Ted Talks Daily – In the age of AI art, what can originality look like? | Eileen Isagon Skyers

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, Eileen Isagon Skyers explores the world of AI art and its impact on creativity. She delves into the different perspectives on AI and its role in the artistic process. Through conversations with artists Anna Ridler and Helena Sarin Silver, Skyers uncovers the unique ways in which AI is expanding creative possibilities and challenging traditional notions of originality.

Main Takeaways

AI Art and Creative Possibilities

• AI art is expanding creative possibilities beyond human imagination.
• AI can produce visuals that are familiar yet strikingly unfamiliar.

Perspectives on AI and Creativity

• There are two schools of thought regarding AI and creativity: pessimists see AI as a threat, while optimists see it as an extension of creativity.

The Curation Process in AI Art

• AI art is a form of curation, where artists select from hundreds of images at a time.

The Evolution of AI Art

• Some artists intentionally collaborate with AI to produce their art, and their process is constantly evolving as the tools evolve.

Masking and Transforming Techniques in AI Art

• Artist Anna Ridler uses masking and transforming techniques to create portraits, likening it to glazing in oil painting.

Language and Understanding in AI Art

• Artist Helena Sarin Silver feeds AI images from one model into another, creating new forms of language and understanding for the machine.
• Silver’s work is a blend of master painting and digital art, pulling inspiration from famous artists like Sargent, De Morgan, and Klimt.

Different AI Models and Languages

• Different AI models are trained on different sets of information, making it almost like they’re speaking different languages.

Cultural Literacy in AI Art

• To be culturally literate in new kinds of images and predictions, we should look to the work of artists who collaborate with AI.
• We need to brace ourselves for an increasingly technological future.

Summary

AI Art and Creative Possibilities

AI art is pushing the boundaries of creative possibilities. Through AI algorithms, visuals are generated that are both familiar and strikingly unfamiliar, challenging our perceptions of what art can be.

Perspectives on AI and Creativity

There are differing opinions on the role of AI in creativity. Pessimists view AI as a threat, fearing the loss of human artistic expression. Optimists, on the other hand, see AI as an extension of human creativity, offering new tools and techniques to explore.

The Curation Process in AI Art

AI art involves a curation process where artists select from a vast pool of images. By curating and combining these images, artists create unique compositions that reflect their artistic vision.

The Evolution of AI Art

Artists who collaborate with AI constantly adapt their process as the technology evolves. They embrace the evolving tools and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in art creation.

Masking and Transforming Techniques in AI Art

Artist Anna Ridler employs masking and transforming techniques in her AI art, drawing parallels to the glazing process in oil painting. These techniques allow her to create intricate and layered portraits.

Language and Understanding in AI Art

Artist Helena Sarin Silver explores the intersection of language and AI art. By feeding images from one AI model into another, she creates new forms of language and understanding for the machine. Her work combines elements of master painting and digital art, paying homage to renowned artists.

Different AI Models and Languages

AI models are trained on different sets of information, resulting in variations in their generated outputs. This diversity in AI “languages” adds to the richness and complexity of AI art.

Cultural Literacy in AI Art

As AI art becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential to be culturally literate in understanding and appreciating these new forms of artistic expression. Artists who collaborate with AI provide valuable insights into this evolving field, helping us navigate the intersection of art and technology.

Conclusion

The age of AI art brings forth new possibilities and challenges for creativity. By embracing AI as a tool, artists expand their creative horizons and create art that pushes the boundaries of imagination. As AI continues to evolve, it is important for us to adapt and appreciate the cultural significance of AI art in shaping our technological future.