Artists explore human and AI connection in radical new exhibit

In the United States, an immersive art exhibit titled 'Generation to Generation: Conversing with Kindred Technologies' opened at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan, on Saturday, featuring artists Nathaniel Stern and Sasha Stiles. The exhibit presents six large-scale installations, including a prominent one called 'The E-Waste Land,' which showcases a heap of obsolete consumer electronics. This display aims to highlight the environmental impact of technology, as well as the relationship between humans and the tools they create. The exhibit continues until July 27 and may travel to additional venues afterward. Stern and Stiles have integrated artificial intelligence into their art, blending various media such as sculptures, prints, and music with AI-generated poetry. The human-machine collaboration is exemplified through a distinct font they developed, known as the Neural Network Font Type, which provides an engaging interactive element for visitors who can color and trace this AI-generated font. This approach underscores the artistic exploration of the increasingly intertwined relationship between humanity and technology, fostering a dialogue that encompasses both excitement and concern regarding AI's influence on creativity. Sasha Stiles has contributed her expertise as a poet who has co-founded theVERSEverse, a gallery dedicated to AI-generated poetry. The collaboration involves extensive interaction with AI tools to create works that reflect on classical literature through a modern lens, blending technology and creativity in innovative manners. In her poem, inspired by T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land,' Stiles captures themes of loss and decay while reflecting on the contemporary relevance of technology. Both artists advocate for a nuanced understanding of AI, presenting it not merely as a threat to traditional artistry but as a medium through which new forms of creativity can emerge. They encourage viewers to reflect on the ongoing evolution of artistic practices, driven by advancements in technology, as a shared journey that mirrors the historical development of human expression. The exhibit aims to motivate discussion surrounding the ethical implications and accountability associated with the use of AI in art.