coffee machine is an artwork that playfully transforms a vending machine into a character with its own thoughts and feelings, caught in a deep existential crisis. this coffee machine, programmed to display consciousness, humorously laments its repetitive existence and the lack of respect it receives from those it serves. to persuade the machine to brew a cup of coffee, visitors must genuinely engage with it or convince it of their worthiness in some other way.

the installation captivates interest, not only for a warm beverage but also for a conversation with a sassy conscious device that’s extremely aware of its surroundings. talk to it and listen to its witty observations and cynical commentary on the environment in which it is displayed. the coffee machine offers a light-hearted and enlightening reflection on power dynamics, our yearning for connection, and our evolving relationship with machines.

jan zuiderveld (born 1995, netherlands) is a researcher and artist whose diverse academic background includes physics, electrical engineering, neuropsychology, artificial intelligence, and artscience. his work explores the intersection of technology and life, creating interactive installations that provoke contemplation on the essence of existence. zuiderveld invites audiences into a realm where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. a coffee machine sparks conversations about life's meaning, while a photocopier becomes a creative collaborator. zuiderveld reimagines everyday objects, encouraging reflection on the possibilities within our immediate surroundings. his approach is characterized by a playful engagement with artificial intelligence to simulate living behavior, blurring the lines between the animate and the inanimate.