To mark the 150th anniversary of the Hermann Monument, inaugurated in 1875, the KreativInstitut.OWL (KIO) and the Landesverband Lippe (LVL) recently launched an AI campaign on social media platforms entitled "KI-Hermann," which reimagines the landmark as a digital figure.
Generative AI showcases the Hermann Monument in reels and image series – as a humorous introduction to a serious discussion about image authenticity, media trust, and cultural responsibility in the age of generative AI.
"The Hermann monument is a central symbol of the Lippe region," says Arne Brand, general representative of the chairman of the Landesverband Lippe. "With AI Hermann, we are showing that tradition and innovation are not a contradiction – on the contrary: they open up new forms of participation and communication. We are delighted to be supporting this project as the Landesverband Lippe."
Arminius meets algorithm
The project started with a simple question: What happens when a monument is brought to life with the help of artificial intelligence? The KIO team uses the latest image and video generation techniques to achieve this. At the heart of the imagery is a specially trained LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) model that captures the characteristic features of the Hermann Monument and transfers them into new image contexts. In addition to image generation, video creation and editing techniques are also used.
The launch already showed what this looks like: an interview with Arne Brand directly at the monument was accompanied by a reel that gave the impression that "Hermann" was moving his sword. Two weeks later, "AI Hermann" appeared on Radio Lippe; highlights from the interview were then published on Instagram.
"With this campaign, we not only want to show what AI is capable of today, but also make it clear what is behind it – how this content is created, what data and tools we use, and where responsibility begins," say Anna-Lena Büker and Lutz Gottschalk from KreativInstitut.OWL, who conceived and implemented the project. "That's why we're deliberately opening a window behind the scenes: How is AI-generated visual content created? What data and tools are used – and above all, how do we as a society deal responsibly with new technologies such as AI?"
Depth of content despite target group-oriented approach
The project is deliberately low-threshold and designed for social media such as Instagram. It uses pop culture references, irony, and concise imagery to reach a broad audience – where AI has long been part of everyday media: in reels, feeds, and memes.
"We want to spark curiosity with 'AI Hermann,'" says Professor Guido Falkemeier, head of KreativInstitut.OWL. "Hermann remains a monument and at the same time becomes an ambassador of the present: he initiates conversations about AI and media change."
The aim is to try out new ways of communicating – beyond traditional formats and close to the everyday lives of digital users. The project focuses on raising awareness, not on lecturing. In addition, "Hermann Insights" are published on www.hermann.institute, explaining the technical background, legal issues, and media ethics.
About the project
"AI Hermann" is a cooperative project of KreativInstitut.OWL and the Landesverband Lippe. It combines artistic media practice, technological research, and social discourse. The project is part of the anniversary program "150 Years of the Hermann Monument."
The KreativInstitut.OWL, based at the Kreativ Campus Detmold, is an interdisciplinary university network comprising the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the University of Paderborn, and the Detmold University of Music.
In collaboration with regional players from the cultural and creative industries, it develops innovative projects at the interface between artistic practice, technological research, and knowledge transfer.
The institute is funded as a project of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). More at: https://kreativ.institute/de