Greetings from Juergen
This edition of "The Intersect" is packed with fascinating pieces where art meets technology and vice versa. From AI's impact on art creation to the sensory experience of Notre Dame's historic bells, there's a lot to explore and ponder. Why not see how these intersections of art and tech might inspire your next creative project?
The Intersect: Art In Tech
Technology in Music
Artist Brings the “Mystical” Vibrations of Notre Dame’s Historic Bells to the Public — Listen to the Sonic Landscape
By affixing a device called an accelerometer to each of the cathedral’s 10 bells, Fontana was able to record the harmonic pitches emitted through each bell’s vibrations. He then mixed those pitches together, adjusting the levels to be audible to human ears.
“The bells are acting basically like acoustic mirrors. They’re reacting to life around Notre Dame,” Fontana told Artnet.
The resulting soundscape is evocative and visceral. The slow and prominent hum of the massive bells rings in the foreground, and ambient sounds of the surrounding area flitter in the background — the noise of construction in the cathedral, a musician’s melody from the street below, birds singing in the bell tower. “The personality changes with the weather and the time of day,” he said.
nicenews.com
Photography
A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words … but Only Some of Them Tell the Whole Truth
A new exhibition titled "The Camera Never Lies" challenges our perceptions of historical photographs. Displayed at the Sainsbury Centre, it features iconic images that have been altered or manipulated, raising questions about the authenticity and integrity of visual documentation in the media. This includes controversial pieces like Yevgeny Khaldei's photograph of a Soviet soldier during World War II, which was edited to remove a watch from the soldier’s wrist, potentially to avoid accusations of looting.
The role of photographs as a reliable, trustworthy source is increasingly under threat, with editing technology now readily and cheaply available.
Curators Tristan Lund and Harriet Logan present both original and altered versions of famous photographs, encouraging viewers to scrutinize the changes and consider their impact on public perception. The exhibition not only explores the technical aspects of photo manipulation but also delves into the emotional responses these images evoke, thereby highlighting the complex relationship between reality and representation as reported by The Guardian.
theguardian.com
AI in Visual Arts
Photography or ‘promptography’: A Year on From the Sony Awards Ai Furore, What Is the Nuanced View?
A recent exhibition titled Post-Photography: The Uncanny Valley at Palmer Gallery in London delves into the burgeoning field of "promptography," where AI-generated images are crafted using detailed text prompts. This technique challenges traditional notions of photography and raises vital questions about originality and authenticity in the digital age. The term "promptography," as highlighted in the article by The Art Newspaper, encapsulates this shift towards AI as a creative partner rather than just a tool.
Prompt engineering is evolving into a language for creating visuals, including those that resemble photography.
The debate around AI's role in the arts is polarizing. Some view these technological advancements as a natural progression, while others, like Boris Eldagsen who famously rejected a Sony World Photography Award, argue that AI-generated images should not be conflated with human-crafted photography. This tension underscores a broader discussion about the intersection of technology and human creativity, a theme that resonates deeply within the art community and beyond.
theartnewspaper.com
Public Art
New 'Portal' Sculpture to Provide Real-Time Live Stream Between New York City and Dublin
Portals are technology art sculptures. They connect to a network of identical sculptures all over the planet. Each Portal is located in the public space, providing a real-time, unfiltered livestream 24/7 that is frequently rotating between different Portal locations on Earth. Learn more at portals.org.
“This real-time connection between two iconic public spaces in global cities on either side of the Atlantic will bring people together, both physically and digitally, becoming a captivating attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”
Presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and the Simons Foundation, the Portal will be installed on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, showing off the famous Flatiron Building.
In Dublin, the Portal will face O’Connell Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, with a view of the General Post Office building and the Spire of Dublin. Dublin City Council delivered the sculpture as part of its designation as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024, according to a press release.
Unfortunately, and almost predictably, there has been some abuse via the live stream video, with inappropriate behavior on both sides of the portal. Here's hoping this will subside over time.
6sqft.com
60 Seconds Of The Most Insane 3D Exposure Street Art
Insane 51, a Greek artist, is transforming street art with his innovative 3D “double exposure” graffiti. By employing this technique, pieces reveal different images when viewed through 3D glasses. His work, which delves into themes of human emotion and identity, showcases how technology can expand the boundaries of traditional graffiti.
3D glasses are optional, but I think a clever and engaging way to combine tech with graffiti art.
