The Unpredictable Self. Algorithmic Contingency in Digital Portraiture

Abstract

This paper investigates the profound impact of algorithmic contingency on digital self-representation within contemporary visual culture. By tracing the evolution of image media—from mirrors to analog photography to digital image processing—this study examines how technological advancements have reshaped our understanding of identity and selfhood. The inherent limitations and errors in algorithm-driven processes introduce unpredictability, leading to both the homogenization of images and the emergence of unexpected visual distortions. These contingencies, rather than mere technical flaws, provide a new perspective on the relationship between self-identity and imagery. Through an analysis of my own artistic practice, including works such as How to be or not to be Recognized as A Human and Beats, along with the AI-generated portraits by the artist CROSSLUCID, the paper illustrates how artists leverage algorithmic errors to challenge traditional notions of creative control. This study highlights the shifting dynamics of ownership over digital self-images, where the final presentation of digital images is shaped by a complex interplay of various forces, combining the creator’s intent, technological tools, and unpredictable contingencies, ultimately resulting in a unique hybrid form of visual expression.