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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all,

This edition of "The Intersect" is packed with stories that challenge our perceptions and highlight the fascinating interplay between art and technology. We're diving into the curious case of AI artist Jason M. Allen, who now finds himself in a legal battle over copyright issues—ironic, given the controversies surrounding AI and artistic ownership. You'll also find insights into how AI is reshaping the creative process, as playwright Ayad Akhtar shares his experiences of crafting a play with AI as a collaborator.

We also explore the evolving world of design, with a spotlight on OpenAI's logo change and what it signifies beyond aesthetics. And for those intrigued by human perception, there's a fascinating take on pareidolia—the tendency to see faces in inanimate objects—and how AI compares in this quirky field. From NASA's artistic endeavors to the innovative blend of ecological awareness and culinary arts, this issue is all about pushing boundaries and redefining creativity.

AI in Visual Arts

Famous AI Artist Says He’s Losing Millions of Dollars From People Stealing His Work

Jason M. Allen, who won a Colorado art competition using Midjourney, is back in the news with a lawsuit, as reported by Gizmodo. Ironically, after creating AI-generated art that some claim borrowed from other artists, Allen now argues that his own AI-created piece, Théâtre D’opéra Spatial, is being stolen without his permission.

Here’s where it gets interesting: many folks believe AI tools like Midjourney “steal” from artists when, in reality, the training process is more complex. It’s not as simple as copying. But now Allen finds himself in a position where he’s asking for copyright protections for AI-generated images.

"In an odd twist, Allen is facing the same accusations that have been leveled at the AI tools he used—people are copying his work without credit or compensation."

So, can you really claim ownership over something created with AI? That’s the question we’re all left with.

Artificial Intelligence and Creativity

What It Means To Write A Play In The Age Of AI

Ayad Akhtar’s new play, McNeal, covered in The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, explores the intersection of AI and creativity. Akhtar goes beyond the typical narrative of AI as a threat to human ingenuity, suggesting instead that tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can serve as collaborators, helping writers refine their work without taking the reins completely. To my chagrin, Akhtar found that AI actually helped make his play better.

I’ve spent enough time with writers—whether in workshops or through my wife’s own writing journey—to hear similar thoughts. AI isn’t just about churning out content; it’s about assisting in the process. It helps keep track of ideas, backstories, and even offers new angles on old themes.

"To my chagrin and astonishment, they seem to have helped him make an even better play."

So, is AI a threat to creativity, or could it be a tool to help us push our creative limits even further?

Design

Why Concerns About Open AI’s New Logo Are About More than Design

Fortune recently reported that OpenAI is considering a logo change, moving from their iconic spiral to a simple black circle. While the article highlights concerns about the shift, it also suggests that the reaction to this rebranding may go beyond mere design choices. Credit to Fortune for bringing this subtle but significant change to attention.

Two things come to mind. First, when you raise billions of dollars, redesigning a logo is a drop in the ocean. Second, I wonder if the unease people feel about this new logo has less to do with the design itself and more to do with recent negative press surrounding OpenAI. It’s like we’re seeing a Rorschach test in branding—pareidolia in action.

"The consensus seems to be that their original logo was positive and optimistic, and now, the new design feels somewhat ominous. But is it really the logo, or is it just the weight of everything else happening?"

Do we sometimes read too much into simple design changes based on what’s happening behind the scenes?

Personal Projects

Seeing Faces in Things: A Model and Dataset for Pareidolia

I came across an article titled "Seeing Faces in Things: A Model and Dataset for Pareidolia" by Mark Hamilton, which explores how humans and machines differ in detecting faces in random objects—think clouds, coffee stains, or even buildings. The research highlights a "behavioral gap" between human perception and AI, with humans being far more prone to see faces where none exist, like spotting a grumpy expression on your morning toast.

I couldn’t help but relate this to my own recent adventures in pareidolia. I’ve published two Medium articles about buildings that look hilariously expressive—one grumpy, one cheerful. Shameless plug: Check out the grumpy building here.

"Face pareidolia" taps into something deeply human, an evolutionary instinct to identify faces for survival. Machines? They're still catching up, but it’s fascinating to see how far they’ve come.

So, do you see faces in your coffee—or maybe your neighborhood architecture?

Architecture

Urban Learners: How Art and Architecture Reflect and Shape Their Audiences

Fran Williams and Rob Wilson’s piece in The Architects’ Journal highlights Urban Learners, a non-profit initiative aimed at engaging young people from underrepresented backgrounds in architecture. Through workshops, partnerships, and creative learning, Urban Learners fosters opportunities for those often overlooked by traditional training routes. It’s a grassroots approach that aims to diversify the architecture profession by making it more accessible early on.

