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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi everyone,

This week, I've handpicked some thought-provoking pieces that explore the intersection of art, technology, and society. We start with Karl Ove Knausgaard's intriguing shift to science fiction, reflecting on the contrasting clarity found in science and the abstraction in art. There's also an insightful look at how Abu Dhabi's massive investment in the luxury art market affects everyday artists. Plus, you'll find an engaging discussion on the ethical use of AI in creative processes, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

I'm also excited to share stories about innovative educational methods that blend art with science, like using dance to explain complex concepts. Whether it's futuristic architectural designs for Mars or interactive art experiences with whisky, there's plenty to ponder about how these creative endeavors shape our world. Let's explore these captivating intersections together!

Tune into "The Intersect: Art in Tech and Tech in Art" podcast, where we bring this week's stories to life in a lively and engaging format. Subscribe for insightful discussions that complement our newsletter.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Don’t We Belong to Nature?

Norwegian author Karl Ove Knausgaard, best known for his autobiographical series My Struggle, has made an unexpected pivot toward science fiction with The Third Realm. In an interview with Nautilus, Knausgaard reflects on how he once saw science as distant from life, but now believes scientists are the ones grappling with reality, while artists work with symbols and abstractions.

This novel sounds like it would make a fantastic movie. I’m particularly intrigued by how Knausgaard contrasts the clarity that scientists seem to possess with the chaotic, self-constructed realities we often create. Watching TV interviews with scientists, I’ve always noticed how content they seem. Maybe it’s the concrete, tangible world they engage with that gives them a sense of clarity and purpose.

"In terms of creation, I don’t believe AI can replace anything. I mean, that’s the whole point of art and that’s the whole point of us—that presence we have. And you can’t engineer that."

Do you ever feel like the world we construct through politics and media is far more confusing than it needs to be?

Artistic Collectives, Sustainability, and the Perpetual State of Emergency

iCoDaCo’s upcoming series, as covered by Artistic Collectives, Sustainability, and the Perpetual State of Emergency, focuses on a four-year project examining what sustainability means within artistic practice. Interestingly, the term "sustainability" here isn’t about going green. Instead, it’s about the longevity and viability of being an artist in today’s rapidly changing world.

This caught my attention. While I’m intrigued by the concept, I often question how sustainable it really is to keep producing art when resources—both time and financial—are so scarce. The conversation often skims over the real pressures artists face to sustain their work.

"I wonder if this is a conversation about artistic endurance, or are we just glossing over the fact that many artists are struggling to survive in an increasingly competitive landscape?"

How do we actually create sustainability in art without burning out or selling out?

Why Abu Dhabi Is Shoveling Cash At Sotheby’s And Art Basel

ARTnews recently highlighted Abu Dhabi’s $1 billion investment in Sotheby’s, a move that reflects the UAE’s ambition to establish itself as a global luxury brand. While this cash injection may help Sotheby’s pivot from an art auction house into a broader luxury entity, it raises questions about the disconnect between the high-end art market and the everyday realities of artists on the ground.

I can’t help but wonder: what does this mean for those artists who lost studio spaces in Asheville due to floods? How does the luxury art market respond to their struggles? It feels like two entirely different worlds. Maybe I need to think of it as part of a larger, inclusive ecosystem that could support both luxury brands and independent artists. Still, it’s hard to balance.

"I intentionally did not include an article in this newsletter reporting on the fact that Sotheby's just sold a $1,500,000 piece of art that was made by an AI robot."

Is there even space for meaningful dialogue between these extremes in the art world?

Artificial Intelligence and Creativity

The Ethical Use of AI for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs

Cat Coquillette’s recent article tackles the ethical complexities of AI in the creative world. She shares her personal experiences on how she incorporates AI tools into her workflow while maintaining artistic integrity. What I found refreshing was her candid approach—she acknowledges the gray areas and offers practical insight into where AI can assist, and importantly, where it shouldn’t.

For me, it’s always interesting when artists like Coquillette face the ethical dilemmas head-on and still find a way to make technology work for them without compromising their originality.

"AI Image generation can be a great tool for visual brainstorming. Notice how I didn’t say that it can be a great tool for copying."

This raises an important question: As technology advances, how do we balance innovation with maintaining the soul of creativity?

Interactive Art

Immersive Scotch Whisky Journeys - The Macallan Celebrated 200 Years with a Multisensory Experience

The article from TrendHunter highlights The Macallan’s 200-year celebration through a multisensory Scotch whisky experience, blending history with immersive tech to enhance the brand's storytelling. It’s an interesting approach, but it does raise the question: Do we need all this for whisky? I mean, isn’t drinking enough of an experience on its own? Still, I can see the appeal from a marketing perspective—creating a memorable sensory connection.

