Tucked away in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint, right between an elementary school and a public library, there’s this quirky art installation that’s got everyone talking. It’s called Chat Haus, and here’s the kicker—it’s a swanky coworking space, but not for you or me. Nope, it’s for AI chatbots, with every single detail, even the ‘people,’ made out of cardboard. Talk about a plot twist. 🚀
Local artist Nim Ben-Reuven is the brains behind this masterpiece, blending humor with a sharp critique on how AI’s shaking up the creative world. Imagine cardboard robots (or ‘cardboard babies,’ as Ben-Reuven lovingly dubs them) hunched over computers, powered by tiny motors. There’s even a sign offering desk space for a ‘bargain’ at $1,999 a month—a cheeky nod to those sky-high coworking space prices in tech hotspots.
Ben-Reuven spilled the beans that this project was his way of dealing with the industry’s whirlwind changes, mixing frustration with a dash of humor. ‘It was my way of laughing so I wouldn’t cry over how fast things are changing,’ he said. He kept it light on purpose, making sure the exhibit was something everyone could enjoy, regardless of how they feel about AI.
The whole thing’s made of cardboard, which Ben-Reuven says is a perfect metaphor for AI’s role in creativity—flimsy and ready to collapse under the slightest pressure. But he’s not all doom and gloom; he admits there’s something addictive about AI art, like the instant gratification of scarfing down a bag of chips.
Chat Haus has become the talk of the town, drawing in everyone from Instagram-happy millennials to wide-eyed kids. It’s not sticking around forever, though. Ben-Reuven hopes to keep it up until mid-May or maybe move it to a bigger gallery. He’s got big dreams for the exhibit but jokes about where he’ll store all that cardboard once it’s over—his apartment’s already packed.
This project isn’t just about Ben-Reuven’s ride through the changing creative landscape; it’s a mirror for all of us, asking some big questions about where AI fits into our work and art. And let’s be real, it’s also just plain fun. 💰
