The Intersect: Art in Tech and Tech in Art — Issue #20 September 24th 2024

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all:

For this edition of "The Intersect," I've curated a mix of stories that highlight the fascinating interplay between art and technology. You'll find the breathtaking winning shots from the 2024 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest, showcasing the skill and patience required in astrophotography. Plus, the revival of the iconic Rollei 35AF, blending nostalgic charm with modern tech, caught my eye—it's a compelling read for anyone interested in photography.

I should mention that this edition is a bit photography-centric, something I'm prone to do from time to time. I hope you'll find these topics as engaging as I do. I'm also examining the role of AI in photography and art. With advancements making it harder to distinguish between genuine post-production and AI manipulation, it raises the question: can AI truly be considered a form of art? These are some of the thought-provoking topics I hope you'll ponder along with me.

Photography

2024 Astronomy Photographer of the Year Contest: Photos

The overall winner of the international Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest was announced yesterday, with the title going to Ryan Imperio for his sci-fi-esque shot, “Distorted Shadows of the Moon’s Surface Created by an Annular Eclipse.”

Taken in Odessa, Texas, during the 2023 annular eclipse, the image (above) captures Baily’s beads, which are formed when sunlight peaks through valleys and craters on the moon’s surface and breaks up an eclipse’s recognizable ring pattern. They are only visible when the moon enters or exits an eclipse, making them particularly tricky to photograph.

“The images selected each year are absolutely astonishing and I am both thrilled and honored to have my photo among them,” United States-based Imperio said in a statement.

The rest of the images in this article also pretty astonishing and the art of astrophotography simply amazes me.

Is that Photo Real or AI? Google's 'About This Image' Aims to Help You Tell the Difference

Google’s new "About this image" tool, as reported by ZDNet, offers a way to help distinguish between real photos and AI-generated ones by analyzing metadata. This feature, developed with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), is part of a broader effort to combat misinformation around digital images. It’s an intriguing step, but it makes me wonder about its implications for photographers like myself.

As someone who processes most of my images—treating them like digital negatives that need developing—I'm curious whether tools like Photoshop or Lightroom, which I use for basic corrections, might trigger these “AI warnings” down the line. Will simple edits be flagged as potentially deceptive?

"I often wonder if a simple color correction or exposure tweak will now be seen as AI interference, when in reality, it's just the modern equivalent of darkroom work."

So, where do we draw the line between genuine post-production and AI manipulation?

Rollei 35AF, Film Camera icon, Reborn with New Technology Onboard

Hong Kong-based Mint has breathed life back into a classic with the revival of the Rollei 35AF, as reported by Domus. Originally introduced by Rollei in 1966, this compact 35mm film camera was once the smallest of its kind. Now, with the addition of a Lidar-powered autofocus system, this reboot brings modern tech to nostalgic aesthetics. Preorders opened in early September, but demand was so high that Mint had to halt orders after just two days.

I have to admit, this one tugs at my heartstrings a bit. I owned the original Rollei 35 back in the day and loved it. But as much as I'd like to get my hands on this new version, I’d much prefer a digital version. Honestly, the idea of waiting after 20 exposures for processing? That’s a hard pass. I’m just too spoiled by the instant gratification of digital photography.

"As much as I would love to get my hands on this, I would far prefer it if it was digital. I'm not going back to twenty or thirty exposures on a piece of film and waiting a long time for it to be processed."

So, what do you think? Is there room for film in a digital world, or is nostalgia clouding our judgment?

What is a photograph in the age of AI, according to Google

Michael Specht, Google's Pixel Camera Product Manager, shares insights in a recent Domus article about the evolving role of AI in photography. Google's new Pixel 9 series introduces powerful generative AI features, transforming how photos are captured and edited. This shift aims to enhance user creativity but raises questions about the authenticity of images created with these tools.

As we explore new possibilities for what a photo can be, Google is working to balance pushing the boundaries of phone photography while also keeping our photos genuine. I’m not sure it’s working. The use of generative imaging built right into the phone's camera in many cases does not lead to what we think of as genuine photos. We might need a new term and better description than the word “photo.”

The use of generative imaging built right into the phones camera in many cases does not lead to what we think of as genuine photos.

In the age of AI, how we define photography is changing more than ever before.

AI in Visual Arts

Don’t Ask if AI Can Make Art — Ask How AI Can Be Art

In a recent piece from The Verge, the article "Don’t ask if AI can make art — ask how AI can be art" dives into the ongoing debate about AI’s role in creative fields. The author highlights how generative AI tools, while often producing "bland content sludge," also offer new ways for artists to interact and play. It’s not just about the final output, but the process of engaging with AI that holds artistic potential.

The idea that art isn’t just the end product, but the journey of creation, resonates with me. The act of tweaking and training AI models feels like a creative exploration in itself.

“Convincing them to combine those elements for a certain outcome produces the same satisfying feeling as building something in a video game or feeling the solution to a puzzle click.”

So, is the real shift not wondering if AI can make art, but choosing to view it as a form of play?

