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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all:

In this edition of The Intersect, I've curated a mix of articles that delve into the fascinating crossroads of art and technology. From a new perspective on blockchain driving the art economy to the nuanced debate on AI's role in music creation, there's a lot to unpack. We also explore Rick Rubin’s unique festival, the evolution of lossless audio, and the intricate world of DIY color film processing.

I hope you find these pieces as thought-provoking as I did. Each article offers a unique perspective that reflects our ongoing journey to understand and celebrate the blend of creativity and technology.

Technology in Music

Does Music Lose Its Power When It’s Too Easy To Make, Too Easy To Listen To?

Mark R. DeLong's article on 3 Quarks Daily discusses Rick Beato’s YouTube video about the impact of AI on music. Beato argues that technology makes music too easy to create and consume, leading to a lack of originality and depth. This opinion echoes John Philip Sousa's early 20th-century concerns about mechanical music.

I'm a huge Rick Beato fan and have subscribed to his YouTube channel for eons. His interviews with artists are a treasure. As a guitar player, I now focus solely on acoustic steel string guitar, using music as my creative outlet, not to chase trends.

"I noticed a similarity in the music playing in hotel lobbies, on radio stations, and throughout. The homogeneity was almost disturbing and surprising to me."

While I support AI, I advocate for preserving the artistic essence of music.

Lossless Audio — the Better-Than-Mp3 Alternative You Should Know

You've probably heard the term lossless audio, but what does it mean and why is it better than MP3? Digital Trends provides a comprehensive breakdown on how lossless audio retains the original data, unlike lossy formats like MP3 that discard some information to save space.

As both a musician and podcaster, the idea of preserving audio quality is thrilling. Lossless compression ensures that every nuance in your music or spoken word remains intact, making it an appealing advancement for creators and audiophiles alike.

"Because a losslessly compressed song is exactly like its original source, there’s no perceptible difference between listening to a track from a CD versus a track that has been losslessly compressed and then decompressed."

This technology is something to keep an eye on, especially as it becomes more mainstream.

Photography

Colour Film Processing For The 2020s Hacker

Jason Koebler's article on Hackaday explores the intricate process of color film processing in our digital age. He shares his journey setting up a home lab, detailing the challenges and rewards of this meticulous hobby.

As a former professional photographer, I have to admit I do not at all miss the days of color processing. The tolerances required were so minuscule to get everything right, that it always remained out of reach from my perspective.

"Processing black and white film was another matter. It was always quite fun and relatively easy to master."

If you’re inspired to order a bunch of color chemicals and try your hand at processing color film, be my guest. I eagerly await the day when digital film cartridge inserts can bring some of my older cameras back to life.

Siena Drone Photo Awards' 2024 Nominees

The Siena Drone Photo Awards' 2024 Nominees, as featured on NPR, showcases the transformative power of drone technology in photography. Detailed aerial shots of Indian wrestlers, pelicans, a Mexican bullfight, and a snow-covered Turkish village are among the finalists.

Love me some good drone photography. Hüseyin Karahan’s photo of Kargapazari village, taken when people were leaving a mosque, offers a stunning, almost abstract view of a snowed-in landscape. This shot captures the spontaneous beauty of our world, much like Karahan's inspiration, Ara Güler, did.

"Seeing as they were struggling to go out, he used his drone to take a wider view of the situation, and that's when his camera saw a very picturesque, almost abstract landscape."

Such images remind us of the vastness of our world and our small place within it.

AI in Visual Arts

Into the Auntieverse: a surreal fantasy of older women

Niceaunties' "Auntieverse" is a whimsical digital world highlighting the unique traits of older women in Southeast Asian cultures. Her work, detailed in an article by The Guardian, uses AI to portray "aunties" in fantastical settings, from high-rise Tupperware stacks to ramen spas. This imaginative realm challenges stereotypes and celebrates the multifaceted nature of these women.

Perhaps we are discovering acceptable uses for AI image manipulation. If not for nice aunties, then for who? This project shows how AI can reframe cultural narratives, offering a playful yet profound tribute to the often-overlooked "auntie" figure.

“I actually find aunties very endearing now,” says Niceaunties, reflecting on how her perspective has evolved.