It's a fascinating idea that architecture, like many art forms, often doesn't reflect the people it’s built for. It makes me wonder how often we see this across other creative industries. Aboriginal art, for instance, underwent changes in the 1970s to cater to the aesthetic preferences of white Australians. What does this say about the relationship between art and its audience?

"Architecture education should start earlier than at university...how art connects with the environment and vice versa." — Venetia Wolfenden, Urban Learners founder

Do the arts always represent the work they produce, or do they shape themselves to fit the expectations of their audience?

Sculpture

The Glass World is Heating Up

Venice Glass Week just wrapped, and Dalya Benor from Elephant caught up with some of the most exciting artists under 35 working with glass. Clara Schweers, Tessa Sakhi, and Linda Tidenberg are pushing the boundaries of this centuries-old craft. It’s amazing to see how these young artists blend tradition with modern design.

I've always thought glassmaking is super cool, and we visited Murano once back in the day. What an amazing island it is! But did you know that in December 1291, the government of Italy ordered all glassmakers across Venice to move out to that island? The process of making glass art was so secret a technology that they wanted to keep it that way.

"Working with glass is like dancing with your loved one — every small touch and gesture guides you forward together," says Tidenberg, reflecting the patience and fragility the material demands.

So, what do you think? Is glass art still relevant today, or are we just nostalgic for an ancient craft?

Art & Science

NASA Relaunches Art Program with Space-Themed Murals

NASA’s latest art initiative, highlighted by Space.com, features two space-themed murals by Geraluz and WERC in New York’s Hudson Square. These vibrant murals are part of NASA’s reimagined art program aimed at engaging the Artemis Generation—a nod to the future explorers who will push humanity forward. The pieces evoke dreams of space through the eyes of children, blending art and science to inspire curiosity.

Here’s my take: Art can be an essential tool for shaping how we engage with new discoveries. As NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy put it, we need the next generation to think critically and use creativity to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. And what better way to spark those minds than through public art that connects us to the vast unknown?

“Art is essential in preparing young minds for this task,” Melroy reminds us. It’s not just about space—it’s about imagination.

So, in a way, art helps prepare ourselves to think beyond the limits of our current reality...

Artists And Chefs Are Putting Ecological Crises On The Menu

Christina Couch's piece on Science Friday delves into how artists and chefs spotlight ecological crises through food, blending culinary arts and environmental activism. The article highlights the Center for Genomic Gastronomy's use of AI to create recipes from food forests, and other projects that make existential threats tangible and edible.

In the 80s, food art was all about fun and creativity. Now, it has found an environmental meaning, especially in this application. Here’s a prime example of arts and science—specifically food science—coming together to address pressing issues.

"Our goal is not to market something or to bring an ideology to bear, but to create a moment when people feel those futures or experience those strange realities today and then parse through with others how they feel about them," says Zack Denfeld of the Center for Genomic Gastronomy.

Can we use food science to raise awareness and drive meaningful action on environmental issues?

Creator Platforms and Tools

Microsoft Paint Is Getting Photoshop-Like Generative AI Fill and Erase Features

Microsoft Paint, once the go-to app for pixelated doodles, is making a surprising leap into the AI-driven future, according to a piece from The Verge. With features that mimic Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Erase, Paint now allows users to add or remove objects from images using AI, all with simple brush strokes and text prompts. And yes, you read that right—Microsoft Paint.

Excuse me if I’m of a certain age where even the word "Microsoft Paint" seems so dated that it almost makes me laugh out loud. I mean, who still uses Microsoft Paint? Has that product survived? Wow.

"Generative Fill in Paint almost feels like someone slapped a rocket engine onto a bicycle. It’s cool—but also, really? Paint?"

I can’t help but wonder: Is this the future of creativity, or just another way to make us nostalgic for our early tech days?

Exhibitions & Events

Refik Anadol to Open the World’s First AI Art Museum

Refik Anadol is set to open the world’s first AI art museum, "Dataland," in Los Angeles in 2025, according to an article from Artnet. The museum will feature a permanent collection of AI-generated art, including some of Anadol’s most striking works from the past decade. It’s a watershed moment for AI in the art world, but it raises an interesting question about cultural perceptions of AI.

Now, I realize that this opening in Los Angeles, even though Refik is Turkish by origin, made me think: Is there a cultural difference in how we approach AI in art? Are Americans more hesitant or perhaps more accepting than others?

"I wonder if we, as Americans, are truly as open to experimentation as we claim. How does our acceptance of AI in art compare to, say, the art-savvy Europeans or even tech-forward cultures like Japan?"

So, what do you think? Are we really embracing this fusion of tech and art as much as we could?

The Last Word

Thanks for joining me on this journey through the intersection of art and technology. Your engagement and curiosity are what make this exploration so rewarding. If any of these stories sparked a thought or question, I'd love to hear from you. Let's keep this conversation alive and continue to uncover the dynamic relationship between art and tech together.

All the best, Juergen