The Intersect: Art in Tech and Tech in Art - Art's New Frontiers: From Promptography to Gaming Worlds

Greetings from Juergen

Hi everyone,

In this edition, we're traversing the landscapes where technology and art not only meet but reshape each other. We start with Maja Korczyńska's exploration of identity in the digital age, questioning how AI-generated imagery challenges our perceptions of truth. We then shift gears to the economic hurdles facing UK artists, with AI playing a pivotal yet controversial role. Over in Australia, technology is infusing new life into the art scene, blending digital tools with traditional creativity.

From the rebranding of AI-generated art as "promptography" to the intersection of gaming and cinema, we’re witnessing shifts that redefine creative expression. Each piece invites us to consider how these innovations impact our understanding and experience of art, urging us to look beyond the surface.

Catch these stories in our companion podcast, offering deeper insights and lively discussions. Subscribe for a fresh perspective on art and technology!

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Maja Korczyńska infiniteartist: Models of Identity in the Digital Era

Maja Korczyńska’s project infiniteartist, as detailed in her recent work, dissects identity’s fluidity in the digital age, using AI and generative algorithms to create fragmented, evolving versions of herself. Published on Network Cultures, her exploration of the “post-face,” a term coined by Anna Szyjkowska-Piotrowska, examines how digital manipulation has redefined the face—not as a marker of identity but as a malleable, unstable surface.

This aligns with today’s “post-truth” world, where facts are overshadowed by personal beliefs. Similarly, the rise of AI-generated imagery calls into question the authenticity of visual media. What we once trusted as evidence now feels unmoored, requiring us to approach images with the same skepticism we apply to contested facts.

"The face, no longer just a face but a post-face, continues its presence in the realm of visual representation, undergoing dynamic transformations in the way it is depicted," Korczyńska writes. It’s a reminder that reality itself is increasingly fluid.

If faces and images can lie, what truths are left to anchor us?

Britain Faces ‘talent Drain’ of Visual Artists as Earnings Fall by 40% Since 2010

Earnings for UK visual artists have dropped by 40% since 2010, according to The Guardian. A report from the Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS) highlights a median income of just £12,500, with artists citing instability, inflation, funding cuts, and AI as key pressures. CEO Christian Zimmermann warns of a potential “talent drain” to EU countries offering better conditions.

It’s hard to ignore Brexit here. While global trends like rising rents and AI’s encroachment are universal, the UK’s additional barriers—like reduced EU funding and fewer cross-border opportunities—compound the problem. AI, meanwhile, feels like a scapegoat at times, though its role in devaluing entry-level creative work is undeniable.

“It’s very tempting to lay the blame at the feet of AI,” said researcher Dr. Amy Thomas, “but I think it is the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Are we witnessing a uniquely British crisis, or is this just the new global normal for creative professions?

Technology and Art in Australia’s Contemporary Scene

Australia’s art scene is evolving, and Gaston La-Gaffe’s article highlights how technology is reshaping creative expression. From Stuart Campbell’s AR/VR storytelling to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image integrating AI into immersive installations, it’s clear that digital tools are becoming central to artistic practice. Even festivals like Vivid Sydney and Dark Mofo push boundaries with projection mapping and other tech-driven techniques.

I’ve never thought of art and technology as having a “fine line.” To me, they’re more like co-conspirators, constantly blending and reshaping each other. What fascinates me, though, is how cultural context shapes this relationship. My wife is from Sydney, so I’ve seen firsthand how festivals like Vivid Sydney transform familiar landmarks into dazzling canvases.

"The scene is obviously going high-tech because new mediums as well as tools allow creative individuals to come up with brand new forms of artwork," La-Gaffe writes.

How do you think tech changes how we experience art, not just as creators but as viewers?

AI in Visual Arts

These Artists Are Rebranding AI Image Generation with A New Name

The term "promptography," first coined by Peruvian photographer Christian Vince and later championed by Berlin-based artist Boris Eldagsen, is gaining traction. As detailed in Fast Company, the hashtag #promptography has been used over 80,000 times on Instagram, with artists like Stefanie Lefebvre and Annika Nordenskiöld proudly identifying as “promptographers.” This deliberate rebranding aims to distinguish the craft of AI image generation from traditional photography.

Here’s what I find compelling: language matters. A term like “promptography” doesn’t just describe a process—it reframes it. It shifts the narrative from “AI does all the work” to something more nuanced, where the artist’s intent and skill are central.

“While AI brings unpredictability, it’s my responsibility to shape that unpredictability into a cohesive and compelling vision,” says artist Marcus Wallinder.

Can a single word change perceptions? Or does the stigma around AI’s role in art run deeper than terminology?

Interactive Art

Gifts That Don’t Suck

Carefully curated by Accidentally Wes Anderson, "Gifts That Don’t Suck" is a 2024 gift guide that highlights unique finds from local businesses, small shops, and, of course, AWA’s own collection. The list is packed with whimsical, offbeat treasures that feel plucked straight out of a Wes Anderson film set—a must-read for fans of distinctive and thoughtful gifts.