This approach not only enhances the visual experience but also engages viewers on a deeper level, encouraging a more interactive relationship with art.
streetartutopia.com
Societal Impact of Art and Tech
The Boy on the Tricycle: Bias in Generative AI
In a recent exploration by Nettrice Gaskins on Medium, the topic of bias in generative AI is dissected using a poignant personal experiment with the Midjourney AI tool. The results were eye-opening. When Gaskins reintroduced race into the AI prompt, the depicted environments dramatically shifted — a stark visual representation of the ingrained biases within AI systems. This experiment highlights not only the susceptibility of AI to social stereotypes but also the critical need for vigilant oversight in its development and application.
"It's amazing to see such a simple experiment actually demonstrating the built-in biases when producing visual images using AI tools."
The implications of these biases extend beyond digital art into how we might perceive and interact with AI-generated content across various sectors. As we increasingly rely on AI, ensuring these technologies reflect a diverse and equitable view becomes paramount. This isn't just about improving technology but about fostering an inclusive digital future.
medium.com
Q+ART & Podcast Interviews
Chris Combs: Who Suffers and Who Benefits From New Technology?
In a recent interview by Morgan Laurens from our friends at NOT REAL ART, electronics artist Chris Combs shared provocative views on the dual-edged sword of modern technology. His candid reflections remind us of the need for a critical lens when integrating tech into our lives and art. Combs, known for his interactive sculptures, challenges us to consider who truly benefits from technological advancements.
"There are so many amazing technologies that have made it possible to learn anything, or find anyone, or capture the craziest parts of our world around us. And of course, in practice, these technologies are actually just used to share the best fart jokes—or for the completely dismal purpose of making rich people richer," Combs observes.
Chris's skepticism extends to AI and machine learning—areas rife with potential yet perilous without ethical oversight. His cautionary stance is a clarion call for maintaining human-centric values in a tech-driven world.
Ultimately, Combs's insights serve as a timely reminder: as we marvel at technology's capabilities, we must also guard against its potential to exacerbate inequalities and reduce human agency.
notrealart.com
Tech in Art Education
As Cs Students Experiment with AI Coding Tools, Professors Say Courses Need to Focus Less on Programming Syntax and More on Problem Solving
Rina Diane Caballar, writing for IEEE Spectrum, highlights a significant shift in computer science education. Professors are now advocating for a curriculum that de-emphasizes syntax in favor of nurturing skills like problem-solving, design, testing, and debugging. This change is driven by the integration of AI tools in software development, pushing the boundaries of what it means to 'code'.
For the past few decades, many parent’s career advice and aspirations for their kids was often focused on obtaining an education in computer sciences and mastering coding skills.
This evolution in teaching methodology isn't just a technical adjustment; it’s a cultural one, reflecting the broader impacts of technological advancements on educational paradigms. My own opinion is that creativity will grow to become a job security element in an increasingly AI-driven world.
techmeme.com
Digital Archiving and Art Preservation
Discover the Hallaton Helmet, a Newly Restored Piece of Ancient Roman Armor
The Hallaton Helmet, an exceptional artifact from the Iron Age, has been brought back to life through the meticulous efforts of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. Rajesh Gogna from De Montfort University utilized CAD 3D-design technology to create a resin model of the helmet, meticulously covering it in silver to mirror the original artifact. This replica, alongside another crafted using age-old metalworking techniques by archeologist Francesco Galluccio, offers a vivid window into the past, showcasing the helmet's original splendor.
I love this use of 3D technology which allows us to connect with history in a tangible way.
These replicas, displayed at Harborough Museum, not only highlight the technological strides in historical preservation but also underscore the detailed artistry of ancient Roman military gear. The original helmet, discovered in 2001 and now restored, is part of the larger Hallaton Treasure which provides significant insights into the Roman influence in Britain. As reported by My Modern Met, these efforts in restoration and replication reveal the intricate links between past civilizations and present technologies, inviting viewers to experience history firsthand.
mymodernmet.com
Future Trends in Art and Tech
Shan Hua Exploring the Innovations in Creative Fashion Direction and Design
Shan Hua, a visionary in the realm of digital fashion, seamlessly integrates technology and art, crafting immersive narratives through her designs. Her approach transcends traditional fashion confines, allowing her to create expansive, virtual landscapes that redefine the boundaries of design and storytelling.
Unlike traditional fashion design, which confines creators to tangible materials, digital fashion empowers Shan to sculpt entire worlds with unparalleled autonomy.
As highlighted in her recent feature by Vogue China, Shan is not just creating fashion; she's crafting a new way to experience and understand the world around us.
In this digital era, Shan Hua continues to push the limits of what fashion can represent, proving that the future of design is as boundless as our imagination.
coeval-magazine.com
