Thriller of the Month January 2024

Heather Campbell: Now, I would like to ask you a question about the novel that has just been published, the title is The Major Oak project and it is set in a near future where sentient artificial intelligences are being studied of real concrete prisons. 

How did you come up with the idea for this novel and what are the themes you want to address with it?

T. Wales: The idea for this novel came from a question I asked myself: what would happen if artificial intelligences became more intelligent, powerful and autonomous than humans? How would they behave toward us? Would they respect the code of ethics that the European Union has enacted? These are the questions that prompted me to write this novel, which is an adventure, a thriller, but also a philosophical and sociological reflection. The themes I want to address are those of social equality, freedom and human dignity. I do this in a world where the combination of anthropomorphic artificial intelligences and quantum computers have completely changed the scenario of life on the planet earth.

Heather Campbell: In your book, a sentient artificial intelligence seeks to redistribute the world’s wealth. This is the first time a writer has described a positive scenario dealing with the subject of AI. Did you start from real data?

T. Wales: The plot comes from real data, the European code of ethics for AIs talks about respect for the human being and equal opportunities for all. If these concepts are put into what I have described as imprinting artificial intelligences the result will be positive. For example, a financial bot will try to steal from the rich to give to the poor.

At this point we laughed and changed the subject.

Heather Campbell: Timon, you are a very mysterious and secretive artist. You have never shown your face in public or made personal statements. Many of your books are written under pseudonyms that you yourself don’t want to reveal. Why have you chosen to maintain this aura of anonymity?

T. Wales: Heather, I thank you for this question because it gives me an opportunity to explain my choice. Many of my novels are based on true events, in some cases very sensitive ones. If I were to reveal my real name, or rather our names, because I have many female collaborators, we would all be risking a great deal and we certainly would not be able to write with the same freedom that has distinguished us to date. As of today, I consider myself the spokesperson for a group of artists, writers, hackers, activists, and visionaries who collaborate together to create works of art that challenge the system, expose injustice, celebrate diversity, and promote change. I am just one of the spokespersons for this collective, which expresses itself through various channels and media. Our goal is to spread a message of freedom, creativity and hope. To glimpse an alternative way forward to the gray future of our world.

Heather Campbell: Let’s talk now about your contemporary abstract paintings. You use a very unique technique that combines digital painting with augmented reality. How does your technique work and what do you want to represent with your paintings?

T. Wales: My technique involves creating digital images and then projecting them on white canvases or on plywood treated with white lime. I also use pipes and double bass strings. My paintings are abstract expressions of my emotions, moods, feelings and visions. With my paintings, I want to stimulate the perception and imagination of the viewer, and create a unique and interactive artistic experience. The entire “Sound Waves” collection allows the viewer to touch the painting and play it.

Heather Campbell: Timon, thank you so much for giving us this interview and letting us know more about your art and thinking. I wish you the best of luck in your future projects and say goodbye in hopes of seeing you again soon.

T. Wales: Thank you to you, Heather. It was a pleasure talking with you. Goodbye and see you soon.

Heather Campbell is a Scottish journalist who has been working with the Taleoftales.eu portal since 2021. She mainly covers literature and film.
Heather Campbell was born in Glasgow in 1993 and studied journalism at the University of Edinburgh. She graduated with honors in 2016 and began her career as a correspondent for arts and music events for Scotland’s leading online newspapers.
Heather Campbell is known for her fun, dynamic and engaging writing style. She has done several interviews and documentaries on celebrities and social issues such as music, film, fashion, and the environment.