Amelia Winger-Bearskin
I WOULD LIKE TO BE MIDNIGHT / I WOULD LIKE TO BE SKY
Who determines the protocol for looking at the sky? Like moss and fungi, animals and plants, and indeed most living beings, the sky does not have borders. It moves and is part of a larger system that includes the moon, the sun, and the stars.”—Amelia Winger Bearskin
The artwork explores the concept of ownership and perception of the sky, questioning who determines the protocols for observing it. The artist, inspired by a politician’s claim to a “universal ethical protocol” for sky observation, delves into various notions of sky ownership, including legal regulations and cultural perspectives. Through a blend of AI techniques like Image Inpainting and digital image interpolation, Winger-Bearskin subverts traditional narratives and erases human architecture from the landscape, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of the sky with the natural world.
Visually, the film presents landscapes captured by the artist while traversing the United States, morphing and shifting through digital interpolation, creating a hypnotic, timeless effect. This artistic approach reflects Winger-Bearskin’s status as an innovator at a pivotal moment in her career, utilizing cutting-edge technology to challenge established norms and connect with her Indigenous heritage. By incorporating ancestral influences alongside modern techniques, Winger-Bearskin’s artwork transcends boundaries, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with the sky and the broader natural environment.
Amelia Winger-Bearskin’s practice and approach are highly relevant due to her innovative fusion of art, technology, and social impact. By leveraging bleeding-edge technology and indigenous values, she addresses pressing contemporary issues such as ethical software development, land acknowledgment, and community empowerment. Her work reflects a profound understanding of the intersectionality between art, culture, and technology, offering new perspectives and solutions to societal challenges. As an Indigenous artist, Winger-Bearskin’s practice embodies a decolonial approach, reclaiming narratives and amplifying voices often marginalized in mainstream discourses. Through projects like Wampum.Codes and her collaborations with institutions like Stanford University and the Dalai Lama’s Summit on Fostering Universal Ethics and Compassion, she pioneers a paradigm shift in the tech industry towards inclusivity and ethical innovation. Her recognition, including awards like the MacArthur/Sundance Institute fellowship and the Bloomberg Mayors Challenge, underscores the significance and impact of her work within both artistic and social spheres. Winger-Bearskin’s practice serves as a beacon of inspiration, challenging norms, fostering collaboration, and catalyzing positive change in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.