When we visited Johnny Walker’s home recently, I saw firsthand how much effort goes into these experiences. The tasting rooms were fantastic, but it was the storytelling that really stood out. It’s more than just whisky; it’s about weaving a narrative that connects past to present, engaging all senses.

"At first glance, it might seem that a multisensory experience, when it comes to whiskey, is somewhat unnecessary. Don’t you just drink the stuff?"

I’m curious—are these elaborate experiences the new standard for connecting with consumers, or just a passing trend?

Architecture

Building the Red Planet: The Role of 3D Printing in Martian Habitat Design

The article "Building the Red Planet: The Role of 3D Printing in Martian Habitat Design" (originally featured in Space.com) explores how 3D printing could help create sustainable homes on Mars, adapting to environmental and social challenges. While the concept is undeniably futuristic, it also makes me wonder: Why aren't we using these methods more on Earth? My hunch is that we lean on cheaper, more available materials, which slows innovation in construction.

"Still, I think doing this at scale would require successes here on planet Earth, first and foremost. Perhaps, as my Republican friends might put it, an 'Earth First' approach?"

If 3D printing can build homes on Mars, what’s stopping us from solving housing crises here with the same tech?

Dance

Explaining Science Through Dance

Researchers at UC San Diego found a creative way to explain topological insulators to high school students by combining science with art. According to Science Advances, Matthew Du and Joel Yuen-Zhou led the project, using dance to simulate the movement of light waves. The experiment aimed to make complex scientific concepts more accessible—and fun—for students at Orange Glen High School.

I’ll admit, my math skills back in school were... not great. Science? I didn’t even get into that until much later. But I can see how something like this would have caught my attention back then. The idea that you could “dance” a scientific concept into understanding? I love it. It’s that perfect fusion of art and tech we keep talking about.

"We wanted to demystify these concepts in a way that was unconventional and fun," Du explained. "Hopefully, the students were able to see that science can be made understandable and enjoyable."

So, what if more subjects were taught through art? Would it have changed how you saw them?

Creator Platforms and Tools

'Blendbox' Revolutionizes AI Art with Artist-Centric Control

The article on TrendHunter.com about the new "Blendbox" app caught my attention today. It presents a shift in AI art tools by giving more control back to the artists, moving away from the over-reliance on text prompts. This is something I’ve been waiting for—tools that allow more precise, artist-driven modifications.

I personally won't use Blendbox, since to me it is still very much a 1st generation experimental tool, and the results still have that "AI Look". But what interests me about the idea around Blendbox though, is how it aligns with my own experience using AI-powered tools in photography. Being able to modify smaller portions of an image without the AI completely hallucinating or re-rendering the whole canvas is a step forward. Adobe's updates in Photoshop have been moving in this direction too, with more artist-centric adjustments that actually respect original compositions.

"AI is helping me focus on, alter, or enhance small portions of images that initially began as my photographs, without the unnecessary overhauls."

So, what’s next? Will we finally get the tools that can merge artistic intuition with AI precision without compromise?

Exhibitions & Events

World’s First Robot and AI Museum Opens in Seoul

The World’s First Robot & AI Museum (RAIM) has opened in Seoul, designed by Melike Altınışık Architects. Jessica Stewart at My Modern Met reports that the spherical, futuristic building reflects the fluidity of AI and robotics, integrating smart technology into its very structure. From robot welding to laser CNC machining, the building itself is as much a part of the exhibition as the exhibits inside.

But here's the thing—what exactly is on exhibition? It’s a stunning space, no doubt, and the architecture is impressive. However, the article doesn’t dive into what visitors will actually experience beyond the building itself.

"An interesting space for sure, though it does not mention what will be on exhibition there."

So, is the museum more tech showcase than content-driven? I’m curious if this signals a trend where the building becomes the star instead of the exhibits. What do you think?

Future Trends in Art and Tech

The Untethering

Ross Barkan's recent article, The Untethering, investigates the state of art, politics, and culture, exploring how the Trump presidency fueled a wave of performative radicalism in the arts. He questions whether another Trump victory would reignite that cultural shift or if we’ve moved on from the politics-driven art of the 2010s. Barkan points out how mainstream media often ignores the deep cultural implications of political shifts, focusing instead on policy and elections.

I know this newsletter is about art and technology, but I couldn’t help reflecting on how political climates shape artistic expression. With Trump's win, might we see a resurgence of politically inflected art? But is that really where art thrives best? I’ve always felt art, much like religion, might just need to stand apart to truly flourish.

"Art can be propaganda, but it won’t be very good. And propaganda won’t be art."

Will upcoming political narratives push artists back into the "resistance" mode, or will we see something entirely different emerge?

The Last Word

Thanks for spending some time with these stories. Your interest in exploring the crossroads of art and technology is truly appreciated. I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions, so feel free to reach out. Let's keep this engaging conversation going and continue to discover the fascinating synergies at play.

Warm regards, Juergen