A Dystopian Folk Ballad on AI, Hidden Labour and the Illusion of Freedom
Created by: Tianqi Li, Xinyu Lin, Huining Tian, Lizhong Cao, Duyou Liu
Overview: This project is an AI-assisted protest song that explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, labour, and freedom. Inspired by folk storytelling, the project follows the perspective of an ordinary worker to question the common belief that higher productivity automatically leads to a better working life. Instead, it argues that AI often reorganises labour, making human work less visible while increasing surveillance and control.
Drawing on concepts such as algorithmic imaginary, surveillance capitalism, platform materiality and Marxist alienation, the project combines music, lyrics and AI-generated visuals to transform complex theories into an accessible creative experience. Rather than celebrating AI, it invites audiences to reflect on the hidden human labour that continues to sustain intelligent systems.
Created with: ChatGPT, Suno, Gemini
Concept
Poster description: The poster presents a dark, futuristic composition centred on a glowing glass structure containing workers surrounded by digital technology, symbolising the hidden labour behind AI systems. Around the central image are illustrated lyric scenes, theoretical concepts, and project information that connect the song with themes of surveillance, algorithmic control, and labour alienation.