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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all:

This week, I've curated a selection of stories that illustrate the intricate dance between art and technology. We start with a poetic journey through urban photography, capturing rooftops and cityscapes that evoke personal narratives and memories. Then, we explore "The Data Poets," a platform where AI meets visuals to create poetry, sparking a conversation about the playful yet serious implications of AI in our creative spaces.

You'll also find insights on how public art transforms cities, the tension between art and politics with Shepard Fairey's murals, and a look at Germany’s cultural debates over Bauhaus. In fashion, Moncler's collaboration with Lulu Li blends AI and design, while the gaming world continues to push the boundaries of creativity. And don't miss the revival of traditional Chinese dough sculpture through modern tech, or the fascinating incorporation of AI in dance choreography.

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Photography

Poetics in The Work of Three Urban Photographers: Love for The Chaotic City from The Site of Urban Rooftops

The article from the Royal Geographical Society captures the essence of urban landscapes as seen from rooftops, exploring the intersection of architecture, space, and personal experience. As a former photographer, I resonate with this poetic vision. It takes me back to my days as a "starving artist" in Brooklyn, living in warehouses with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. We cherished our rooftop gatherings in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, creating memories that intertwined with the cityscape.

Reflecting on those times, I still have countless images that embody my connection to the urban environment, illustrating a personal narrative of the skyline.

"These images are fond memories that I cherish," reminding me of a unique relationship with the city.

How do these cityscapes influence your perception of urban life, and what stories do they tell you?

AI in Visual Arts

Image-To-Poetry Generators - The Data Poets Turns Images into Poetic Expressions

TrendHunter recently highlighted "The Data Poets," a platform that marries AI and creativity by generating poetry from images of urban locations. While platforms like this can feel playful, even whimsical, they also remind us of the larger conversation around AI’s growing role in artistic spaces.

I find myself torn. On one hand, these experiments seem harmless, a kind of digital play. On the other, there's a deeper tension. The same AI that crafts poetry today might affect jobs tomorrow. It's hard to reconcile the fun with the looming societal impact.

"The more dire the predictions around the negative impacts of AI are, the stranger the juxtaposition to playful implementations becomes for me."

So, where do we draw the line between creative exploration and more serious consequences? Does the playfulness of AI make its risks easier to ignore, or are we simply avoiding the real conversation?

Public Art

Art Is Essential to Making Cities Liveable

Charlotte Kilpatrick’s article in Alliance Magazine explores how art breathes life into cities, making spaces more livable through creative interventions. From floating circuses in Tunis to painted statues in Washington, D.C., the examples highlight how art transforms mundane cityscapes into vibrant, engaging environments that go beyond commerce and function.

What really stood out to me was how Kilpatrick reminds us that not everyone sees the value in art. Some, like the American tourists she overheard, view artistic expression purely through the lens of market value. But this perspective misses the point entirely. Art’s role isn’t always about money.

"Cities without any source of artistic expression are not homes, but soulless shelters for spending the night and conducting commerce."

Where do you see art in your city? Do you think it adds more than just decoration to your everyday spaces?

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Shepard Fairey Murals of Kamala Harris Go up In Battleground States

Shepard Fairey’s recent Kamala Harris mural in Durham, North Carolina, as reported by The Art Newspaper, is part of a larger push to drive voter engagement in battleground states. Collaborating with cultural organizer Wyatt Closs and local gallery owner Linda Shropshire, Fairey’s wheatpaste artwork echoes his signature style from the Obama era but now centers on Harris, framed by the slogan “Forward.” The effort blends art, activism, and politics in a very public way.

As this newsletter is going live on election day, I find myself conflicted about this. Political art has always had its place, but when public art starts leaning into agitprop territory, I get uncomfortable, regardless of personal politics. Do we really want our urban spaces plastered with propaganda, no matter which side it’s on?

"I like when art raises questions. I like it less when it proposes the answers."

Should art in public spaces nudge us toward a specific political action, or leave more room for interpretation?

Design

Germany's Far Right Stirs up Culture War Over Bauhaus Legacy

Thomas Escritt's article in Cyprus Mail discusses how Germany's far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), is contesting the Bauhaus legacy. They claim that its international ethos undermines local traditions, a stance rejected by the Saxony-Anhalt parliament. This reflects the AfD’s strategy of using cultural issues for political leverage.

Reflecting on this, as a former German citizen, I am disheartened by the politicization of art movements. The Bauhaus, a symbol of innovation, shouldn't be misused for political narratives. During my swearing-in as an American citizen in the early nineties, which coincidentally took place amidst the John Gotti trial in Brooklyn, I was struck by the power of narrative and identity.

