Hello friends!
Welcome back to "SIGNALS"!
In this edition, we delve into the role of artificial intelligence in creative work and reflect on the enduring influence of Bernd and Hilla Becher.
Love from,
Nastassja & Christian
SERIES
SHOP
ART AND ALGORITHMS
Artificial intelligence serves as a powerful tool, much like the camera is an essential tool in photography. A photographer can produce numerous photos quickly, but it is always the person behind the camera who decides what is in focus and what story is being told. The same applies to AI: it allows us to work more efficiently and explore new creative paths, but it is our artistic vision and intentions that guide the way.
Art history shows that new technologies often lead to innovative forms of expression. The introduction of paint tubes made en plein air painting possible, transforming landscape art. Screen printing revolutionized Pop Art, creating new avenues for artistic mass production. Similarly, AI opens up new possibilities by offering us both precise control and room for random, surprising elements.
While each new technology is exciting, it does not replace artistic intent. Instead, it expands the range of expressive possibilities, helping us realize our creative visions in new and unexpected ways. AI doesn’t lift a finger without our input.
However, as we embrace these new tools, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between the innovative possibilities they offer and the timeless principles that underlie meaningful creative work. As highlighted in Austin Kleon's Keep Going, creativity thrives on consistency and routine, not on the latest technology alone. AI can augment our abilities, but it is our commitment to the creative process—day after day, project after project—that truly drives artistic achievement.
Moreover, the interplay between human creativity and technology is not a zero-sum game. As emphasized in Lewis Hyde’s The Gift, art exists both in a market and as a gift. AI can enhance our output, but the essence of art lies in its ability to connect with others on a deep, human level. This connection is what transforms our work from mere production into something of lasting value, something that resonates and impacts the viewer or audience.
In conclusion, AI, like any tool, is only as good as how we use it. It can help us reach new heights in our art, but ultimately, the depth of our inner creative force determines the true impact of our work.
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Bernd and Hilla Becher taught us the power of viewing the world through a focused, repetitive lens. Their work, meticulously documenting industrial structures, shows that perseverance and consistency are key to capturing the essence of a subject. In a time when rapid change and digital innovation dominate our lives, the Bechers remind us of the value of patiently and steadfastly finding beauty in the overlooked. Their legacy inspires us not to be swept away by the pace of the world but to consistently pursue our vision.
FOUND
Kou Yamamoto is a dancer, musician, programmer, choreographer, dramaturg, and graphic designer, based in Kyoto, Japan.
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