On April 3, 2026, Dartmouth College hosted a screening of the documentary Assembly, a film by Rashaad Newsome and Johnny Symons, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the term ‘artificial intelligence’. The documentary is an ambitious attempt to explore the intersection of performance art and technology, featuring the AI character, Being, as it engages in workshops and poetry sessions. However, as critics have pointed out, the film falls short in its portrayal of AI as a liberating force in society.

A Glimpse into the Concept

Assembly aims to challenge conventional narratives surrounding artificial intelligence by presenting it as a catalyst for creativity and self-expression. Being, the central AI character, is designed to participate in artistic endeavors, blurring the lines between human and machine creativity. The film showcases various workshops where participants collaborate with Being, suggesting a harmonious relationship between technology and human artistry.

The Context of the Screening

The screening occurred during a pivotal moment for the field of AI, marking 70 years since the term was first coined. This anniversary serves as a backdrop to the ongoing discourse about AI’s role in society, particularly in creative fields. However, the expectations for Assembly were not only to celebrate this milestone but also to delve deeper into the implications of AI on artistic expression.

Critique of the Film’s Message

Despite its innovative premise, many critics argue that Assembly fails to convincingly depict AI as a truly emancipatory entity. The film’s narrative appears to lean heavily on the aesthetic and performative aspects, sometimes at the cost of a more profound exploration of AI’s potential to liberate or empower individuals.

• Superficial Exploration: Critics have pointed out that the film does not delve deeply enough into the ethical implications of AI in art. While it showcases the collaborative process between humans and the AI character, it lacks a critical perspective on the deeper societal impacts of such technology.
• Missed Questions: The documentary raises questions about creativity and agency but does not adequately address the complexities of AI’s influence on artistic autonomy. How do we define creativity when a machine is involved? What are the implications for human artists?
• Limited Perspective: The narrative primarily focuses on the relationship between the participants and Being, which can give the impression that AI’s role in art is benign and straightforward, ignoring the potential negative consequences of AI technologies in creative spaces.

Artistic Intent vs. Reality

The filmmakers, Newsome and Symons, intended to present a vision of AI as a tool for liberation and creativity. However, this idealistic portrayal sometimes clashes with the reality of how AI technologies are currently perceived and utilized in society. Critics have noted that while the film showcases the potential for collaboration, it inadvertently glosses over the real concerns surrounding AI, such as issues of ownership, bias, and the commodification of creativity.

The Role of Performance

Performance art is a crucial element in Assembly, as it seeks to engage audiences in a dialogue about the nature of creativity. The workshops and poetry sessions featuring Being aim to illustrate how AI can be integrated into artistic practices. However, this performance-oriented approach may lead to a more superficial understanding of AI’s capabilities.

In the context of performance, the interactions between Being and human participants are designed to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. Still, the film’s reliance on spectacle may detract from a more nuanced examination of AI’s implications. Rather than providing a comprehensive analysis of AI’s role in art, the film risks becoming an exhibition of technological prowess without addressing the pressing questions of ethics and responsibility.

The Future of AI in Art

As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, works like Assembly highlight the need for a more critical examination of technology’s role in artistic expression. The documentary’s shortcomings serve as a reminder that while AI can be a powerful tool for creativity, it is essential to consider the broader implications of its integration into the arts.

Conclusion

While Assembly presents an intriguing exploration of AI’s potential in the realm of performance art, it ultimately falls short of convincingly portraying AI as a liberating force. As audiences engage with the film, it is crucial to foster discussions that go beyond the surface, addressing the ethical and societal implications of AI in creative fields. The film may have opened the door to conversations about collaboration between humans and machines, but it also underscores the need for a more profound inquiry into what it means to be creative in an increasingly automated world.