The Graduate School of University Gadjah Mada, Media and Cultrual Studies Workshop Part I

The Graduate School of University Gadjah Mada, Media and Cultrual Studies Workshop

Date: 7 Novembmer 2025

Location: University Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

Gest Lecture

Digital Futures: Speculative Bodies and the Digital Self

Tomoko Tamari

Abstract

 This paper examines how contemporary artistic practices seek to raise questions about the impact of advanced bio and digital technologies on human life, by focusing on the following two artistic practices. Firstly, ‘(im)possible Baby’ produced by Ai Hasegawa. Recent development in genetics and stem cell research shows that it will be possible to transform adult skin or blood cells into eggs and sperm. This biotechnological development will open up various possible new forms of family relationship. Given this situation, Hasegawa speculatively constructed a digital visual image of a ‘what if’ future family with same-sex couples and their own genetically related children made possible through advanced biotechnologies. The paper discusses how Hasegawa’s work explores potential ethical questions relating to the biological challenges from scientific advancement in our future society. Secondly, ‘I’d rather be a cyborg’ created by Ines Alpha who uses her own body as an artistic medium to transforms her image through futuristic 3D makeup. The paper considers how Alpha’s works challenge conventional ideas of beauty and seek out new forms of the self via digital aesthetics. It also attempts to contextualise by examining how the development of media technologies, along with the rise of the internet and social media platforms, have encouraged new modes of digital art practices, shaping innovative forms of self-representation. In conclusion, the paper emphasises the significance of art practice emgagement with the ‘prediction’ of  emerging digital futures.