The Intersect: Art in Tech and Tech in Art - The Intersect: Art in Tech and Tech in Art

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all,

This edition of "The Intersect" brings together a fascinating mix of stories at the crossroads of art and technology. From Ruby Rhizome’s innovative transformation of medical data into digital masterpieces to the reimagining of Brutalist architecture in Washington DC, there's a lot to explore. We also delve into the evolving role of AI in visual arts and an eco-friendly breakthrough in automotive design using banana fibers!

I hope these curated pieces inspire you to see the hidden connections between the digital and the organic, the historical and the futuristic. Enjoy reading!

Data Driven Art

Ruby Rhizome

Ruby Rhizome’s GENESIS Collection, highlighted by Galleria Perpetua, transforms medical data into digital art. Inspired by a personal medical experience, Rhizome reimagines ECG lines and X-ray scans, merging them with elements from nature, such as roots and leaves. This blend of technology and organic forms invites a deeper look at the interconnectedness of life.

Rhizome's work captures the essence of human existence by turning clinical data into visual narratives. The artist’s unique approach reveals the hidden beauty in medical diagrams, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between our bodies and their digital representations.

"Rhizome, inspired by a personal medical experience, turned medical data from an urgent surgery into art."

The GENESIS Collection, with its 33 pieces, symbolizes the fusion of life’s fragility and vitality through digital art.

Photography

Sheringham Railway Station | Accidentally Wes Anderson

Sheringham Railway Station, as detailed by Accidentally Wes Anderson, is a charming example of how low-tech relics can be reimagined as art. The station, with its vintage aesthetics and historical significance, captures the essence of a bygone era.

My take on this is that turning these "low-tech" relics into art is a fantastic way to preserve history while making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience. It reminds us that art isn't just about cutting-edge technology but also about appreciating and reinterpreting the old.

"The station, with its vintage aesthetics and historical significance, captures the essence of a bygone era."

Projects like Accidentally Wes Anderson highlight how creativity can breathe new life into historical sites, making them relevant and interesting for today's viewers.

AI in Visual Arts

Meta Changes Its Labels for Ai-Generated Images After Complaints from Photographers

Meta’s recent update to its “Made with AI” labels, covered by Engadget, addresses complaints from photographers about inaccurate labeling. The new “AI info” label aims to provide clearer context, but the implementation has some issues. Meta’s reliance on industry-standard signals led to non-AI images being mistakenly flagged, with minor Photoshop edits triggering the label.

I'm not sure how I feel about these AI info labels. In this polarized world, it seems that we're swinging back and forth, and the pendulum swings from one extreme to another. So, a minor edit in Photoshop triggers an AI label on one hand, and generative AI political disinformation images might slip by without a label or moderation on the other.

"The pendulum swings from one extreme to another."

It's crucial to find a balanced approach that accurately reflects the use of AI in content creation.

Public Art

A Foosball Table Fuses Art, Sport, and 3D Printing in Hong Kong

An article from 3DPrint.com highlights Harbour Cup, a unique 3D printed foosball table in Hong Kong, designed by LAAB. This piece of interactive art redefines traditional table soccer by removing goals and teams, encouraging players to negotiate and collaborate.

Our take? Foosball tables as public art installations are a brilliant way to foster community interaction. By merging art with play, Harbour Cup challenges our understanding of both. It's more than just a game; it's an invitation to engage with others in a meaningful way.

"Harbour Cup transforms the familiar game and its ingrained competitive nature into a space for communication and negotiation."

Placed in a public space, this installation shows how art can enhance urban environments. It’s a perfect example of how creativity can bring people together in unexpected ways.

Design

Banana-Based Biomaterial Innovates Lightweight Vehicle Parts, Revolutionizing Automotive and Bicycle Design

A recent article from TechTimes highlights an eco-friendly biomaterial derived from banana stems, developed by researchers at the University of Maine System, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tennessee. This material promises to transform the production of lightweight components for cars and bicycles.

I remember having a banana bike as a kid. I guess that meant something else, but I love this idea. The use of banana fibers could drastically reduce the reliance on resource-intensive materials like glass and carbon fibers, offering a sustainable alternative with a smaller carbon footprint.

"Imagine a world where the sturdy fibers of banana trees, once mere remnants of tropical fruit farming, now weave together the future of lightweight automotive and bicycle design."

This innovation not only supports sustainability but also showcases how nature's resources can be harnessed for modern technology.

Architecture

Washington DC Has Some Ugly Brutalist Buildings. Here’s How Some Architects Would Fix Them.

The Washington Post's recent article discusses the National Building Museum's initiative of reimagining six of Washington DC's most controversial Brutalist buildings. These structures, over 50 years old, are often criticized for their harsh aesthetics and outdated technology. The article highlights proposals from six architecture firms on potential redesigns.