Here’s a gift guide I can genuinely get behind. If you know me, you know my obsession with the Wes Anderson aesthetic runs deep. I even publish a Medium series, Accidental Aesthetics, featuring my travel photography inspired by his world of symmetry, pastel tones, and quirkiness. This guide captures that same spirit, blending the unusual and the charming in a way that feels personal.

“I have an affinity for the whimsical, unusual, and colorful, and these gifts perfectly align with those preferences.”

What’s your favorite gift that channels a little eccentricity and charm?

Architecture

vRenzo Piano’s Civic Icons - 2025 Guideline

Renzo Piano's work, as highlighted by Nikitha Sunil on Parametric Architecture, reflects his philosophy of architecture as a unifying force. His designs, like The Shard and Kansai Airport, are more than mere structures; they are civic icons that blend technology, culture, and human connection, setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and sustainability.

Personally, in a time of such division, especially in the US and globally, art often feels like a protest. Yet, Piano’s architectural spaces, particularly transportation hubs, serve as genuine bridges across societal divides. They embody a shared experience that transcends class and identity, reinforcing my belief in their power to unite.

"Architectural common spaces, especially those related to transportation, truly bridge gaps between the various classes and segments of society. I appreciate them for that reason."

Are we ready to embrace architecture as a catalyst for unity, or will it remain an untapped potential in our quest for societal cohesion?

Frank Gehry’s Digital Blueprint: Revolutionising Architecture with Technology

Frank Gehry’s work, as highlighted in an article by ArchDaily, showcases how technology can elevate artistry. His use of CATIA software—originally for aerospace engineering—allowed him to craft architectural icons like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Gehry’s approach wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about bending technology to serve imagination, reshaping architecture in the process.

This reminds me of the perpetual tension between "form follows function" and its reversal. Gehry seems to sidestep this entirely, proving that advanced engineering can do more than just support an idea—it can embody it. Sculpture and structure merge, and the result feels organic, like art and science finishing each other's sentences.

“Gehry didn’t just adopt tech; he redefined how we think about form, showing that technology isn’t the antithesis of creativity—it’s often the key to unlocking it.”

Does this mean we’ve reached a point where the tools we use shape our artistic limits—or is it the other way around?

Gaming

The Intersection of Gaming and Popular Culture

Video games and movies are increasingly intertwined, as Ernest Hemingway explores in his article, "The Intersection of Gaming and Popular Culture." He highlights how these mediums borrow from each other—video games adopting cinematic storytelling while films draw inspiration from gaming worlds. Both industries are also pushing technological limits, with tools like motion capture and AR reshaping how stories are told.

From time to time, we dive into gaming here, not just for its tech, but for its artistic merit. While some still resist calling games “art,” I think the medium deserves more credit. Gaming environments are becoming so immersive that they’re not just observable but participatory. AR and VR blur the lines further, making players part of the story in ways film alone could never replicate.

"This reciprocal borrowing of ideas and stories has helped elevate both industries, creating a continuous loop of inspiration and adaptation."

Are we ready to embrace video games as not just entertainment, but as a legitimate artistic frontier?

Art & Science

MCAST Brings Science And Art Onboard The International Space Station

The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) is sending art and science into orbit. As detailed by Lovin Malta, their ASTROBEAT project, led by aerospace engineer and pianist Dr. Leonardo Barilaro, explores cold-welding for spacecraft hull repairs aboard the ISS. But here’s the twist: it pairs this research with live-streamed musical performances, featuring compositions by Barilaro and Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo.

Honestly, I’m torn here. The science is practical—repairing micrometeoroid damage in space without a spacewalk is ingenious. But the connection to music feels... tenuous. Broadcasting "space-inspired" compositions into the void is poetic, sure, but does it really deepen either field?

“In Space there is space for everyone, literally and figuratively,” Barilaro says. His vision aims to make space relatable through art, but I can’t help wondering if the concept is more charming than impactful.

Is this a true fusion of disciplines, or are we just rehearsing a duet where neither partner quite listens to the other?

Future Trends in Art and Tech

Canva predicts design will lean even more into analog aesthetics in 2025

Canva’s latest design trend report, highlighted by Fast Company, predicts 2025 will embrace a mix of high-tech and analog aesthetics. From motion graphics to handwritten elements, the data reveals a growing demand for playful, human-centered designs. Searches for terms like “scrapbook” and “silly” have surged, suggesting a collective craving for authenticity and escapism amidst AI’s rise. With over 170 million users, Canva’s insights reflect a broader cultural shift.

I see this as part of a broader backlash against AI’s ubiquity. People are leaning into textures, imperfections, and anything that feels real. Even in SEO, personal anecdotes are more valued, as they verify a human voice. Video content, too, thrives because it’s harder to fake.

“Hand-drawn, analog, and organic elements with a human touch become points of differentiation,” notes Fast Company.

Is this a passing trend, or are we witnessing a deeper cultural pivot toward the tangible?

The Last Word

Thanks for diving into these stories with me. Your engagement fuels this journey through the ever-evolving intersection of art and technology. If any thoughts or questions arise, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep exploring these fascinating narratives together.

Warm regards, Juergen