AI, algorithms and art: Storytelling

"Attention all artists and tech enthusiasts! The University for Applied Arts is proud to announce a new theory class, "AI, Algorithms, and Art," that will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, algorithms, and creative expression from both a practical and critical perspective.

In this thought-provoking class, students will learn about the latest developments in AI and how they can be harnessed to create cutting-edge works of art. They will also engage in discussions about the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI, including issues of privacy, bias, and the impact on employment and society.

Through hands-on projects, discussion and collaboration with their peers, students will develop an understanding of how algorithms and AI can be used to enhance the creative process while also critically examining the role of technology in art and society.

The class will culminate in a final exhibition showcasing the diverse and innovative works produced by the students. This exhibition will provide a platform for students to share their perspectives on the use of AI in art and its impact on society.

Don't miss this chance to expand your skill set and challenge yourself in a new and exciting way! Sign up for "AI, Algorithms, and Art" today!" , is how the A.I. language model ChatGPT would announce a critical theory class titled "AI, algorithms and art" at the University for Applied Arts as of February, 13th 2023.

---

How can we as creators, whether as artists, designers or curators, prepare an event that AI researcher Stuart Russell simply calls "The Biggest Event in Human History" in meangingful ways?

In this research seminar, we will investigate critical approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithms in science and art. We will read research papers and monographs, watch films and discuss artworks together.

We will look at storytelling as an artistic method and work with tools such as ChatGPT, BlueWillow or Stable Diffusion. We will then present the results during the Angewandte Festival and possibly in other contexts.

We will look AI tools (like Open Dall E 2 or Chat GPT) that produce texts, images or videos in terms of the problems they may cause in terms of what is art-making, image-production, etc.  rather than simply exploring them as tools. 

We will ask historical questions, for instance: What were the earliest algorithms and the earliest automats? What were they designed to do? We will adress socio-political and ethical dimensions of the massive use of algorithms and so-called "AI", for instance: How does algorithmitic decision-making affect fairness and social justice? When would we say that AI has acquired personhood and the ensuing rights?

At each stage, we will look at facts, theory and fiction and try to come to a well-argued position.

The aim is to prepare students to contribute to shaping society as active citizens  and artists. The seminar will therefore be strongly intertwined with the seminar on the same topic given by Claudia Larcher (Digitale Bilder - Analoger Raum 1) and if you wish to develop your art alongside your theory, we recommend that you take both. The theoretical discussions from Monday morning will be the basis for artistic experiments Monday afternoon.

Here are a few suggestions for what might appear in such an exhibition that were again generated with ChatGPT: 

1. Futuristic narratives: A series of short stories or narrative vignettes that imagine what the future of AI and storytelling might look like. These narratives could explore themes such as the role of AI in the creative process, the impact of AI on human authors and artists, and the potential consequences of AI-generated content.

2. Interactive installations: An interactive installation that invites visitors to engage with AI in a creative and imaginative way, imagining what the future of AI-powered storytelling might look like.

3. Concept art: A series of concept art pieces that visualize the future of AI and storytelling, imagining new forms of storytelling that are enabled by AI technology.

4. Thought experiments: A series of thought experiments that encourage visitors to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of AI in storytelling, such as the question of whether AI-generated content can be considered "art" and what the responsibilities of creators and consumers of AI-generated content might be.

These conceptual pieces could be created using a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, digital media, and performance art. The goal is to stimulate visitors' imaginations and encourage them to think about the future of AI and storytelling in new and innovative ways.

 

Regular participation, 

Realizing collaborative and/or personal works in relationship to the seminar topic.

 

The seminar takes place on Monday mornings. The last sessions are longer.