Episodes

  • When Machines Judge Art
    Jan 28 2025

    Join us as we explore the pressing question of truth in photography amidst the rise of AI-generated visuals. Juergen invites us to consider the challenges documentary photography faces in an era filled with deep fakes and misinformation, emphasizing the erosion of trust in visual media.

    The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we examine how artists like Su Gwen Shang are redefining the artistic process itself, shifting our understanding of what constitutes art.

    We also tackle the paradox of using energy-intensive AI to address climate change, raising critical questions about the ethics of technology in creative expression. With insights into the evolving art market and the importance of human intention in an AI-driven world, this episode encourages a thoughtful examination of how we engage with art in the digital age.

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/38/ , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

    Takeaways:

    • The erosion of trust in visual media due to AI advancements.
    • Documentary photography faces challenges in conveying truth amidst the rise of deep fakes.
    • The relationship between artists and AI tools is evolving, raising questions about authorship.
    • Engaging with technology in the art world requires thoughtful consideration of its impact.

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    13 mins
  • From Earth to the Moon: Creativity in Unexpected Places
    Jan 21 2025

    Sasha Minjia's digital manipulation in photography to evoke memory and loss, the influence of digital overload on our ability to empathize with images of tragedy, an exploration of whimsical art projects in space like Michael Genberg's moon cottage, and the acquisition of art analysis by AI companies raising questions of expertise and control. The newsletter also highlights Birkenstock's legal battle to classify sandals as applied art, the emergence of e-ink displays as digital canvases, and the digital transformation of art fairs expanding accessibility while questioning the value of physical encounters with art.

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/37/ , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

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    17 mins
  • Art Beyond the Screen: Reclaiming Craft in a Digital World
    Jan 14 2025

    This episode of 'The Intersect' covers Juergen's experiments with AI tools like OpenAI's Sora, the merging of AI creativity and gaming physics, and their potential applications in environmental and medical fields. The episode also celebrates the 20th anniversary of Christo and Jean Claude's 'The Gates' with a new AR twist and explores how artists are using digital glitches in traditional mediums. Additionally, it touches on innovative VR experiences in museums, the neuroscience of creativity, and the integration of art into political landscapes, as well as AI's role in art authentication and the future of digital art displays.

    00:00 Introduction to The Intersect

    00:41 AI and Physics in Art

    02:27 The Gates Anniversary and AR

    03:19 Embracing Digital Imperfections

    04:20 VR and Human-Centered Art

    05:16 VR in Museums

    06:19 Neuroscience of Creativity

    07:08 E Ink Poster Technology

    07:59 Florida's Political Influence on Art and Tech

    09:00 AI as an Art Detective

    10:17 Conclusion and Newsletter Plug

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/36/ , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

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    11 mins
  • From the Cosmos to Canvas: Art’s Role in a Changing World
    Jan 7 2025

    In this episode of The Intersect, we explore the evolving role of art in a rapidly changing world. Key highlights include Juergen's curated articles covering a groundbreaking astronomical project by NOI Lab, the launch of AI Art Magazine, the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, and various initiatives blending science and art.

    The discussion also touches on the usage of AI in museums, the societal impact of art, and the natural phenomenon known as diamond dust.

    Juergen emphasizes the intertwined relationship between art and technology, encouraging curiosity and exploration of their combined potential.

    00:00 Introduction to The Intersect

    00:30 Exploring the Night Sky with NOI Lab

    01:55 AI Art Magazine: A Print Paradox

    02:41 Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral

    03:46 Science as Art: Insights from Callie Chappell

    06:26 Museums and AI: A New Era of Interaction

    07:52 The Impact of Art on Well-being and Success

    08:37 Nature's Abstract Art: The Phenomenon of Diamond Dust

    09:33 Conclusion: The Intertwined Forces of Art and Technology

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/35 , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

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    10 mins
  • From Moonlight Cyanotypes to AI Deepfakes: Art’s Crossroads with Tech
    Dec 31 2024

    In the latest episode of "The Intersect of Art and Tech," our hosts take you through the intricate and often surprising intersections where art and technology meet. Showcasing Juergen Berkessel's Issue 34 of the newsletter, we unravel how emerging technologies are shaping artistic expressions, from Riley Walls' digital archaeology using forgotten YouTube clips to Ala Ebtekar's mesmerizing cyanotypes crafted with moonlight and pages from centuries-old books.

