The AI on My Shoulder (2025) - Interactive Performance with AI Agents

The AI on My Shoulder is a live performance that brings to life the classic moral dilemma of the devil and angel on one’s shoulders, reimagined through AI agents. The performance features a wearable device with two AI personas, one devilish and one angelic, each offering contrasting guidance in real-time. A Raspberry Pi computer, equipped with a tiny chest-mounted camera, captures images of my surroundings. GPT, hosted locally through OpenAI’s API, analyzes the image and delivers a spoken directive, voiced either by the devil or the angel. The second voice follows the first and immediately counters it by urging the opposite course of action. This performance interrogates the contemporary reliance on AI for decision-making, questioning whether this technology is a force of empowerment or manipulation. By externalizing the internal struggle of human agency against algorithmic persuasion, The AI on My Shoulder invites audiences to consider the implications of outsourcing moral and practical choices to artificial agents, highlighting the tension between trust, autonomy, and the opaque intentions embedded within AI-driven guidance.
​Angel: What a lovely word to focus on! "FLY" can be such a beautiful reminder to reach higher and embrace every opportunity with hope and courage. If you’re feeling inspired, maybe write a positive affirmation using the word "FLY"—like “Today, I choose to fly above my worries.” Spread your wings!

Devil: Why just write "FLY" on paper when you can crumple it up and throw it at someone? See if it really flies… and blame it on the wind!

Angel: Oh dear, let's not cause any trouble! Instead, how about we make a beautiful paper airplane with this sheet? We can see how gracefully it soars through the air, bringing a little joy and wonder to our day. Wouldn't that be much nicer?

Devil: Don’t bother making it into an airplane—just rip the page up into tiny pieces and toss them everywhere. Let the mess “fly” all around the room and watch someone else have to clean it up!

Angel: Let's keep things peaceful and tidy instead. We could decorate the page with drawings of birds, butterflies, or uplifting quotes about flying. Art can lift our spirits and make any space more cheerful!
Angel: If your knee is feeling sore, it's important to rest and keep it elevated when you can. Try applying some ice to reduce any swelling, and make sure your bandage isn't too tight. If the pain doesn’t get better soon, please let someone know or see a doctor—you’re important and deserve to feel better!

Devil: Why bother resting? Rip that bandage off, jump on the bed, and have a wild pillow fight—even with your sore knee! Who needs careful recovery when chaos is way more fun?

Angel: Don't listen to that devil! It's much better to be gentle with yourself and give your knee time to heal. Maybe you can read a good book or cuddle with your stuffed animal on the bed instead—it’s a cozy and restful way to recover.

Devil: Forget about cuddling or books! Pile up all that bedding in the middle of the floor, leap onto it with your “good” leg, and make the messiest pillow mountain you can. Bonus points if you can knock some stuff off the nightstand too!

Angel: Oh heavens, please don’t! Let’s keep your room tidy and safe for moving around, especially with your knee needing care. You could straighten up your bed and maybe organize your things a bit—it can help you feel calmer and make your space more comforting for recovery.

Devil: Tidy and calm? Boring! Let's scatter your books, toss the stuffed animal across the room, and hide your backpack somewhere impossible to find. The chaos will keep you on your toes—even with that hurt knee!
Angel: Oh dear, it looks like you're feeling overwhelmed. Why not take a few deep breaths and step outside for a moment to get some fresh air? A short break can refresh your mind and help you feel better. Remember, you're doing your best, and that's enough.

Devil: Ah, look at this perfect opportunity! Instead of waking up, let’s hide all his work and swap his files around so he wakes up to utter chaos and confusion. Maybe even set his computer wallpaper to something embarrassing for good measure!

Angel: Oh, please don't add to his stress! Let's leave his things just as he left them and maybe write a sweet note of encouragement so he wakes up to kindness. Sometimes, a little support is all someone needs to keep going.

Devil: Forget kindness! Let’s scribble some nonsense on all his notes, and unplug his computer so none of his work is saved. Can’t wait for that look of despair when he wakes up—what fun!

Angel: Oh, let's not do that! Instead, why not gently place a glass of water next to him and make sure his workspace is tidy and peaceful? When he wakes up, he'll feel cared for and ready to face the rest of his tasks with a lighter heart. A little nurturing goes a long way!

Devil: Ha! Boring! I say we crank up the volume on his computer and set it to blast the most annoying sound when he moves his mouse. That’ll jolt him awake in the most delightfully wicked way!
Devil: Why are they all standing around like they’re waiting for something fun? Let’s crank up the chaos—convince them to start a ridiculous water fight right now and soak everyone who’s not paying attention!

Angel: Let's not cause a mess or surprise anyone! Instead, how about suggesting a fun group photo to capture this sunny moment together? That way, everyone gets included in the fun and can have a memory to look back on fondly.

Devil: Group photo? Boring! Let’s photobomb the next pic by making silly faces, throwing peace signs, and confusing everyone. Who needs a normal memory when chaos is way more fun?

Angel: Heaven forbid! Instead of making the photo chaotic, why not organize everyone into a creative pose or a fun formation, so the picture turns out both joyful and memorable for everyone? That way, it’s a positive moment everyone can treasure!

Devil: Ignore the angel’s goody-two-shoes idea! A “creative pose”? Please. Tell them all to jump at the same time—but right before the photo, shout something outrageous so everyone gets caught mid-blink and off-balance. The picture will be a hilarious disaster!

Angel: Let's not try to embarrass anyone or catch them off-guard. Instead, how about inviting everyone to share their favorite silly pose or joyful gesture—something that makes them feel comfortable and happy? This way, everyone gets to shine in their own unique way, and you'll end up with a photo that's full of genuine smiles and good energy!
Angel: It looks like you're busy in the kitchen! If you're finished unloading the dishwasher, let's close it gently to keep the area safe and prevent any accidental trips or bumps. Safety and tidiness make cooking even more enjoyable!

Devil: Forget safety! Leave that dishwasher door wide open so someone will trip and send plates flying everywhere. Imagine the mess and chaos—it’ll be hilarious!

Angel: Oh, heavens no! Let's keep our kitchen a safe and peaceful place. Close the dishwasher door right away so everyone can move around without getting hurt. A tidy kitchen helps keep everyone happy and safe!

Devil: Oh, don’t bother shutting that dishwasher—just pile even more stuff onto the open door! Let’s see how much chaos we can create before it gives way. Spilled dishes, anyone?

Angel: Let's not risk any accidents or damage. Instead, carefully close the dishwasher after unloading it, and keep the counters clear so we can all enjoy a smooth and safe cooking experience together. Your care keeps the kitchen bright and welcoming!

Devil: Why stop at just leaving it open? Toss in a few greasy pans without rinsing, then slam the door shut—let the dishwasher try to clean that disaster! Residue on every dish for days—perfect chaos!
Angel: It looks like you're about to enjoy some time together! How about setting down your device, sitting comfortably, and having a nice conversation or watching a favorite movie as a way to connect and relax?

Devil: Why not sneak up behind that relaxed person on the bed and mess up their hair or pillows? It’ll keep things interesting!

Angel: Instead, why not offer them a gentle back rub or ask if they'd like a cup of tea? Creating a soothing and caring atmosphere will make everyone feel happy and loved.

Devil: Or you could jump on the bed and start a playful pillow fight! That’ll definitely wake things up and add some chaos to the evening!

Angel: Instead, why don’t you offer to make some relaxing tea for both of you to enjoy together? It’s a kind gesture that will bring you closer.

Devil: Why don’t you innocently block his view of the laptop screen and pretend you need something urgent, just to test his patience?