Nasal Demons consists of 12 projects that explore the similarities between humans and machines in a world where expectations between the two continue to blur. As technology increasingly shapes the way we work, communicate and define ourselves, the exhibition presents our transformed understandings of identity, purpose and human behavior.

What would it be like to be a machine?

In a society driven by optimization, efficiency and endless (self-)improvement, media artist and initiator of this exhibition Quintus Glerum wonders whether it might feel easier to be a machine. While human lives are contradictory and often irrational, contemporary society increasingly demands qualities associated with machines: productivity, consistency, and constant availability. Adding to this, technological developments throughout history have made us feel replaceable.

Unlike humans, machines, whether self-learning or not, are created with a predefined function. Built from ones and zeros they are brought into existence by humans to perform precise tasks. As a result, they do not experience human struggles such as a lack of meaning, crisis of faith, or identity, while our lives remain contradictory, emotional and erratic.

But what if a computer programme behaves erratically?

When a programme becomes unpredictable due to missing code, programmers refer to it as ''Undefined Behaviour" or, a more humorous synonym, "nasal demons". As a result of the code not specifying what should happen, it could even make demons fly out of your nose, so to speak. The absurdity of this term underscores our expectation that code should be efficient and predictable, qualities against which we unconsciously measure ourselves.

This exhibition is part of Museumnacht Amsterdam and Amsterdam Art Week.

Exhibition Side Program:

Bathroom Archive: 14/11, 13H - 15H

During this workshop and tour, participants will collect latrinalia in toilets across Amsterdam Noord with artist Dewi Mac Donald. Back at Treehouse, they will turn their findings into a collective archive through collage.

Live Radio Show & Artist Talk: 21/11, 14H - 15H

Treehouse NDSM is hosting a live radio show and artist talk with artist Quintus Glerum and a panel of art professionals. Together, they will discuss how exhibitions can engage with the relationship between humans and AI in a critical and meaningful way.

Kids Tour led by Artist Quintus Glerum: 22/11, 14H - 15H30

During this kids tour, children will explore the similarities between humans and machines, guided by artist Quintus Glerum. Afterwards, they can create their own nasal demon or human-machine being. Their drawings will then come to life on screens in the exhibition.