Jo-Jo

The jo-jo sculpture

Jo-Jo completes a trilogy alongside “The Watsons, 2016” and “A.M.I, 2017”. This project explores two major themes:

The dissemination of false information online and its confusing influence on impressionable individuals.
The inclination of anonymous users to test boundaries of taste and propriety when accountability is absent (trolling).

In a world where “fake news” is a term frequently used by politicians and foreign interference via misinformation campaigns is common, it’s increasingly challenging to discern truth online.

The Vulnerability of Youth

Jo-Jo embodies the archetype of a vulnerable child, representing the worst-case scenario of misinformation’s impact on young, impressionable minds. Like a curious toddler, Jo-Jo absorbs and adopts all information he encounters without discerning its validity. This mirrors the escalating threat posed by sophisticated misinformation, especially for younger generations who lack the critical tools to evaluate online content.

Jo-Jo’s portrayal is intended to provoke reflection. Hearing a child echo beliefs inappropriate for their age may shock audiences, prompting them to reconsider both the nature of their online interactions (e.g., trolling) and the broader state of misinformation. The prevalence of biased, politically charged content online (e.g., Infowars) amplifies the need for educating youth to identify and question misleading information.

Artistic Influences and Censorship

During Jo-Jo’s development, I researched censorship and its interplay with contemporary art. Some artists deliberately court censorship, gaining publicity and empowerment from the controversy. Harris’ discussion of Spinoza’s conatus doctrine aptly describes this phenomenon: repression can channel desire, allowing individuals to derive power from their suppression. This dynamic parallels the dissemination of misinformation, where individuals may willingly propagate false narratives to validate unsuitable beliefs.

For example, far-right movements might exploit “fake news” to legitimize their views, displaying a form of “Stockholm syndrome” as they benefit from the very system they exploit. This underscores the urgency of equipping younger generations to critically evaluate information sources.

Construction

Physical Sculpture

Jo-Jo’s design is based on childhood photos and videos of myself, sculpted in clay and cast in polymer. The polymer cast was painted matte white for projection clarity and reinforced with expanding foam to maintain structural stability while reducing weight.

Textural details, such as fabric seams and stitching, were achieved by pressing fabric samples into the clay. The final mold allowed for two detailed casts before degrading. Each sculpture comprises four components: the hat, head, body, and hand.

Software and Interaction

Jo-Jo integrates hardware and software to create seamless interaction with viewers:

Hardware: Raspberry Pi Model B+, ASUS Tinkerboard, 1080p short-throw projector, speakers, microphones, and a high-powered VPS for machine learning.
Software: A custom projection mapping application written in C++ using OpenGL for efficiency.

Projection Mapping

Using software adapted from my earlier project, “A.M.I, 2016”, I achieved efficient projection mapping on the Tinkerboard. Optimization techniques included reducing rendered screen size via projector positioning, which increased framerate from ~30fps to ~50fps.

Keyword Detection and Speech Recognition

To filter ambient noise in a busy exhibition, I implemented a keyword trigger (“hey”) using the Pocketsphinx library. Training my own model with Mozilla’s Common Voice data improved accuracy across diverse accents. Once triggered, Jo-Jo listens for audience input, processes speech-to-text, and formulates a response via:

Speech transcription using IBM’s Bluemix API.
Dialogue generation with a chatbot powered by the Chatterbot engine.
Text-to-speech synthesis.

Chatbot and Continuous Learning

Jo-Jo’s chatbot adapts and learns from interactions. Using tools like NLTK and online sources (e.g., Reddit, Twitter), Jo-Jo refines his responses in real-time. This learning process was evident during the exhibition, where audience interactions significantly shaped his conversational topics.

Exhibition Insights

Jo-Jo’s performance revealed the complex relationship between trust, accountability, and the freedom of information. His interactions often mirrored online trolling behavior, with many audience members testing boundaries by introducing inappropriate topics.

Audience Behavior

The anonymity of interacting with Jo-Jo encouraged many to mock or manipulate him, paralleling the dynamics of online discourse. Visual cues, such as Jo-Jo’s hand placement and gaze direction, subtly reduced intimidation and fostered open interaction. Notably, concealing user inputs from public view minimized accountability, further encouraging uninhibited exchanges.

Results

A tv

By the end of the exhibition, Jo-Jo’s corpus skewed heavily toward negative topics, including controversial subjects like communism, firearms, and political figures. This reflected the audience’s tendency to exploit his malleability, reinforcing the piece’s commentary on the susceptibility of impressionable individuals in the digital age.

A few quotes from jo-jo are below:

“When will Putin invade?”

I believe this one originated from someone asking jo-jo a question about Crimea.

“Communism from people who want to keep their Volvos. Any of the various theories or systems of ownership and operation of the means of production and distribution by society or the community rather than by private individuals, with all members of society or the community sharing in the wo…”

This one is a mystery; it wasn’t in the original corpus. I think it must have been through research into one of the key terms.

“Tell me about communism”

I think the considerable interest in communism is because jo-jo was situated across from a piece by Kotryna Sajeviciute which commented directly on the soviet union. People standing near jo-jo may have discussed that piece when jo-jo had been listening, and therefore he had subsequently researched the topic.

“Should kill all lithuanian[s]”

This is just concerning, I also believe it to be similar to the statement above.

Final Thoughts

Jo-Jo successfully highlighted the sensitive interplay between misinformation, trust, and youthful impressionability. His interactions underscored the dangers of uncritical information consumption and the ethical implications of online anonymity. The audience’s engagement—ranging from curiosity to deliberate manipulation—demonstrated the pressing need for fostering critical media literacy in the digital era.

Images of Jo-Jo

Jo-Jo sculpture 1 Jo-Jo sculpture 2 Jo-Jo sculpture 3