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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all:

Welcome back to The Intersect. This edition brings you some fascinating articles on how art and technology are shaping each other. From virtual galleries and AI in art to augmented reality murals, there's a lot that recently caught my eye.

Data Driven Art

When Science and Art Come Together: The JKU Linz at the 2024 Ars Electronica Festival

Science and art merge at the 2024 Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, showcasing eight projects from JKU scientists and artists. As highlighted in a guest article by Johannes Kepler University Linz, these installations aim to tackle global challenges through a mix of scientific and artistic perspectives.

From my POV, the projects pose intriguing questions about how scientific concepts can become more accessible through art. And I wonder how artistic visions remain prominent, not overshadowed by technical details.

"How do these installations make complex scientific concepts accessible to artists and the general public, and what methods are used to ensure that the artistic elements are not overshadowed by the scientific content?"

My hope is that experiencing these art-science installations will inspire artists in their own practice and give rise to opportunities for collaboration on scientific themes.

Photography

Camera App Halide’s Latest Update Adds an Option for ‘Zero-AI’ Image Processing

Halide, the iOS photography app, has introduced a feature called Process Zero, which offers photographers the option to bypass AI processing. According to TechCrunch, Lux Optics, the company behind Halide, believes this can serve as a new creative tool for users seeking a different approach to photography.

This development is intriguing because it contrasts the current trend where AI is deeply integrated into camera technology, from DSLRs to smartphones. Android devices have even included features allowing users to add themselves into photos. AI has become a significant part of how cameras function, enhancing convenience and creativity.

"For me, it's really interesting that we're going back to simpler, AI-free raw sensor data being captured."

Exploring AI-free photography could remind us of traditional digital image processing. Is there a market for this?

AI in Visual Arts

Artists Celebrate as Copyright Infringement Case Against AI Image Generators Moves Forward

Artists are celebrating a recent ruling that allows their copyright infringement lawsuit against AI image generators to move forward. As reported by VentureBeat, the case will now enter the discovery phase, providing a chance to reveal more about the training datasets and methods used by these AI companies.

Our perspective embraces the discovery phase. It promises to clarify the workings of these AI tools. It's not simply about copying artworks. However, using artists' names and specific elements of their works for training might indeed breach copyright laws.

"I welcome this going into discovery phase, in the hopes of better explanations of how these tools actually work. Hint: it’s not a simple copying of artworks."

The outcome of this case could redefine how AI models interact with copyrighted material.

Public Art

The Benefits of Augmented Reality Murals

Augmented Reality (AR) murals, as highlighted by BrandXR, are revolutionizing how we engage with public art. By merging digital and physical realms, these murals offer immersive experiences that captivate audiences. Brands and communities can leverage AR murals for enhanced visibility and deeper engagement, transforming simple walls into interactive displays that resonate with viewers.

I love the idea of "augmented reality" murals and hope that more stakeholders, municipalities, and artists will adopt this concept. AR murals not only enhance public spaces but also provide unique opportunities for education and community engagement, creating memorable and impactful experiences for all.

"These immersive experiences engage multiple senses, making the brand message more impactful and memorable."

AR murals have the potential to captivate audiences and create lasting impressions, making them invaluable in today's digital age.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Decentering the Human

Kadine James, in conversation with Alex Estorick, explores the shifting dynamics of digital identity and virtual spaces. Featured in the article "Decentering the Human," she discusses the evolution away from the metaverse and toward richer, immersive experiences. James has actively built environments like the Immersive Kind Gallery on platforms such as Oculus, highlighting the potential for virtual art spaces.

I found this perspective on a Post-Web 3 reality illuminating, especially the notion that virtual galleries are continuing and may have a promising future. These spaces offer new ways for users to acclimate to digital environments through familiar elements, like skeuomorphism, which eases the transition into more abstract virtual realities.

"The technologies we work with at Artificial Rome have the potential to create more inclusive, immersive, and meaningful art-driven experiences for society and culture."

Is this too "fru-fru" for "real artists"? To me, the potential for positive impact in digital art spaces is exciting.

A.I. Dominated the Conversation at Christie’s Art + Tech Summit

At Christie’s Art + Tech Summit, AI's hype dominated discussions, as reported by Shanti Escalante-De Mattei in ARTnews. While tech icons like Kevin O’Leary and Steve Wozniak shared their skepticism and experiences, the narrative noticeably lacked artist representation.

Where are the artist's voices in events like this? Kevin O'Leary and Woz are great from the tech side, but who represents the artists?

"Pay more attention to business ethics," Wozniak emphasized, reflecting broader concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and ethics.

And that's fine, but tech narratives often overshadow, leaving creatives sidelined. Who will ensure artists are heard, and what would the artist community have to say in such a forum?

An Ever-Changing Medium

Aesthetica Magazine explores the evolving relationship between art and technology through exhibitions featuring artists like Jenny Holzer, Random International, and Sougwen Chung, who integrate technology into their creative processes.

I like to think about the historical evolution of art alongside technological advancements, with the fusion of art and tech not being a recent phenomenon. The term "technology" itself, rooted in the ancient Greek word "techne," meaning art, skill, or craft, underscores this longstanding connection. Historically, artists have adapted to and embraced new technological tools, from the Claude glass of the 18th century to today's digital and AI innovations.

For instance, the "Electric Dreams" exhibition at Tate Modern showcases early innovators of optical, kinetic, and digital art, highlighting how artists from the 1950s and 60s used new processes and motorized components. Similarly, "Message from Our Planet" at MOCA features digital and electronic artworks that communicate with future generations, offering a time capsule of contemporary life.

"It's interesting to consider the intersection of art and technology from a perspective before the internet existed."

Artists have long utilized available technology to comment on contemporary life, and these exhibitions showcase how today's creators continue to challenge and redefine the boundaries of art through innovative technological means.

Q+ART & Podcast Interviews

NOT REAL ART 2024 Grant Winners

Sponsored by the non-profit arterial.org, this program, founded in 2019, aims to empower contemporary artists by awarding six recipients $2,000 each. Artists gain much more than financial support; they receive publicity through interviews on the NOT REAL ART podcast and features in the journal and blog.

Amazing work is coming through this artist grant program put on by NOT REAL ART and sponsored by the non-profit arterial.org. I'm very proud to be part of their team, producing this grant program for artists and helping elevate their presence. Many of the artists we see submitting their work are commenting on the intersection of art and technology, and I cannot wait to see more. Here are the 2024 Grant Recipients!

"The fusion of art and technology isn’t just a trend; it's a powerful tool for storytelling and innovation."

These artists’ works challenge traditional forms and reflect contemporary issues, showcasing the dynamic interplay between art and technology.

Future Trends in Art and Tech

Inspiring Artists from the Art Prize

The Aesthetica Art Prize has recognized some of today's most exciting creators, as detailed in Aesthetica Magazine's recent article. These artists explore varied themes through photography, installations, and more, showcasing their work in top galleries worldwide.

Having just returned from Arctic Norway and the lands of the Sami people, as well as Orkney and Shetland Islands in northern Great Britain, I found the featured artists' work particularly striking. The large-scale installations, reminiscent of AI imagery, amazed me.

"I’ve gotten so used to AI images now that it made me go 'wait, what, that’s real?'"

I like how these works invite us to question our perceptions, bridging art and technology in unexpected ways.

The Last Word

Thanks for joining me on this journey through the latest in art and tech. Your interest and feedback are what keep this conversation alive and meaningful. Feel free to share your thoughts—it's your engagement that makes this all worthwhile. Until next time, keep pushing boundaries and stay curious.

— Juergen