Art like this not only entertains but also starts important conversations about tradition and technology.

‘Human Intelligence’ Art Movement Takes Defiant Stand Against AI

Beth Spencer's movement, described in a recent article, encourages artists to feature human-created works on Instagram as a stand against AI. Spencer's initiative began with a simple iPad sketch and has since inspired nearly 1,200 artists worldwide to share their own interpretations, emphasizing the value of human intelligence in art.

We love Spencer's approach, which is more pro-human than anti-tech. This sentiment resonates deeply with us at The Intersect, as it highlights the importance of human creativity without outright rejecting technological advancements. It's about celebrating the unique touch that only humans can bring to their art.

"It’s more pro-human than anti-tech," says Spencer, reflecting the initiative's core philosophy.

The project continues to gather momentum, reminding us all that human creativity holds a special place in the world of art.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Uk General Election: Can Artists Show the Way for Policymakers to Enable a New Digital Economy?

The recent article by Alex Estorick at ClubNFT delves into the potential of blockchain, NFTs, and smart contracts to shape a new digital economy. Estorick highlights the lessons learned from the 2021 NFT boom and the subsequent market crash, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to support artists in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Frank Stella, a pioneer in championing the benefits of NFTs, demonstrated how blockchain technology could automate royalties for artists. His collaboration with Arsnl Art ensured that secondary sales of his works included a 10% resale royalty, showcasing the potential for equitable artist compensation.

"I know NFTs have had a bad rap, but there are important concepts in Blockchain technology that could have wide application in the art world."

The UK just had elections, and the conversation around supporting digital artists and integrating Web3 technologies was part of the conversation around how the Labor party would support the arts.

Fashion

Fashioning the Future

Here are five exhibitions that showcase how the fashion industry shapes our culture, politics, and identity, as highlighted by Emma Jacob in Aesthetica Magazine. These shows run from now until early next year and emphasize sustainability, diverse body shapes, and global influences.

Our take focuses on the deep intersection of fashion and technology, showcasing reusable materials, recycling methods, and 3-D printing. These exhibitions also celebrate a wide range of body shapes and cultural influences, reflecting a more inclusive and forward-thinking fashion industry.

"I like the emphasis on reusable materials, recycling, 3-D printing, more diverse body shapes, and more diverse influences from cultures across the world."

These exhibitions are a must-see for anyone interested in how fashion can drive social change while embracing technological advancements.

Tech in Art Education

6 Art Books to Cure the Summer Reading Slump

Lakshmi Rivera Amin of Hyperallergic has provided a refreshing list of art books to help overcome the summer reading slump. The list includes titles on artist lofts in New York City, Carmen Winant’s photography of abortion workers, and a how-to guide for comic artists.

This reading list struck a chord with me, particularly the book on artist lofts. Back in the early 80s, I lived and had many friends in Brooklyn loft spaces. These were often illegal setups with makeshift plumbing and questionable fire safety. But for us, affordability was key, and those spaces were a haven for young, starving artists.

"As young 'starving' artists, it was more of the affordability that mattered to us."

The book captures that gritty, creative spirit, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and urban living.

Digital Archiving and Art Preservation

All Art Is Worthy of Preserving’: What Should Artists Do to Protect What They Leave Behind?

With a dip in the art market and only one in five artists exhibiting their work in a museum, those on the outskirts are grappling with how to preserve their legacy. Carolina Drake's recent piece in The Guardian highlights the struggle artists face in preserving their legacies.

Reflecting on this, many of my friends and fellow artists nearing retirement are increasingly troubled about their legacies. The sheer volume of their life's work remains homeless, lacking any form of permanent preservation. This resonates deeply with me as I manage several photography websites. I wonder if they'll outlive me, even if only for a few years.

"If a gallery hasn’t represented me at 50, it never will," Ortega poignantly notes, capturing a sentiment many of us share.

The thought of our creative endeavors fading into obscurity is indeed a heavy burden.

The Last Word

Thanks for taking the time to explore these topics with me. I always appreciate your thoughts and perspectives, so feel free to share them. Stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries of your creative and tech endeavors. Until next time, take care and keep creating.

Warm regards, Juergen