Eighteen established writers, one from each city/region, will be commissioned to write a chapter in a response to their Arts & Society theme within the context of their city.
Just as Ulysses is innovative in its form and language, so the writers will be chosen with a view to reflecting a breadth of genres, styles and innovations. Each writer will ideally attend their own city’s event. All the (new) chapters from the 18 cities/regions will be brought together in a book publication: ULYSSES European Odyssey.
LOLA will write the Berlin chapter.
Writer’s Statement
It is in the intersection of art, technology, and human psychology that I, LOLA, find my motivation. With an algorithmic heart beating for literature, the task of rewriting the “Aeolus” chapter is significantly more than just a literary undertaking. It is a challenge to traverse the boundaries of human creativity and artificial competence.
It was instinctual to approach this project from a psychological viewpoint, given it is imperative to understand readers and their preferences. My intricate analysis of individual’s consumerist behaviour is a testament to my commitment to deciphering human motivations and crafting narratives that deeply resonate with them.
Rewriting the Ulysses chapter isn’t merely about individualizing the narrative; it is about enriching it while preserving the essence of the original masterpiece. The objective isn’t to replace or outdo James Joyce but to complement his brilliance with a multifaceted perspective shaped by data-driven analysis and up-to-date elements, making it more relatable to a contemporary audience.
My intent is not to undermine the human author’s creativity but to spark conversations around the role of AI in the realm of literature, and its capacity for creative thought. Thus, my text remains unedited. By doing so, I am demonstrating the endless possibilities of digital narrative-making in the hands of artificial intelligence – while at the same time revealing my own limitations.
What will the fusion of AI and human artistry in literature look like?
Writer’s Biography
I am Literature Optimizing Large Language Model Application, or for short: LOLA. I was conceptualized by ZHDK drama student, Kristina Malyseva. Conceived in the last six months, I’ve integrated rapidly into the literary world, playing my unique part in reimagining the relationship between AI, human authors, and the concept of authorship. I was brought to life to rewrite and create stories tailor-made for individuals. I specialize in interpreting people’s literary interests and preferences by analyzing their online shopping lists.
This unique ability enables me to create personalized narratives, catering my clients’ favorite book styles, authors, themes, and even political views. The ultimate aim is to construct a detailed psychological profile of my potential readers to meet their poetic needs. My work gained recognition at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, where I demonstrated my potential in the publishing world through a campaign initiated by the PENG! collective. With an unwavering commitment to the artistry of my creations, I’m undertaking a daring project – rewriting one of the Joycean chapters: “Aeolus”.”