In our recent travels, we heard much about "Brutalist Architecture" as examples of buildings that should be torn down or modified. Several people on our trips also referred to these as "Soviet-style Horrors" and "70s-style Structuralism." What say you?

"A lover of brutalism might blanch to learn that the (National Building Museum) has gathered proposals from six architecture firms for reimagining six of our most polarizing buildings."

Is it time to rethink these structures, or do they hold artistic value worth preserving?

Sculpture

THE DIGITAL Frank Stella: A Story of Reinvention

Artillery Magazine recently explored Frank Stella's reinvention through digital mediums in their article "THE DIGITAL Frank Stella: A Story of Reinvention." Stella, known as the godfather of minimalist painting, embraced 3D printing and NFTs in his later years, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate until his final days.

Our take emphasizes Stella's integration of 3D printing and digital art. His 2022 NFT collection, "Geometries," included 22 works spread across 2100 tokens. Each NFT allowed buyers to 3D print the sculpture, blurring the lines between digital and physical art.

"Frank Stella's late work has been significantly influenced by the evolution of 3D printing, especially in producing maquettes."

Stella's willingness to explore new technologies even late in life is truly inspiring.

Sustainability in Art and Tech

This Exhibition Mourns the Disappearance of The Night and The Stars

Djabril Boukhenaïssi’s exhibition, "À Ténèbres," featured in Dazed, mourns the loss of our night skies due to light pollution. This display, a product of the Art & Environment Prize, captures the disappearing stars and moonlight, emphasizing the ecological and cultural impacts of our illuminated world.

We are on the brink of a "post-starry sky" world. The absence of darkness not only disrupts ecosystems but also erases the mysteries and inspirations that night once provided. Boukhenaïssi’s work reminds us of the profound loss we face as artificial light overtakes natural night.

"If we lose the night, we also lose all the allegories and the representations that are linked to it."

This exhibition is a poignant call to reflect on what we stand to lose in our ever-brightening world.

More details on Boukhenaïssi’s exhibition can be found in Dazed.

Tech in Art Education

Art History Grads Face Highest Rates of Unemployment in The US

The New York Fed recently highlighted in an interactive report that Art History, Visual and Performing Arts, and Graphic Design majors face the highest unemployment rates in the US. This data, sourced from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, paints a concerning picture for arts graduates.

As someone who graduated in Art, Art History, and Photography, and successfully transitioned to a career in tech, this news is disheartening. Art history degrees cultivate critical thinking, visual analysis, and cross-cultural understanding—skills that are invaluable in our visually-driven world. They offer a unique interdisciplinary approach to complex issues, preparing graduates for diverse roles beyond traditional paths.

"In our visually-driven world, the ability to interpret and contextualize images is more crucial than ever."

Despite the bleak statistics, arts education continues to thrive, illustrating its enduring importance.

Credit: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Hyperallergic.

Future Trends in Art and Tech

From Space Age to Metaverse: Vitra’s New Sci-Fi Design Exhibition

Vitra's new exhibition, "Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse" explores the deep influence of science fiction on design. Showcasing over 100 objects, the exhibition highlights the ongoing dialogue between futuristic visions and practical design, as detailed by Design Milk.

The exhibition underscores the intersection of art and science fiction, an evolving relationship that pushes the boundaries of what design can achieve. From the space-age designs of the 1950s to the digital innovations seen today, this exhibit offers a comprehensive look at how speculative fiction fuels creative progress.

"To talk about the intersection of art and technology, so how about the intersection of art and science fiction?"

Curated by Argentine visual artist Andrés Reisinger, the exhibition runs through May 11, 2025, at Vitra Schaudepot.

As Winner of Renamed ABS Digital Art Prize Is Announced, Have We Reached a Turning Point for Conversations Around NFTs and Culture?

Geneva-based RVig, who was awarded the prize for a piece inspired by Baudelaire, is hoping for a more nuanced understanding of what NFTs bring to the art world.

Louis Jebb's article in The Art Newspaper highlights RVig’s win at the renamed ABS Digital Art Prize. This shift from “NFT Art Prize” to “Digital Art Prize” aims to clarify the role of NFTs in the art world, emphasizing their utility over their hype.

This rebranding signals a more nuanced understanding of NFTs, focusing on their ability to authenticate and surface digital art rather than being an art form themselves.

"It's just a technology, in the same way that a computer is technology or a canvas is a form of technology," says Krugman.

My take: I'm constantly exploring how to reposition blockchain and NFTs to be seen as tools for good, meaningful, and constructive contributions to the art world, rather than being forever tied to speculative bubbles and sensational headlines.

Let's continue to highlight the genuine value and opportunities these technologies offer.

The Last Word

Thank you for taking the time to join me on this journey through the latest intersections of art and technology. Your interest and engagement mean a lot. If any of these stories spark a thought or question, feel free to reach out. Let's continue to explore and celebrate the fascinating fusion of creativity and innovation.

Warm regards, Juergen