#19 - Digital Doppelgangers: Art and the Failure of Facial Recognition

In this episode, we delve into the forensic aspects of Boogaloo Bias, where Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry explore how the intersection of technology and forensic science shapes society’s perception of identity and security. As part of the Really? Art and Knowledge in Times of Crisis exhibition, their interactive research project critiques the growing use of facial recognition technologies by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. By creating a facial recognition system trained solely on characters from the 1980s breakdancing movie Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, they expose the biases and inaccuracies in modern forensic technologies.

This project questions the legitimacy of facial recognition as a reliable forensic tool and raises critical discussions about the ethical implications of using such technologies in law enforcement and public surveillance. Through the use of humor and innovative artistry, Gradecki and Curry shine a light on the complex relationship between technological advancements and human oversight in forensics.

⁠Jennifer Gradecki⁠ is an artist and theorist whose practice investigates secretive sociotechnical systems, making them accessible to the public. Derek Curry⁠ is an artist-researcher whose work focuses on the impact of new technologies on society and their role in power structures. 

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