Maya Man's AI Girl Group Explores K-pop, Labor, and Identity
Maya Man's video installation, Dreams Come True, employs generative AI to fabricate a fictional K-pop girl group, delving into themes of identity, labor, and automation. Set to debut in spring 2027, this work is commissioned by ONX Relay for Onassis ONX and will be showcased alongside pieces by Trevor Paglen and Ben Frost. Drawing inspiration from 'post-post-internet' culture, Man likens the training of K-pop idols to the optimization of AI models, referencing KATSEYE from Netflix's Pop Star Academy. The AI-generated group features music and videos produced by these models, with Man serving as a management puppeteer. This project represents a new direction in her work, tackling issues of K-pop labor and race while reflecting her American viewpoint on global pop culture.
Key facts
- Maya Man's new installation 'Dreams Come True' uses generative AI to create a fictional K-pop girl group.
- The work is commissioned through ONX Relay by Onassis ONX and will premiere in spring 2027.
- The premiere will be alongside projects by Trevor Paglen and Ben Frost.
- The fictional group is inspired by KATSEYE, formed through Netflix's 'Pop Star Academy' by HYBE and Geffen.
- Man's work explores automation, labor, and identity in K-pop and AI.
- The installation is multi-channel and generative, with videos and music AI-generated.
- Man describes the current moment as 'post-post-internet' and 'mediamaxxed.'
- The project continues her exploration of online performance, following 'StarQuest' and 'FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT.'
Entities
Artists
- Maya Man
- Trevor Paglen
- Ben Frost
- Arvida Byström
- Molly Soda
Institutions
- Onassis Foundation
- Onassis ONX
- SLEEK
- bitforms gallery
- Netflix
- HYBE
- Geffen
- GAP
Locations
- New York
- United States
- South Korea
- Pennsylvania