Workshop presentation at NWU Humanities Spring School 2024
I am honoured to be included in the line-up of esteemed academics, theorists, and practitioners taking part in North-West University Humanities Spring School from 16 to 20 September with the theme ‘Humanities Horizons: Navigating Modernity and Innovation.’
I will be presenting a workshop and discussing synthography and AI-generated art. I will examine the practical and conceptual processes and dip into the evolving AI art discourse.
Just like AI tools are rapidly developing, the discourse on AI-generated art is evolving. The discourse surrounding AI-generated art is multifaceted, encompassing themes of authenticity, agency, value, and the evolving role of human creativity. It focuses on the interplay between human creativity and machine output, the redefinition of artistic value, and the historical context of technological advancements in the arts. As this dialogue continues, it will be essential to balance leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving the emotional and cultural depth inherent in human creativity.
Shifting Definitions of Artistic Agency
The question of who qualifies as the artist in AI-generated works—whether it is the human who inputs the prompt or the AI that produces the image—has evolved. This debate reflects a broader inquiry into the nature of creativity itself. As generative AI tools become more sophisticated, the collaborative dynamic between human and machine becomes central to understanding artistic production. Research indicates that artists using AI tools like Midjourney have experienced increased creative productivity, suggesting a synergistic relationship rather than a competitive one.
The Question of Value
The assessment of AI-generated art often hinges on its cultural impact and the novelty it brings to the artistic landscape. Critics argue that the value of art is derived not solely from the creator but also from the context and interpretation of the work. This perspective aligns with findings that suggest AI can enhance human creativity by automating repetitive tasks, allowing artists to focus on deeper, more meaningful aspects of their work. However, concerns remain that reliance on AI may lead to stagnation in creative progress if artists overly depend on these tools without infusing their unique perspectives and emotional depth into their creations.
Historical Context and Technological Integration
AI art is part of a long history of technological innovation in the arts, from photography to digital media. This historical perspective emphasizes that each technological advancement has prompted shifts in artistic practices and societal perceptions of art. The current integration of AI into creative processes can be seen as a continuation of this trend, where artists actively engage with technology to expand their creative horizons.
Emotional Depth and Human Experience
While AI can generate impressive outputs, it often lacks the emotional resonance and contextual understanding that human creators bring to their work. Critics argue that true innovation in art involves more than just generating novel combinations; it requires emotional depth and a connection to human experiences that AI cannot replicate. This distinction underscores the importance of human input in guiding AI-generated art to ensure it resonates on a personal level with audiences.
View my latest AI experiments HERE