Ferrari Camper Vans and Other Imaginary Secret Cars Jump out Of Mr. François’ Photo Book

Mr. François’ new photo book, Secret Cars: 300 Promptographs, takes us on a whimsical ride with imaginative, never-before-seen vehicles. Featured on Designboom, his collection uses over 300 AI-generated prompts to create a range of playful, fantastical vehicle designs—think Ferrari camper vans and other dreamlike car hybrids that simply don’t exist. It’s pure fun, a creative exercise that pushes the limits of what AI can visualize.

Now, I know what you're thinking: “Imaginary cars are not art.” But come on, they’re so much fun! The ability to manifest such outlandish ideas through AI is a perfect example of how tech can fuel creativity. Sure, they’re not meant to change the world, but they challenge our perceptions of design in a really playful way. And for me, sometimes, that's enough.

“These ‘secret cars’ might not be hanging in a gallery anytime soon, but they’re exploring the sheer joy of experimentation—of seeing where AI assisted design can take us when we let go of rigid definitions.”

So here's my question: Are we limiting what we consider "art" by clinging to traditional forms, or can we embrace the fun side of AI-generated creativity without hand-wringing about the methods used to generate these images?

Design

Firing Traditional Delftware Tiles Into the Future

The Financial Times highlights a fascinating blend of past and future with AI creating delftware from online prompts. This approach showcases how technology can revive historical designs, giving them a new purpose in our contemporary spaces.

I can see traditional tiles and mosaics as timeless, carrying historical charm into modern interiors. These designs are far from obsolete. They infuse spaces with stories from the past, making every room a canvas of cultural heritage. Imagine the unique touch of a century-old tile pattern in a modern kitchen — a conversation starter and a piece of history intertwined.

An engine designing delftware from an online prompt is one way the technology can leverage the past to create something new

My parents collected Delftware tiles, and I like the thought of bringing these pieces of history into my kitchen for a sense of continuity in my ever-changing world.

Q+ART & Podcast Interviews

Technology Is Your Colleague in the Studio with Iris Scott (ep. 203)

Artist Iris Scott sat down for an interview on Art Biz Success to discuss her career, the changing role of social media for artists, and how she integrates AI into her creative process. She also opened up about balancing art with motherhood and her experiences in Taiwan, a key time in her artistic development. One fascinating takeaway was her breakdown on how she handles income between originals and reproductions—something many artists can relate to.

I've always loved hearing working artists talk about their process, especially those like Iris who’ve made it in a way I didn’t quite manage. Years ago, I pivoted to a corporate career, and only now am I finding my way back. Her reflections on the role of video in today’s art world hit home.

"The JPEG might be dead, and it's being replaced by video."

Now, I’m not planning to hop on TikTok, but resisting video? That’s becoming harder.

So, where do we draw the line between keeping up and staying true to our roots?

Featured Artists

Accidental Aesthetics on Medium

Hope you don't mind me sharing a personal project: Join my whimsical journey through "Accidental Aesthetics," where I explore the unique and unexpected beauty in everyday scenes. From hidden architectural gems to serendipitous street art, each story is a visual and narrative adventure inspired by the style of Wes Anderson.

Follow me on Medium for detailed, narrative-driven content that captures the essence of symmetry, serendipity, and hidden wonders.

Join my "Accidental Aesthetics" publication on Medium to explore a journey of creating large format art prints using only an iPhone. As a former photography professional, I’ve transitioned from heavy DSLR equipment to mobile photography, embracing the challenge of using various apps and AI tools for perspective correction, introducing motion without a tripod, and producing artwork that is both fun and serious. Discover the techniques and stories behind this work by following "Accidental Aesthetics".

Follow "Accidental Aesthetics" on Medium

Cheers and thanks for checking it out, Juergen

Future Trends in Art and Tech

How Tech Is Powering the Art Market’s Expansion Into Luxury, Finance and Science

The article from The Art Newspaper touches on how technologies like blockchain, NFTs, and AI are still reshaping the art market across luxury, finance, and science, even years after the NFT hype of 2021. What's interesting is how these tools are acting more like extensions of traditional art market systems—just shinier, digital versions.

I’ve noticed fewer stories about NFTs since the bubble burst in 2022, but what stood out to me in this piece is how art markets, old and new, function similarly. What you’re really buying isn’t the object itself but what it represents.

“The conventional art market works the same way [as the NFT market],” says Brian L. Frye. “Sure, if you buy a painting or sculpture, you get the painting or sculpture. But that’s irrelevant. The art market doesn’t value the object you own, it values what the object represents.”

Are we just trading art for its social proof, no matter the medium?

The Last Word

Thanks for taking the time to explore this edition of "The Intersect." Sharing these stories and insights with you is something I genuinely enjoy. Your feedback and thoughts are always welcome, so feel free to share your take on these topics.

I am particularly curious about whether we talk about AI too much, too little, or just the right amount. Can you let me know?

Until next time, stay curious and creative.

Warm regards, Juergen