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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all!

This time, we’re looking at how art and technology are stepping up to tackle societal challenges, from the climate crisis to AI's societal impacts. We also get into Adobe's latest AI photo editing tool, a satirical project on Elon Musk, and a unique fashion-tech collaboration.

You'll also find insights on the growing prominence of digital art, AI integration in art education, and innovative approaches to art preservation. This edition is packed with straightforward and thought-provoking content that bridges the gap between creativity and technology.

Photography

Adobe Drops ‘Magic Fixup’: Intended as an AI Breakthrough in the World of Photo Editing

Adobe's latest innovation, Magic Fixup, covered by Michael Nuñez for VentureBeat, introduces an AI-powered tool that learns from video data to enhance photo editing. This tool is poised to reshape creative processes across industries, offering both professionals and amateurs advanced image manipulation capabilities.

Our take is that while Magic Fixup opens exciting possibilities, it also raises concerns. The ease of realistic image manipulation could lead to misuse. Adobe will likely need to implement safeguards, possibly digital watermarking, to prevent misinformation and digital deception.

"Adobe will likely face pressure to implement safeguards and possibly some form of digital watermarking to mitigate potential misuse."

As this technology evolves, the creative community must stay informed and engaged with these developments to balance innovation with ethical responsibility.

Public Art

Elon Magazine’s Surreal Imagery & Investigative Research Uncover Musk’s Media Spectacles

Elon Magazine is featured in a designboom article, bringing attention to this Austin- and Berlin-based GIGACITIES COLLECTIVE project. This isn't your typical celebrity magazine; it's a critical art project dissecting the media's portrayal of Elon Musk. The publication takes cues from satirical and activist sources like Adbusters, using AI tools to craft surreal imagery.

This concept reminded me of The Onion, a publication I’ve always enjoyed for its satirical spin on news. Just like The Onion, Elon Magazine uses humor and surrealism to critique and entertain, offering a fresh perspective on a figure like Musk.

"This article gave me a chuckle because it's sort of the same concept, just about Elon Musk."

Elon Magazine's blend of satire and research offers a thought-provoking look at media spectacles, much needed in our fast-paced digital age.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

From Hope to Action

The Ars Electronica Theme Symposium, as detailed in the original article, focuses on how creativity and technology can address societal challenges. The event brings together experts to discuss innovative solutions for a sustainable future. This year's theme emphasizes practical work by companies and artists tackling issues like the climate crisis and AI's impact on society.

Here at The Intersect, we believe that art and technology hold the key to fostering hope in these challenging times. They offer a platform for creativity to challenge the norms and pave the way for change. As we navigate these complex issues, it's crucial to recognize the potential of these fields in shaping a better future.

"Because it can break the existing monopoly on our imagination, hope becomes a necessary condition for radical change."

Hope, fueled by creativity and innovation, remains vital as we strive for a brighter tomorrow.

Fashion

TTSWTRS Stages a Futuristic Opera: A Fusion of Fashion and Tech

TTSWTRS, a Ukrainian label known for mixing fashion and art, is debuting its Fall-Winter 2024 collection, "Opera." As reported by Kaltblut Magazine, the collaboration with tech company Genera introduces AI technology that allows customers to virtually try on clothes with digital twins.

Creating a virtual version of oneself just to try on clothes seems interesting and appealing to some, but it's a consumer behavior that may not resonate with everyone, especially as our preferences evolve with age.

"I’m not sure how much art is in this, but would you create a virtual clone of yourself just to try on clothes and fashions? "

Despite the technological advancements, I find myself filing this under 'I may be too old for this...' LOL

Exhibitions & Events

PIVOTAL: Digitalism to present the very best Digital Art being created in Britain.

The British Art Fair 2024 is spotlighting digital art with "PIVOTAL: Digitalism," a section dedicated to showcasing Britain's top digital artists. As reported by FAD Magazine, this marks a groundbreaking shift in the art fair's history, highlighting the growing significance of digital mediums in contemporary art. Curated by Rebekah Tolley-Georgiou, the exhibition features works that integrate AI, AR, and VR, revealing how these technologies are reshaping artistic expression.

With this surge in AI-infused art, there's a growing conversation about its place in the art world. My reaction is mixed; nearly every piece seems to include an AI element, raising questions about whether this trend will soon become the norm.

