The Intersect: Art in Tech & Tech in Art — Issue #3 May 21st 2024

Greetings from Juergen

Welcome to the third edition of "The Intersect." First, a heartfelt thank you to our new subscribers—your support means the world to me!

And before we start, here is a word about "AI"...

I understand that many of us are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the constant stream of AI news. It's everywhere, and it can be a lot to take in.

However, it’s also a topic that's hard to ignore, especially given its growing influence on the arts. So, I aim to showcase some of the more thought-provoking and unusual ways this technology shapes artistic expression. From a view on AI democratizing filmmaking to innovative tools that help artists protect their work from unauthorized AI use, we’ve curated stories highlighting the dynamic interplay between art and tech. Each article offers a unique perspective on how these fields influence and enhance each other.

Enjoy the read, and I hope these insights inspire your creativity!

Film & Video

Runway AI Film Festival Shows 'Taste of What's Coming' for Film

In a recent article by Britney Nguyen for Quartz, the spotlight was on the Runway AI Film Festival, where artificial intelligence plays a starring role in filmmaking. Nguyen explores how AI is reshaping the industry, not by replacing human creativity but by enhancing it.

My take is that while many fear the rise of AI in creative industries, myself included, it's also possible to recognize its role as a facilitator rather than a replacement. AI in filmmaking, as highlighted by Cristóbal Valenzuela of Runway, is not about replacing actors or staff but about democratizing the overall process— turning what was once gatekept and unaffordably expensive into something accessible for more creators. This shift can lead to an explosion of unique stories and visual experiences, previously constrained by budget and resources.

“With AI specifically, it’s really important to start thinking about tasks instead of jobs,” Valenzuela said. “There are tasks within your jobs that will get automated, simplified, and will be better to do, and faster to do. If you’re a good creator who knows how to use these tools, then you can take advantage of them. I think that’s a better mental model to think about what’s coming, then to think about just replacement.”

Valenzuela said writers’ concerns over being replaced with AI are valid, but have more to do with how the film industry does its business. It becomes more about the people who do this work, using these tools creatively to lower the cost of film production.

This perspective could influence how we perceive the role of technology in artistic expression, broadening the scope of who gets to tell stories.

AI in Visual Arts

This Clever, “Poisonous” New Software Is Helping Artists Defend Their Work from AI

In the evolving battle between art and AI, tools like Nightshade and Glaze are creating a new defense for artists. Developed by Shawn Shan and his team at the University of Chicago, these tools help protect artists' work from unauthorized AI scraping by distorting the data that AI models train on. While Glaze subtly alters artwork to prevent style mimicry, Nightshade takes a more assertive approach, intentionally misleading AI models to corrupt their learning process.

Tools like Glaze and Nightshade may be effective, but I do not like the “poison the base model” approach, and hope that new technologies emerge to block AI model training in a less overall destructive way.

Despite their success, as reported by Fast Company, these solutions are not seen as long-term fixes. They represent a necessary step in empowering artists today, but the necessity of such drastic measures highlights the urgent need for robust legal and technological protections that safeguard creative rights without compromising the integrity of AI training processes.

Apple's New Photos App Will Utilize Generative AI for Image Editing

Apple's latest update to its Photos app introduces a feature called "Clean Up," which leverages generative AI to enhance photo editing. As reported by AppleInsider, this tool simplifies the process of removing objects from images, potentially making advanced editing accessible to everyday users. This feature is expected to debut in the upcoming macOS 15 and could align with new iPad releases.

I think compared to “generative” image generation, this is one of the less controversial applications of AI as a mere helper tool in the process of photo editing.

The integration of AI in Apple's ecosystem suggests a shift towards more intuitive user interfaces, where technology assists without dominating the creative process.

Public Art

Brands and Artists Are Transforming Grey Urban Spaces Into ‘painted Cities’

The collaboration between artists and brands is reshaping urban environments into vibrant, engaging spaces. As reported by The Drum, Lee Bofkin of Global Street Art highlights the symbiotic relationship where brands fund and artists create, bringing dynamic murals to life across cities. This partnership not only beautifies urban areas but also offers artists a sustainable platform to showcase their work.

I often wonder about the relationship between brands and artists, or what it should be. Given that governmental grants are hard to come by and it's still difficult to make a living from creativity, the involvement of brands in transforming urban landscapes and sponsoring artists to produce large-scale murals is an art form that everyone can appreciate.

These initiatives extend beyond aesthetics, embedding cultural narratives into the city fabric, making art accessible to all.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Interrogating AI Bias through Digital Art – Just Tech

In a detailed exploration by Nettrice R. Gaskins on the Social Science Research Council’s website, the insidious persistence of racial bias in technology, originating from historical photography and film techniques, is scrutinized. This article highlights how these biases have seamlessly transitioned into current AI technologies like facial recognition, often to the detriment of non-white individuals.

My take on this is particularly focused on the ingenious method used by artists to address these biases through digital art. By recreating historical racial biases in photography and subverting them, the artists not only spotlight the issue but also provoke a necessary conversation on the legacy of such biases in modern technology.

"By using AI to recreate and comment on antique racial photography, artists underscore the troubling continuity of racial bias from early photographic practices to contemporary AI technologies."