"As a former German citizen, it saddens me to see the politicization of art movements and the rewriting of histories by far-right advocates."

This trend of reclaiming cultural narratives is troubling. How do we protect the integrity of art in such a politically charged environment?

Fashion

Moncler and Lulu Li Transform AI Explorations Into Puffer Capsule Collection

Moncler has teamed up with Chinese artist Lulu Li to release a new capsule collection, as reported by designboom. The collaboration, part of Moncler’s City of Genius project, merges fashion with AI-driven design. The collection features down jackets, vests, and layers described as being crafted "from bits to atoms," blending digital aesthetics with physical craftsmanship. It’s all presented in an immersive space with reflective, light-bending mirrors—very on-brand for Moncler’s futuristic style.

It’s hard not to think of that viral AI-generated image of the Pope in a white puffer jacket from last year. What started as a joke on social media is now being turned into a serious design concept.

"Leave it to the Italians and their iconic sense of style to take that concept further."

Is this the future of fashion, or are we just playing dress-up with algorithms?

Gaming

Art in Games: How Video Games Inspire Creativity and Imagination

The article from Customer Service Manager explores how video games have evolved into complex art forms, blending storytelling, music, and design with interactive experiences. Titles like The Legend of Zelda and Minecraft demonstrate how these games inspire creativity in both players and developers, while also fostering educational and cultural connections.

I have to admit, I haven’t played video games much in recent years. The violent nature of many games turned me off, and I found myself wishing for more options beyond the usual shoot-'em-up formats. Still, I can’t help but appreciate the incredible artistry behind these worlds. The open-world design, where you can explore and interact, is something I’ve always found compelling.

"I’m just hoping there would be more explorative aims than violent ones over time."

Are we leaning too much on violence in game design? What would it look like if creativity became the primary goal?

Sculpture

Dough Sculpture: Chinese Youth Embrace Internet to Revitalize Traditional Culture

Lang Jiaziyu’s story, featured in an article by ECNS, grabbed my attention. She’s taken the traditional craft of dough sculpture—something I wasn’t entirely sure about myself—and brought it into the digital age. Using 3D scanning and social media, she’s managed to keep this art form not just alive, but thriving, with 2 million followers.

What struck me here is how tech steps in to preserve something so physical and tactile. Dough sculpture, for example, is inherently fragile, yet with technology like 3D scanning, it gains a new kind of permanence and accessibility.

"I think it will become a very fragile thing if there is no modern technology to give it [intangible cultural heritage] a chance to let more modern people better understand and appreciate it," said Feng Ji, producer of Black Myth: Wukong.

How many other art forms are waiting for their tech renaissance?

Dance

Small Step or A Giant Leap? What AI Means for The Dance World

In a recent Guardian article, choreographers Aoi Nakamura and Esteban Lecoq explore dance’s relationship with AI through their new production, Lilith.Aeon. The AI entity Lilith performs on an LED cube, with the audience's movements triggering her choreography. While AI's influence has swept through film, music, and visual art, dance has remained somewhat resistant to this trend—until now.

I find AI in choreography fascinating, but I’m not sure about having an AI-driven performer. It feels counterintuitive to a form so deeply rooted in the live human body. Yet, I can see the potential for AI to augment choreography, giving artists new tools to push creative boundaries without replacing the performer.

"There’s no jeopardy in the digital world,” says Wayne McGregor. “Human virtuosity and ingenuity is the thing that we connect to most of the time.”

So, where does that leave us? Can AI ever match the magic of a live dancer pushing their limits?

Exhibitions & Events

Why Reykjavik is the Perfect City for MuseumNext 2025

MuseumNext recently published an article exploring Reykjavik as the ideal host city for its 2025 conference, highlighting its unique blend of creativity and nature. They emphasize how the city’s rich history, combined with its forward-thinking approach to art and technology, makes it a perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the intersection of these fields.

When Robyn and I visited Norway and the Arctic Circle, we were struck by how deeply the local art reflects a connection to nature. Iceland, with its similar Nordic heritage and natural beauty, seems like an obvious next stop for us. Reykjavik’s museums and exhibitions are known for embodying that link between the environment and artistic expression—something we’re eager to experience firsthand.

"The Icelandic approach to art is rooted in an awareness of the natural world, making Reykjavik a city where creativity flows as freely as its geothermal energy."

It makes me wonder—how will Iceland’s unique landscape shape the future of tech in art?

The Last Word

Thanks for joining me on this exploration of where art meets tech. Your interest and support make this journey worthwhile, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on these stories. Feel free to reach out with any questions or insights you might have. Let’s keep this dialogue alive and continue discovering the vibrant intersections of creativity and technology together.

Warm regards,

Juergen