"I wonder, when are we ever going to stop labeling art as having been produced, augmented, or helped by AI?"

As digital art becomes more integrated, how will we redefine artistic creation?

STARTS 2024 Exhibition: Art as a Catalyst in the Innovation Process

The STARTS 2024 Exhibition, as reported by Ars Electronica, explores how art serves as a catalyst in the innovation process. It showcases projects that redefine the relationship between technology and society, emphasizing the synergy between scientific exploration and artistic creativity.

I find exhibitions like these refreshing. They challenge conventional views of technology and encourage collaboration between artists and the private sector. It's fascinating how these events can reshape our understanding and create new dialogues between different communities.

"Art and exhibitions that focus on influencing how technology is viewed hold the power to foster collaboration and experimentation between the private sector and the world of art and culture."

Such initiatives remind us of the transformative potential when art and technology intersect, offering fresh perspectives and bold innovations.

Tech in Art Education

School Is Back in Session, and So Are AI Art Classes

Isa Farfan's recent piece on Hyperallergic dives into how universities like Ringling College of Art and Design are integrating AI into their art courses. Ringling, known for its ties to Disney animation, has introduced an AI undergraduate certificate program. Educators like Rick Dakan are pushing students to use AI to enhance their creativity rather than replace it.

Living in Sarasota Bradenton, I often attend Ringling’s exhibitions and know many of their talented staff. I'm curious to see firsthand how AI influences their student work, and to discuss it with both teachers and students.

“You’ll quickly learn that AI is not as good as you at writing if you’re a good writer,” says Dakan, highlighting the tool's limitations, but also pointing out valid alternative use cases.

I myself remain skeptical but open-minded about AI in art. If there's human intent, thoughtfulness, and social commentary, I'm willing to consider it.

JKU MEDCampus: Art + Science – Ars Electronica Festival 2024 – HOPE who will turn the tide

The Ars Electronica Festival 2024 at JKU MEDCampus highlights the synergy between art and science, blending creative and scientific inquiry to drive innovation. This piece from Ars Electronica underscores the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in pushing boundaries.

What I find particularly engaging is the connection between art and science. Technologies like the Virtual Anatomy stereographic space exemplify this, where medical students use 8K quality visuals for real-time surgery planning.

"Whenever I come across something that illustrates this connection, I love to explore more."

It's refreshing to see focus not just on the tech aspect but also on how scientific challenges can inspire artistic creativity. This balance is often overlooked.

Digital Archiving and Art Preservation

Project Aims to Transform Art Preservation with Color Reconstruction

For the 12 organizations involved in PERCEIVE, color reconstruction with aid of rapidly evolving artificial intelligence tools is becoming reality.

We recently visited the Munch Museum, and the lengths to which they go to preserve Munch's original colors and paintings are extraordinary. However, according to Munch's own notebooks, the colors used to be even more vibrant than they are now.

"Actually seeing the difference between a restored piece of art that reflects what the artist originally intended, and the sadly faded paintings that you see in some museums, is pretty striking."

So, I love this project, and I love this application of technology for art restoration.

Future Trends in Art and Tech

Art Accessibility: AI Audio Guides Provide In-Depth Image Descriptions for the Blind

The Verge recently highlighted an exciting development with Be My AI, an app created by Be My Eyes and OpenAI. This app uses ChatGPT-4’s vision model to provide detailed descriptions of images, significantly enhancing art interaction for visually impaired individuals. While it occasionally errs, like misidentifying a cyanotype as black-and-white, its ability to engage users in meaningful discussions about art is transformative.

I love this concept for both blind artists and art lovers. Image descriptions add incredible depth to experiencing art, enriching understanding beyond mere visuals. During recent trips to Norway and Great Britain, I found AI-generated audio guides based on image descriptions more fulfilling than standard museum guides. They offered deeper insights and historical context, which paid guides often lacked.

"Compared to most museum's audio guides, I got much more in-depth and educational content from having an AI such as this."

Harnessing AI's potential in art access could level-up how we all experience and appreciate art.

The Last Word

Thanks for taking the time to explore these stories with me. Your feedback and insights mean a lot, so feel free to share your thoughts. I hope you find this content both informative and inspiring.

Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. Your engagement makes this journey worthwhile.

Best, Juergen