Auto is a performance which takes place in vehicles and navigates the feeling of autopilot—reflecting on our relationship with AI, automation, and surveillance as impending crises loom.
Auto is a new type of driverless vehicle developed in collaboration with the public through a series of test rides. Auto is freedom. Auto is ease. Auto is the feeling of moving at high speed into the future with nobody in the driver’s seat. Auto is out of control.
Passengers enter the vehicle and are asked: Where do we want to go? Each ride is different as new features are tested in a play between automation and control. As the trip progresses, the distinction between system and human blurs—the riders become Auto.
Auto test rides take place in parked or moving vehicles, in garages, driveways, parking lots, proving grounds, art spaces, and other test sites. Each test ride performance is location specific, adapted through work with local collaborators. A series of short films will document the test rides.
Auto Tune, a signage work by Lauren Lee McCarthy and Casey Reas, will be on display in LACMA's North Piazza the week leading up to the performance.
Rendering for Auto Test Ride 01: LACMA Parking Garage. Image credit: Salmah Beydoun
Credits
Scenic Design: Salmah Beydoun
Lighting Design: Omar Madkour
Fabrication: Derek Hecker
Sound Design: Tommy Martinez
Narrative Design Contribution: Nick Fortugno
Writing Contribution: Stalgia Grigg
Performers: Chelly Jin, Jules Johnston
Studio Assistance: Wylie Kasai
Producer: Beata Calińska
Playtesters: Dan Froot, Carlos Garcia, Christina Curlee, Stalgia Grigg, Boaz Sender, Brian Pea, Qianqian Ye, Harvey Moon, Parag K. Mital, Connor Cook
Cinematography: Gabriel Noguez
Documentation: David Leonard
