Humans did this: An arts-based research into the ontology of digital artefacts

We are surrounded by objects that produce, sustain, inhabit and govern our digital lifeworlds. Yet a technodeterministic framing of their potential consequential impacts as natural side-effects threatens to collapse accountability. At the thresholds between human- and non-human-made objects, this project seeks speculative responses to address the risks inherent in the pseudo-naturalization of the digital artefact. We propose that re-engaging artefact ontology to emphasize human intentionality within digital objects enables an empowering mode of critique. Building on this foundation, we turn to arts-based practice, following various rabbit holes to translate three digital artefacts into material form. Conceived as speculative, interactive sculptural tools, these translations invite audiences to interact, critique and use the material object as a bridge back to the digital artefact it translates. The installations further prompt us to steer towards digital realities less dominated by monopolized capitalist imaginaries.