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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to "The Intersect." This edition offers insights on how art and technology continue to influence each other. We examine the commodification of creativity, the role of manual labor in the artistic process, and the intriguing relationship between AI and traditional photography. Additionally, we explore how music and drones are reshaping our environments and visual storytelling.

Technology in Music

The Science of Sound: How to Select Music That Aligns With Your Brand Identity

Researchers at the University of Bath have found that playing music in grocery stores on weekdays can boost sales by more than 10 percent. This insight, featured in an article from [Publication], highlights how retailers are leveraging background music to enhance the customer experience.

However, focusing solely on sales or "brand identity" is incredibly short-sighted. The true value lies in creating enriching experiences that resonate with customers on a deeper level. Music should evoke emotions, foster connections, and enhance the overall environment, not just drive sales metrics.

"This is about creating experiences that may have benefits for a brand beyond just increasing sales."

Incorporating music thoughtfully can transform a space, making it memorable and inviting.

Photography

It Won an Award for AI Images. Just one Problem: It Was a Real Photo.

Miles Astray's flamingo photo, initially honored in the AI category of the 1839 Awards, was disqualified after it was revealed to be a real photo. As reported by The Washington Post, Astray intended to highlight the incredible creativity of nature, suggesting that it surpasses artificial intelligence.

We believe this incident underscores a critical point: the need for better standards in judging AI art. As AI-generated images become increasingly sophisticated, it's vital to establish clear criteria to distinguish between human and machine creations. This ensures fairness and fosters genuine appreciation for both mediums.

"Nature is just so fantastic and creative, and I don’t think any machine can beat that," Miles Astray said.

This episode invites us to reflect on how we evaluate and value art in the age of AI.

VR Support Planned for Serene Photography Game Built with UE5

Lushfoil Photography Sim, a serene photography game built on Unreal Engine 5, is set to receive optional PC VR support after its initial release. Developed by Matt Newell and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game immerses players in photorealistic landscapes. The tool offers camera settings like shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and more. Originally reported by Road to VR.

As a photographer, the idea of exploring virtual environments to practice photography skills is fascinating. It allows honing both technical and compositional abilities without the pressure of real-world conditions. The addition of VR could enhance this experience, making it even more immersive.

"I often struggle with feeling rushed when trying to capture serene and zen-like landscape photographs."

Practicing in such a game could prepare us better for actual landscape photography, making those rushed moments feel less daunting.

Film & Video

The Important Role of Drones in Film and Media Production

In a recent article on TechBullion, the significant impact of drones on film and media production is explored. Drones offer new creative possibilities, cost-effective solutions, enhanced safety, and versatile camera movements, elevating the production value of films and media projects.

As a licensed drone pilot for commercial purposes, this article resonated with me deeply. It's incredible how drone photography has become integral to even low-budget productions, providing unique angles and views. For instance, during my trip planning to Norway, I noticed many travel videos utilized drones for stunning panoramic shots—views regular visitors may never experience. This democratization of filmmaking tools is pushing the quality of visual storytelling to new heights.

"Drones are democratizing the filmmaking process, and access to these sorts of angles is improving the overall quality of filmmaking in many ways."

Substitute "drone" with "artificial intelligence," and we enter a thought-provoking discussion. Can AI-generated visuals replace real drone footage? Ultimately, the filmmaker's vision remains paramount, and no tool can substitute for that.

AI in Visual Arts

Readymades vs. Generative AI.

In a thoughtful article on Medium, Nettrice Gaskins draws a parallel between Marcel Duchamp’s ready-mades and the modern use of generative AI in art. Duchamp’s approach of using found objects to create art mirrors how AI now serves as a tool to incorporate and generate artwork.

My take? This connection between Duchamp and AI hadn't occurred to me. The idea that generative AI can be seen as a contemporary form of ready-made art is quite compelling. It prompts us to reconsider the definitions and boundaries of artistic creation in the digital age.

"Generative AI, like Duchamp’s ready-mades, challenges our perceptions of authorship and originality in art."

It's a fascinating thought that makes us ponder the evolving nature of creativity.

Public Art

Sixteen Air-Filled Inflatable Rock Formations by ENESS Light Up for I Light Singapore

ENESS has created sixteen air-filled inflatable rock formations for the i Light Singapore event. Designboom highlights how these structures mimic a mountainous landscape against the city skyline. The installation also features a dynamic soundscape to enhance the immersive experience.

I know this isn't the most profound piece, but it struck me as funny and fun. Singapore seems to need some mountains, though these probably won't work for skiing or bouldering. Nonetheless, they look pretty cool.

"I guess Singapore desperately needs some mountains. Not ready for skiing I guess, and perhaps bouldering would be futile as well, but it sure looks cool."

Check out the original article on Designboom for more details.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Confusing Artists With “Creatives”

The article "Confusing Artists With 'Creatives'" by “The Culture We Deserve” looks into the shifting meaning of "creativity" and its modern corporate usage. It highlights how institutions like Philadelphia’s University of the Arts have commodified creativity with their PhD programs, often funded by corporations rather than focusing on traditional scholarly pursuits.

My take: I was employed in the financial industry when being a creative meant finding solutions for packaging subprime mortgages into CDOs. I'm pretty ashamed that my "creativity" was ever valued for that. Differentiating “artists” from “creatives” is crucial, and that’s why I thought this article was worth a read.

"Artists were unpredictable, politically undesirable, and socially unacceptable. But what it did want was the aura of greatness and specialness that artists had, and it wanted to bestow those traits on workers in technology, advertising, and science."

Understanding the difference between true art and commodified creativity is more important than ever.

The Work of Art

In a recent article from The Convivial Society, the relationship between labor and creativity is explored through a thought-provoking lens. The author questions the modern reliance on time-saving technologies and their impact on our well-being and artistic endeavors.

As a German, the phrase "Arbeit macht frei" is deeply unsettling due to its historical connotations. However, this piece prompts a positive re-evaluation of manual labor in the context of art. It suggests that everyday tasks, like doing laundry or washing dishes, can ground and enrich the creative process.

"The liberation we are offered is a liberation from the very care-driven involvement in the world and in our communities that would render our lives meaningful and satisfying."

This perspective is refreshingly different, and it challenges us to see mundane activities as integral to our creative and personal growth.

The Last Word

Thank you for taking the time to read through this edition. Your interest and engagement mean a lot to me. I hope these articles spark new ideas and conversations in your work and life. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and feedback – I love hearing from you.

Best, Juergen