AI Bias and Digital Colonialism; A Conversation with Morehshin Allahyari
Morehshin Allahyari, photographed by Antonia Colodro, 2022
Whether through her art, writings, or lectures, Morehshin Allahyari's work evokes a range of emotions among its audience. There is wonder and intrigue at her reinterpretation of centuries-old Middle Eastern stories, images, and artifacts. There is introspection on our preconceived views on concepts from open-source data to digital archiving. Finally, there is a blend of frustration and motivation to act as Allahyari takes us on a journey through the exploitative history of colonial power relations between the West and the Middle East.
Using 3D simulation, video, sculpture, and digital fabrication, Allahyari warns us of a modern landscape in which power dynamics straddle both digital and physical worlds, articulating her theory of Digital Colonialism as a "framework for critically examining the tendency for information technologies to be deployed in ways that reproduce colonial power relations." In an age of artificial intelligence, the messages and critiques found within Allahyari's work take on a heightened sense of urgency.
In July 2023, Archinect’s Niall Patrick Walsh spoke with Allahyari about her life, work, and reflections on the relationship between technology, architecture, and power relations. The discussion, edited slightly for clarity, is published below.
