Hanane Djoua
Doha
The Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) has unveiled its latest exhibition, ‘AI or Nay? Artificial vs. Intelligent’, a bold exploration of artificial intelligence’s (AI) profound influence on contemporary journalism, media and identity. Running until May 15, 2025, the exhibition features works by more than 20 regional and international artists, challenging visitors’ perceptions of AI’s role in reshaping society and media.
The exhibition features a range of immersive digital installations, commissioned works and pieces loaned from prestigious institutions such as the Computer History Museum in California, Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, and Qatar Museums. The collection aims to prompt visitors to question whether humans are shaping AI or if AI is, in fact, shaping humanity.
“This exhibition exemplifies Northwestern Qatar’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and engagement in contemporary media,” said Marwan M Kraidy, dean and CEO of NU-Q. “It allows us to explore the intricate relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence, a pressing topic in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.”
Curated by Jack Thomas Taylor, Curator of Art, Media and Technology at the Media Majlis Museum, Ai or Nay? investigates AI’s impact on privacy, identity and representation. Taylor emphasised the exhibition’s role in fostering critical thinking, saying, “We’re entering an era where AI will become as ubiquitous as the internet. This exhibition invites audiences to reflect on their relationship with AI, encouraging investigation, prompting, and questioning.”
Artists reflect on AI and identity
Among the participating artists is Farjana Salahuddin, an interactive media artist, whose work reflects the evolving identity of cities like Doha. “The inspiration for this piece comes from the landscapes we live in—deserts, beaches, and urban skylines,” she told Qatar Tribune. “Doha has changed so much over the years. Some places lose their identity to modern steel structures, while others strive to preserve it. This piece questions whether we should maintain elements of our identity as we embrace futuristic designs.”
Salahuddin also noted the unique platform provided by the Media Majlis Museum, Qatar’s first university museum dedicated to media. “This museum offers an opportunity to connect with diverse audiences and foster outreach efforts in the field of media and art,” she said.
Casper Schipper, partner at Superposition, a digital design studio, contributes an installation aimed at sparking reflection on AI’s impact on media consumption. “We hope to trigger audiences to think about whether they can trust the content they see online and how AI influences their perceptions,” Schipper said.
He expressed concerns about AI-generated content, warning of an overwhelming abundance of unverified information. “It will become increasingly difficult to discern what’s real and valuable,” he said. Yet, Schipper remains optimistic about the role of human creativity. “Artists and designers will always have a role. AI is trained on past creations, but humans can think ahead and develop entirely new ideas.”
A collaborative dialogue between humans and machines
Schipper also highlighted the challenges of working with AI as an artist. “AI doesn’t always create exactly what you have in mind. It becomes more of a creative collaboration, like a partnership rather than an assistant,” he explained.
This interplay between human intuition and AI innovation lies at the heart of the exhibition. By juxtaposing cutting-edge digital art with critical discussions, Ai or Nay? prompts visitors to examine the balance between preserving cultural identity and embracing technological advancement.
A cultural hub for
contemporary dialogue
Since its opening in 2019, the Media Majlis Museum has been a trailblazer in fostering dialogue at the intersection of art, media, and technology. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2022, it remains the first university museum in the Arab world dedicated to media and communication.
Ai or Nay? exemplifies the museum’s mission to address timely issues while spotlighting diverse perspectives. The exhibition aligns with Northwestern Qatar’s broader goals of encouraging intellectual exploration and critical thinking.
Jack Thomas Taylor, the exhibition’s curator, encapsulated its vision: “This exhibition challenges visitors to reflect on the rapidly evolving relationship between humanity and technology, urging us to contemplate whether we are truly in control of AI—or if it is controlling us.” The exhibition is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 8pm, with Ramadan hours to be announced. It also features a full-colour illustrated glossary of AI and journalism terminology in English and Arabic, published by Silvana Editoriale, alongside essays by Taylor, dean Marwan M Kraidy, and Alfredo Cramerotti, director of the Media Majlis Museum.
As Qatar positions itself at the forefront of technological and cultural innovation, Ai or Nay? invites audiences to consider the role of AI not only in reshaping media but also in redefining humanity’s connection to creativity and identity.
