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.
Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/31 , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website
Takeaways:- The concept of the 'post face' explores the fluidity of identity in our digital age.
- Artists in the UK face financial challenges as earnings drop significantly since 2010.
- Australian artists are embracing technology, creating immersive experiences that push creative boundaries.
- The rise of promptography raises questions about authorship in the era of AI-generated art.
- Architecture can foster community and connection, transcending mere functionality in design.
- A growing preference for analog aesthetics signifies a desire for authenticity in a digital world.
Let's break down each topic to make these complex intersections more digestible.
Infinite Artist: Fragmented Identities in the Digital AgeOne of the standout features in issue number 31 is Maya Cortiesca's project, "Infinite Artist," which explores our fragmented identities in the digital age. Cortiesca uses AI and algorithms to visualize how our identities are continuously shifting and transforming. This concept is captured through what she terms as the "post face," an idea rooted in the post-truth world where AI-generated images blur the lines between what is real and what is fabricated.
Her work challenges us to reflect on the implications of AI-generated images. If images can be manipulated so easily, what does this mean for our perception of truth? Cortiesca posits that our faces have become masks that are constantly adjusted, reflecting not just our physical appearance but a dynamic visual representation of our digital identities. By exploring this concept, she brings forth an unsettling but necessary conversation on how we navigate authenticity in a visually saturated digital world.
Economic Struggles of UK Visual ArtistsTransitioning from the digital realm to real-world challenges, the newsletter highlights a pressing issue faced by visual artists in the UK. According to a study by the Design and Artists Copyright Society, visual artists in the UK have seen a significant 40% drop in earnings since 2010. Their median income is now only around £12,500, starkly contrasting with the glamorous image often associated with the art world.
Contributing factors include inflation, funding cuts, and the omnipresent impact of AI. While AI isn’t solely to blame, it is considered the straw that broke the camel’s back, adding to the already difficult situation exacerbated by Brexit. Dr. Amy Thomas, a researcher on the report, reinforces that the challenges UK artists face might not be exclusive to them, hinting at potential global ramifications. The conversation about the precarity of artists’ livelihoods reveals a complex web of economic, political, and technological factors impacting the art world.
Australia’s High-Tech Art SceneIn contrast to the gloom surrounding the UK art scene, Australia’s contemporary art scene is thriving,...