Robot dogs fitted with lifelike silicone heads resembling famous personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso are drawing attention at a Berlin museum, where they wander around and occasionally “produce” printed images captured earlier through built-in cameras.
The unusual installation is part of an interactive exhibition by American digital artist Mike Winkelmann, widely known as Beeple, currently on display at the Neue Nationalgalerie.
Each robot dog generates images that reflect the artistic or personal style of the figure it represents. For example, the Picasso-inspired dog creates Cubist-style visuals, while the Warhol version produces pop art-like images. The concept highlights how artificial intelligence can reshape reality based on different perspectives.
According to the exhibition organisers, the project explores how algorithms and technology platforms increasingly influence the way people see the world.
Beeple said that in the past, artists like Picasso and Warhol shaped public perception through their work. Today, he argues, that influence has shifted to powerful tech leaders who control algorithms determining what people see online.
He warned that such control gives immense power to a few individuals, allowing them to make sweeping changes without going through political or institutional processes.
Some of the robot dogs also feature Beeple’s own likeness. Curator Lisa Botti said the exhibition focuses on the growing impact of artificial intelligence, adding that museums provide a space for society to reflect on these changes.
The installation, titled “Regular Animals,” was first introduced at the Art Basel Miami Beach 2025.
Beeple, a graphic designer from South Carolina, is known for his “everyday” project, where he has created and shared a digital image daily for years. His work has gained global recognition, making him one of the most valuable living artists, alongside David Hockney and Jeff Koons.
In 2021, auction house Christie's sold his digital collage “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” for more than $69 million, marking a major moment for digital art and NFTs.
Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are digital certificates stored on blockchain technology that verify ownership of digital items. They have become increasingly popular as part of the broader rise in cryptocurrencies.
At Art Basel, Beeple even distributed the images produced by his robot dogs to visitors, sometimes including QR codes that provided access to free NFTs, effectively allowing recipients to own and potentially profit from his digital creations.