, the concept of souls: what are we doing here? And why?

I started reading spiritual literature, the topics of which I discussed with ChatGPT, an artificial “intelligence”. While initially exciting, these conversation started leaving the stale taste of stereotypically functional, safe, structured replies: what is generic, what’s authentic? What actually is a dialogue?

The title of this series, “Consciousness Dialogues“, initially referred to these conversations — between me (my consciousness) and ChatGPT. It might rather have referred to my ideas about these conversations, or the artistic process as a dialog between an artist’s consciousness and their physical materials.

Large-scale data misuse underlies contemporary artificial intelligence. Digital platform holders feed the data models of their “intelligences”, feeding on actual people’s actual creativity. They communicate outside of dialogs — using the weird contemporary form of constantly updated terms of services.

As a result, any actual dialog between consciousnesses feels more important than ever: to look into the eyes of a friend, partner — or stranger. To feed a stray cat. To see someone in their humanity, and not as the function they provide: to stay conscious.

As of spring 2024, this series is very much in its beginning stages. Works of this series were exhibited at gallery twenty-six and at [FKc] FORUM KUNST contemporary.

"In cosmic terms, life can be seen as a remarkable phenomenon—a complex interplay of chemistry, physics, and biology that has led to the emergence of conscious beings capable of contemplating their own existence. "

ChatGPT 3.5

"Consciousness enjoys the play of form."

Eckhart Tolle

Why is life worth living?

ChatGPT 3.5: Life is worth living because it’s full of experiences, connections, and opportunities for growth and fulfillment. It’s about finding meaning, pursuing your passions, and making a positive impact on the world around you. Even in challenging times, there’s always potential for joy, learning, and personal development.

What does life mean in cosmic terms?

ChatGPT 3.5: In cosmic terms, life can be seen as a remarkable phenomenon—a complex interplay of chemistry, physics, and biology that has led to the emergence of conscious beings capable of contemplating their own existence. Life on Earth is a product of a unique set of circumstances, including the right combination of elements, the presence of liquid water, and a stable environment conducive to the development of complex organisms.

On a cosmic scale, life may be rare, perhaps even unique to our planet, given the vastness of the universe and the specific conditions required for its existence. However, the sheer diversity and complexity of life forms on Earth suggest that the potential for life to emerge elsewhere in the universe cannot be ruled out.

From a cosmic perspective, life represents a remarkable manifestation of the universe’s capacity for self-organization and complexity. It is a testament to the intricate dance of particles, forces, and energy that have shaped the cosmos over billions of years. Life adds a layer of richness and diversity to the universe, offering unique perspectives and experiences that contribute to its ongoing evolution and exploration.

"Time is the horizontal dimension of life, the surface layer of reality. Then there is the vertical dimension of depth, accessible to you only through the portal of the present moment"

"The Power of Now", Eckhart Tolle

Spiritually speaking, how did consciousness begin?

ChatGPT 3.5: Questions about the origins of consciousness and the purpose of the universe often delve into philosophical and spiritual realms, where answers may vary based on different belief systems and perspectives.

In spiritual and philosophical traditions, the origins of consciousness are often tied to deeper metaphysical concepts, such as the nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Some spiritual beliefs posit that consciousness is fundamental to the universe, existing beyond physical matter and emerging in various forms throughout the cosmos.

[…] While some spiritual perspectives may interpret the unfolding of the universe as part of a larger cosmic plan or expression of consciousness, it’s essential to distinguish between scientific theories and spiritual beliefs. The exploration of these questions often involves a blend of scientific inquiry, philosophical contemplation, and personal introspection, as individuals seek to understand their place in the universe and the nature of existence.

What happened before the Big Bang?

ChatGPT 3.5: The concept of “before” the Big Bang is a challenging one because the Big Bang theory describes the beginning of the universe as we know it, including time itself. Therefore, the notion of “before” the Big Bang may not apply in the same way we understand it within our everyday experiences.

What happened before time?

ChatGPT 3.5: The concept of “before time” is difficult to grasp because time itself is a fundamental aspect of how we perceive and measure events. In our everyday experience, time flows linearly from past to present to future. However, when discussing the origins of the universe, particularly before the Big Bang, the traditional notion of time may not apply in the same way.

In theories of cosmology, such as the Big Bang theory, time is considered to have begun with the universe itself. Therefore, asking what happened “before time” or “before the Big Bang” may be akin to asking what’s north of the North Pole—it’s a concept that may not have a meaningful answer within our current understanding of physics.

Some theoretical physicists and cosmologists explore concepts like “timelessness” or “eternal inflation” to speculate about conditions before the Big Bang, but these ideas often stretch the limits of our current scientific understanding and are still areas of active research and debate.

"Having access to that formless realm is truly liberating. It frees you from bondage to form and identification with form. It is life in it's undifferentiated state prior to it's fragmentation into multiplicity. We may call it the Unmanifested, the invisible Source of all things, the Being within all beings. It is a realm of deep stillness and peace, but also of joy and intense aliveness."

"The Power of Now", Eckhart Tolle

"Life is worth living because it's full of experiences, connections, and opportunities for growth and fulfillment. It's about finding meaning, pursuing your passions, and making a positive impact on the world around you. Even in challenging times, there's always potential for joy, learning, and personal development."

ChatGPT 3.5

"Happiness depends on conditions being perceived as positive;
inner peace does not."