    Throughout this episode, we explore the ethical conundrums and societal impacts of AI, such as the controversy of deepfakes and the new protective tool called Glaze, aimed at safeguarding artists' unique styles. We also delve into public art projects in Saudi Arabia, examining different funding models and their implications for creative freedom. Whether it’s the visceral performance art critiquing AI's dehumanizing potential or the blending of analog and digital aesthetics in modern paintings, this episode offers a multifaceted look at how art and technology are in constant dialogue, challenging and inspiring us in unexpected ways. Tune in for an engaging journey through art and tech's dynamic interplay.

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/34 , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

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    18 mins
  • The Past’s Future: What Retro Tech Art Tells Us About Now
    Dec 24 2024

    We explore the dynamic ways in which historical visions of the future shape our present creative landscape. Juergen Berkessel's latest newsletter provides the backbone for an engaging discussion, delving into the intersection of AI’s practical uses in design, the evolving nature of traditional art forms in the digital age, and the predictive power of retro-tech art. From the innovative AI-driven installations at Taiwan Design Week to Carmen Mackler Holler's digitally inspired poster designs, our hosts examine how these creative endeavors echo and reinterpret past expectations of the future.

    Join us as we journey through thought-provoking topics such as the historical context of AI in art, exemplified by pioneers like Harold Cohen, and the rise of parametric architecture and generative AI photography, which challenge conventional definitions of creativity and functionality. With insights into exhibitions like "Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet" at the Tate Modern and groundbreaking uses of AI in storytelling and authentication, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how past predictions shape current artistic innovations. Tune in to discover what retro tech art tells us about our present and future creative possibilities.

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/33 , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

    1. Introduction and Overview [00:00:00]
    2. AI's Impact on Design at Taiwan Design Week [00:00:32]
    3. Carmen Mackler Holler's Digital Age Posters [00:01:59]
    4. Electric Dreams Exhibition at the Tate Modern [00:03:27]
    5. Parametric Architecture [00:05:03]
    6. AI Photography and Charlie Ingman [00:06:37]
    7. Photorealistic 3D Italian City Scene [00:08:01]
    8. Canva's Integration of AI Tools [00:09:49]
    9. AI-Based Authentication in Art [00:10:23]
    10. Urgency of Embracing AI Tools [00:12:01]
    11. Sign Off [00:13:17]:

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    14 mins
  • Stories Behind Faces: Portraits in a Digital World
    Dec 20 2024

    Art and technology are increasingly intertwined, raising significant questions about the nature of creativity and the role of human artists in a world where AI-generated works are becoming commonplace. This episode explores the implications of AI in music, highlighting the provocative idea that if listeners can't discern the creator—be it human or machine—does it matter who made it? We also discuss the backlash against Spotify's AI-driven features and how technology can enhance or detract from personal artistic experiences. Additionally, we examine innovative projects like virtual museum tours and installations that challenge our understanding of art and its accessibility. Join us as we navigate this complex intersection, reflecting on how technological advancements shape artistic expression and our emotional connections to art.

    Find the latest episode at https://theintersect.art/issues/32 , and sign up for the newsletter at The Intersect of Tech and Art website

    Takeaways:

    • The conversation highlights how technology is transforming the creation and perception of art.
    • AI's role in music raises questions about the importance of the creator's identity.
    • Spotify's attempt to personalize user experience with AI resulted in a generic outcome.
    • Robot theater showcases the blend of performance art and technology in innovative ways.
    • Art created from recycled electronics prompts reflection on waste and sustainability issues.
    • Virtual museums democratize access to cultural artifacts, but questions about authenticity arise.

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    22 mins
  • Art's New Frontiers: From Promptography to Gaming Worlds
    Dec 10 2024

    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 Age

    One 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 Artists

    Transitioning 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 Scene

    In contrast to the gloom surrounding the UK art scene, Australia’s contemporary art scene is thriving,...

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    13 mins