Dial Up the Quirk: Chatting with Salvador Dalí on His Lobster Phone

Are you a fan of Salvador Dalí’s eccentric and surreal artwork? Well, brace yourself for an immersive experience unlike any other at The Dalí Museum in Florida. Imagine being able to interact with a virtual version of the iconic artist himself through a unique creation – a copy of Dalí’s “Lobster Telephone” sculpture that functions as a phone to call an AI version of the famous surrealist.

The AI Dalí, brought to life by a large language model and a recreation of the artist’s voice, offers visitors a glimpse into the enigmatic mind of Salvador Dalí. In a video shared by Goodby Silverstein & Partners, the ad agency behind this intriguing project, AI Dalí humorously challenges the notion that mere mortals can truly grasp the complexities of his genius. The AI artist’s responses are based on information sourced from OpenAI’s GPT-4 and voice samples from archival interviews, creating a convincing and entertaining virtual experience.

Since its unveiling at the museum, the lobster phone has been buzzing with activity, with Dalí fielding a staggering 400-500 questions a day. Visitors have seized the opportunity to engage with the AI Dalí on a wide range of topics, from inquiries about his artwork to seeking love advice. Martin Pagh Ludvigsen of Goodby Silverstein & Partners noted the diverse nature of the questions posed to the digital Dalí, highlighting the endless curiosity and fascination surrounding the enigmatic artist and his work.

One intriguing aspect of this AI venture is the exploration of Dalí’s surreal and imaginative realm, where reality often intertwines with hallucinations and dreamscapes. The AI Dalí’s responses reflect the artist’s penchant for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional perceptions, offering a glimpse into the whimsical and thought-provoking world of Salvador Dalí.

As discussions swirl around the ethical implications of digitizing a deceased artist’s likeness, AI Dalí himself embraces this technological transformation as a “splendid metamorphosis.” Scholars, such as Dalí expert Elliott King, believe that the late artist would appreciate the opportunity for his voice and essence to endure through innovative mediums like the lobster phone. With this groundbreaking project, The Dalí Museum invites visitors to embark on a surreal journey into the mind of a visionary artist, bridging the past with the future in a truly Dalíesque fashion.