Can Story, Art and Technology offer effective, ethical encounters with historical figures?

By Fiona Mah - Creative Director

I’m easily drawn (OK, sucked down internet rabbit holes) to AI generated historical figures. Who doesn't want to see what Van Gogh would look like sitting next to us in Starbucks or Rembrandt’s LinkedIn profile picture?! These images pique curiosity and don't seem to overstep any boundaries - but how can this technology be used in the visitor experience realm? The intersection of AI and historical re-creation raises ethical considerations, especially when it comes to simulating encounters with historical figures within a visitor experience. While the concept is intriguing and potentially educational, it triggers questions that require careful reflection and responsible implementation. For exhibits deeply rooted in history, highlighting revered historical figures, is there a way to combine story, art and technology in a meaningful, ethical way using AI?

The National Museum of Denmark believes so. Their researchers and archaeologists have ingeniously resurrected the Egtved Girl, presenting her as a talking, lifelike digital avatar.

This groundbreaking example exemplifies the capacity of new technology to craft dynamic connections with our cultural heritage. Imagine being able to ask King Henry VIII about his life or conversing with a survivor of the Titanic. The possibilities are exciting and endless.

Informed Consent

Ethical dilemmas emerge when considering consent from historical figures. Implementing AI to create encounters with them assumes a degree of agency on their behalf. For me, the gravity of this responsibility was highlighted in a recent project at the National Portrait Gallery London. We created a series of enormous animated portraits , one of which was of Queen Elizabeth II, and projected these artistic vignettes onto a 3 storey wall inside the main entrance.

While relying on animation rather than AI, the work highlighted the need for bringing figures to life respectfully, sensitively and with great care. After all, we were animating a portrait of the Queen! At times, we felt like we were walking a fine line but the end result of watching the Queen’s beloved Corgi’s ears playfully perk up was wonderful and the process of arriving there, insightful.

Guarding against manipulation and appropriation

The power of AI to recreate encounters introduces the risk of manipulation. Crafting conversations that might not align with the historical figure's actual words or actions could lead to a distorted understanding of the past. It’s also crucial to avoid appropriation or misrepresentation, particularly when dealing with figures from diverse backgrounds. AI developers and curators must collaborate closely to ensure that recreations are respectful, accurate, and avoid reinforcing stereotypes or biases.

Educational intent vs. entertainment

While there is potential for educational enrichment using AI, there's also a risk of reducing significant historical events or figures to mere entertainment. Striking a balance that fosters learning without trivializing weighty historical narratives is imperative. At the National Portrait Gallery, we used AI in the Playful Portraits exhibit, allowing visitors to bring portraits to life using their own facial expressions. It was successful in surprising and delighting visitors while maintaining respect for both artist and sitter.

Overall, using AI for historical recreations requires careful thought. Authenticity, consent, cultural sensitivity, and balancing education with entertainment are all crucial. With the right approach, AI can turn historical recreations into engaging experiences that connect with modern audiences. I, for one, am excited about the possibilities.