It’s a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures in AI development to prevent perpetuating these historical injustices. Emphasizing inclusivity in tech development is not just a necessity but a responsibility.

Design

Appealing Transportation Design Concept: The Autonomous Sleeping Mobile

XOIO, a Berlin-based creative agency, has unveiled the Swift Pod, a conceptual autonomous vehicle designed for overnight travel. Drawing inspiration from the charm of night trains, the Swift Pod promises to cover long distances while passengers sleep, blending minimalism with comfort and modern technology.

From an artistic and technological standpoint, the Swift Pod challenges how we perceive travel and space usage in autonomous vehicles. It's intriguing to think about these vehicles becoming part of our everyday life, much like how we've adapted to other advanced technologies.

I'm sure it's just an aerodynamic coincidence that this thing looks somewhat like a coffin. But I think that the public trust in autonomous vehicles will develop and increase over time until we become comfortable with it. After all, we are flying on Boeing airplanes. LOL.

Imagine waking up at your destination fully rested, having traveled through the night in a vehicle that blends the nostalgia of railway sleepers with the edge of modern technology.

Where Does Photoshop Go From Here?

Reflecting on a recent piece by Caroline Mimbs Nyce for The Atlantic, the evolving narrative of Adobe Photoshop truly resonates with me, especially as someone who embraced the software early and met the original creators. The article, "Where Does Photoshop Go From Here?", delves into Photoshop's journey from a pioneering photo-editing tool to its current challenge of integrating generative AI without losing its core user base.

As an early adopter of Photoshop, I find the discussion about its cultural and technical evolution particularly compelling.

Nyce highlights how Photoshop has become less central in our culture as new technologies emerge, yet remains a robust tool that continues to adapt and thrive. Interestingly, while new AI tools are creating waves, Photoshop sustains its relevance by balancing innovation with reliability. This middle path might just be what allows Adobe to remain a key player in the creative industry despite the rapid technological shifts.

Buildner Competitions Revolutionize Housing Architecture with Modular Design

In a world grappling with the dual crises of affordability and sustainability, the MICROHOME competition, as highlighted by Buildner, offers a refreshing glimpse into the future of housing. These compact, modular homes are not just about downsizing physical space; they're about rethinking how we use resources and integrate technology to live more sustainably.

"I think we can all agree that the building tech around housing has not changed for decades, and is an area ripe for innovation."

This initiative challenges the status quo by blending technology with minimalist design, proving that small can be both beautiful and functional. As we continue to witness the evolution of living spaces, these innovative solutions underscore the role of creativity in driving technological advancements in housing.

Sustainability in Art and Tech

How to Be a Climate-Artist. What Should Artists Be Doing?

In Bill Crandall's piece on Counter Arts, he delves into the nuanced role of artists in addressing climate change. It's a delicate balance, avoiding the trappings of becoming preachy while still conveying a critical message. Here’s my take: subtlety in art can be profoundly effective. Rather than overt slogans or doom-laden visuals, there's unique power in the understated. Art that integrates industrial landscapes not only challenges our perceptions but does so without overt moralizing. It makes us pause and reconsider our surroundings.

"It’s understandable. Artists just want to do their work on their own terms, not mold it to some agenda, however noble. — Bill Crandall"

Creativity can subtly influence perception and invite reflection, not through loud statements but through the compelling power of visual subtlety.

image by the Author generated with DALL-E

Digital Archiving and Art Preservation

Stunning Restoration of ’Liberty Leading the People’ Returns to the Louvre

The recent restoration of Eugène Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" at the Louvre unveils more than just vibrant colors previously hidden beneath layers of varnish; it reveals the sophisticated techniques behind art restoration. Utilizing modern technologies like X-ray and infrared imaging, the process provided insights into the original layers and corrections made by Delacroix himself. This meticulous approach helps preserve the integrity of the painting while allowing us to see it as the artist intended.

I often wonder about the exact methodologies used in art restorations. The recent work on Delacroix's masterpiece at the Louvre Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the blend of art and science involved in preserving our cultural heritage. So I did some research:

X-ray Imaging: This technology was used to inspect the underlying layers of the painting. X-ray imaging helps in identifying previous restorations, underlying sketches, and changes made by the artist that are not visible to the naked eye.

Ultraviolet Radiation: UV light was used to examine the surface of the painting. This method is effective in revealing the varnish layers and any previous restorations or alterations. It can also show up any areas of the painting that may have been touched up over the years.

Infrared Radiation: Infrared imaging was utilized to see through the paint layers to the preparatory sketches beneath. This helps in understanding the artist’s original intentions and any changes made during the painting process.

Microscopic Examination: The restorers used magnifying tools to conduct a close examination of the painting. This was crucial for detailed analysis and for undertaking precise restoration work, especially in areas requiring fine attention to detail.

The restoration not only enhances the visual impact of the painting but also ensures its preservation for future generations, maintaining its role as a symbol of revolution and freedom.

The Last Word

Until next time, keep exploring the crossroads of art and technology. Feel free to join our Facebook page at The Intersect on Facebook.

We value your feedback: What excites you about the fusion of art and tech? What concerns you? What would you love to see more of, and what less? What do you think of the idea for a podcast about these topics?

Cheers for now, Juergen