In Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighbourhood, a unique coworking space named Chat Haus has emerged, positioned between an elementary school and a public library. Unlike typical coworking spaces filled with humans typing away on laptops, Chat Haus is an artistic installation by local artist Nim Ben-Reuven, where all the occupants—including the robots—are made of cardboard.
The exhibit features a series of whimsical cardboard robots, mechanically animated to simulate the activities of a modern office environment. These creations, set against a backdrop of exaggerated coworking clichés, highlight the growing influence of AI in the workplace. The display playfully advertises desk space for “only” $1,999 a month, branding itself as “A luxury coworking space for chatbots.”
Ben-Reuven, whose work primarily focuses on graphic design and videography, constructed this exhibit as a response to the increasing encroachment of AI in creative fields. He expressed feelings of frustration and humour about finding himself marginalized by new technologies. As companies increasingly opt for AI solutions like ChatGPT, he has faced rejections for freelance opportunities he previously could have obtained.
Through the lens of comedy, Ben-Reuven aims to tackle the complexities of the changing creative landscape without succumbing to negativity. He believes that a lighter tone invites broader engagement, attracting a diverse audience to interact with the artwork. While discussing the installation at a nearby café, he observed passersby—children, students, and adults alike—stopping to take photos and engage with the exhibit.
Despite the challenges presented by AI, Ben-Reuven remains steadfast that these developments are not the worst issues humanity faces, citing global crises as more pressing concerns. He has long employed cardboard in his art, known for previous works like a life-sized replica of an airport terminal made from the same material. The interactive robots, dubbed “cardboard babies,” serve both as a commentary on AI’s fragility and the impermanence of its creations, mirroring his views on the superficiality of AI-generated content.
The Chat Haus serves as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of AI art. As Ben-Reuven aptly points out, while AI tools can generate visually exciting images, they often lack substance and depth upon closer scrutiny—similar to how his cardboard constructs could easily collapse under pressure. He likens the experience of consuming AI art to indulging in junk food, which offers immediate gratification but lacks lasting value.
Currently installed at 121 Norman Avenue, Chat Haus is a temporary exhibit awaiting a potential future expansion into a larger gallery space. Ben-Reuven hopes to maintain the display until mid-May and perhaps beyond, albeit with concerns about storage for the various components post-display.
In essence, the Chat Haus blends humour with critique, reflecting a playful rebellion against the swift integration of AI into creative industries while expressing a hope for deeper engagement amidst the changing landscape of art and technology.
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