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

Greetings from Juergen

Hi all,

I’ve been traveling in Norway and the UK these past weeks but am trying my best to keep the newsletter going nonetheless. In this edition, I’ve gathered some compelling stories that highlight the dynamic interplay between art and technology. From SXSW’s significant decision in response to artist boycotts to Google's groundbreaking advancements in smartphone photography, there’s a lot to unpack.

I hope you find these insights as fascinating as I did. Let's explore how art and tech are evolving together.

Photography

Google's Pixel 9 Might Take Its Cameras to a Place iPhone Would Never Dare

Google's Pixel 9 is set to redefine smartphone photography with advanced AI features, according to a detailed article on Inverse. The Pixel 9 will include new tools like "Studio," "Add Me," and "Pixel Screenshots," pushing the boundaries of what we consider a camera's role.

The steady addition of AI capabilities is transforming our understanding of photography. Google's approach is not just about capturing reality but creating an idealized version of it. This could change how we think about images and memory.

"What's interesting for me here is to see how the steady addition of a myriad of AI features is changing the definition of what a camera is."

Google's innovations might soon be mirrored by Apple, continuing this trend in smartphone photography.

Ansel Adams Estate Calls Out Adobe for Selling AI-Generated Art Using Photographer’s Name

Adobe recently faced backlash from the Ansel Adams Trust for selling AI-generated images under the famed photographer’s name, as reported by Art News. The images, which mimicked Adams's iconic style, were found on Adobe Stock, violating the company’s own policy against using prompts that copy other artists.

For me, this highlights that large organizations may set policies for AI use, but implementing these changes consistently across all departments is challenging. It’s likely the leadership at Adobe didn't intend to breach their own guidelines, but this incident reveals a broader issue many companies face with unintentional policy violations. Without proper legislation, such problems will likely persist.

"The unintentional violation of your own AI policies is something that might be happening in more companies than just Adobe, and with the lack of legislation, this will continue to be a problem."

Adobe's quick response to remove the content is a step in the right direction, but more proactive measures are necessary.

Trust in Photographs

The Sainsbury Centre's new exhibition, as covered by Aesthetica Magazine, dives into the complex relationship between photography and truth. Featuring works by Dorothea Lange, Richard Mosse, and others, it challenges the notion that "the camera never lies." The exhibition underscores how photography can shape, and sometimes distort, our understanding of significant events.

Photography has always had the power to influence our perception of reality. From Robert Capa’s controversial "The Falling Soldier" to the manipulated images we see on social media today, the medium can both reveal and obscure truths. This duality is particularly relevant in our age of AI-generated images.

"More than ever, we should question the trust we place in subjective technologies."

Visit the Sainsbury Centre’s exhibition until 20 October to explore these thought-provoking works.

New and Improved Camera Inspired by the Human Eye

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a camera inspired by the human eye's tiny involuntary movements, known as microsaccades. This invention, detailed in “Science Robotics”, promises to enhance how robots perceive and react to their environment.

First time I ever heard of microsaccades, which are small and quick eye movements that involuntarily occur when a person tries to focus their view. Through these minute yet continuous movements, the human eye can keep focus on an object and its visual textures -- such as color, depth and shadowing -- accurately over time.

"Our novel camera system can solve many specific problems, like helping a self-driving car figure out what on the road is a human and what isn't," says Yiannis Aloimonos, professor at UMD.

This breakthrough could revolutionize various fields, from robotics to virtual reality.

Societal Impact of Art and Tech

Sxsw Cuts Ties With US Military Following Boycott From Over 80 Artists

SXSW has announced changes to its sponsorship model, starting in 2025, following a boycott by over 80 artists due to the festival's ties with the US military and defense contractor RTX Corporation. This decision is a direct response to the protests led by artists like Squirrel Flower, as reported by Mixmag's Jamaal Johnson.

For me, this highlights the power and necessity of voicing our beliefs and making decisions that reflect our values. Influence is wielded by those who speak up, even though it sometimes leads to outcomes shaped by the loudest voices rather than the majority.

"For me, this is an example of the importance of expressing our opinions and basing our decisions on values we want to promote."

This development underscores how collective action can prompt significant changes in the intersection of art and technology.

Design

The Sphere

The Verge recently covered "The Sphere" in Las Vegas, a venue boasting the world’s highest resolution screen at 15,000m² “16K”. Hosting artists like U2 and Phish, it also features Darren Aronofsky’s film, "Postcard from Earth". The article dives into the venue’s immersive qualities, noting its strengths and areas for improvement.

Our take on "The Sphere" centers on its role in the history of panoramic art. The first panorama, created in 1787 in Edinburgh, aimed to bring expansive landscapes into urban settings. Today, "The Sphere" offers a similar experience but in a more controlled and individualistic manner.

"Panoramic art looked at landscapes with an expansive, acquisitive eye. Our century’s immersive experiences often feel like an inversion: inward rather than outward, closed rather than open."

This historical perspective highlights how "The Sphere" serves as an innovative display tech as well as a refuge from the external world’s chaos.

Interactive Art

New York’s First Permanent Immersive Art Center Is Pivoting to Puppy Yoga and Other Activations

When the Hall des Lumières opened in 2022 with a Gustav Klimt installation, it was seen as a milestone for immersive art. However, according to ARTnews, the center has paused new art exhibitions to focus on activities like puppy yoga and whiskey tastings.

Sort of sad to think that once the wow factor of immersive art experiences wears off, the business model seems to not be sustainable. And then suddenly we get non-art-related content dominating.

It's clear that while the center tries to adapt, the shift away from art is a happening.

Sustainability in Art and Tech

Battery Storage at Glastonbury: Technology Helps Power World’s Largest Festival

Battery storage took center stage at Glastonbury this year, as detailed in an article from Energy-Storage.news. Progen Power and MSP Technologies used battery energy storage systems (BESS) to power the Arcadia stage, featuring performances from Fatboy Slim and Hot Chip. The BESS, combined with HVO biofuels and solar arrays, provided a clean energy solution for the festival's demanding power needs.

Our take? It’s remarkable to see how a five-day, 200k+ capacity event can be powered by clean energy sources. This innovation not only reduces carbon emissions but also offers a quieter, more sustainable experience for festival-goers and staff alike.

"Interesting to see how a five-day, 200k+ capacity event can be entirely powered by clean energy sources."

As these systems prove their worth at large events, the potential for broader adoption grows, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Digital Archiving and Art Preservation

51,000-Year-Old Cave Art in Indonesia Is the World’s Oldest Figurative Art

Researchers have uncovered the world's oldest figurative rock art in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating back 51,200 years. This discovery, detailed in a study published in Nature, features three humans and a pig, and predates the previous record by at least 5,000 years.

What fascinates me most about this find is the glimpse it offers into the origins of storytelling. These ancient artists weren't just painting; they were capturing narratives. This pushes us to rethink when and how humans began to communicate complex stories.

"I love the idea of examining the origins of storytelling."

This discovery opens new doors in understanding our ancestors' cognitive evolution.

The Last Word

Thanks for taking the time to read through. Your engagement and curiosity are what drive this conversation forward. Feel free to share your thoughts or any interesting finds with me—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Warm regards,

Juergen