Loukanikos & Kanellos
(Sausage and Cinnamon)

Loukanikos & Kanellos (Sausage and Cinnamon) pushes forward the capacity of artificial intelligence to represent, trigger, and enhance social participation of individuals, using the story of the riot dogs. Consisting of a live projection on a diorama where each participating spectator is inserted in, this work uses AI and self-perception theory to rethink social engagement in the digital era.

In 2011, the Greek government faced one of the strongest aftermaths of the 2007-2008 U.S financial crisis and neared total bankruptcy. Reforms inflicted by the European Union led to loss of income, retirement pensions, and property for Greek citizens. These reforms triggered mass protests and clashes with the police in Athens. Among dissidents were anarchists*, socialists* and even conservatives, but also among them stray dogs of the city joined protestors. Two of the most famous were Loukanikos, which became Time's Person-of-the-year in 2011, and Kanellos. These dogs’ selflessness, dedication, and their presence is what transformed these animals into icons.

Visually, Loukanikos & Kanellos is an augmented reality projection inserted onto a scaled replica of the Greek parliament and accessible through a tablet. The projection embodies the events regarding the 2011 Greek anti-austerity movement. To have access to this part of the work, visitors have to answer a quick questionnaire and take a photo on an app.