Tom Buckingham Shum
Turramurra High School
THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT ARTIST
Time-Based Forms
Digital Video and Audio
Until recently the very 'human' ideas and skill-sets in the creative industries made them unattainable for Artificial Intelligence. However, developments in AI are leading to a new era of art, forcing questions about the possible obsolescence of human creativity. I chose 2D-cell animation for my body of work in homage to the magic of human creativity, with its lengthy processes and complexity contrasting with instantaneous art production by AI. Growth of AI in the creative arts is a blueprint for society, as we absorb ourselves in efficiency over quality, time and effort. Creativity is slowly being removed from our lives.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists and works: Walt Disney; Friz Freleng; Matt Dixon; Florian Satzinger; DALL-E; Cy Twombly; Obvious, Edmond de Belamy.
Marker's Commentary
This body of work provides a humorous look at AI-generated art and creativity. The text-to-speech voice reads a familiar advertising script, selling the viewer on the potential benefits of mass-produced, computer-generated art. The blueprint aesthetic, production flowchart and reference to modernist art demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the current debates about 'creativity'. Ironically, this time-based form utilises traditional animation drawing techniques, reminiscent of early Walt Disney. Yet, the final work is skilfully executed with animation software. The 'critical feedback' of the discriminator character offers a wry commentary about authenticity and popular taste. It could also reference the student's experience of making a HSC body of work, which offers a knowing wink to the markers. Overall, the work is a delightful and sophisticated response to popular culture's anxieties about artificial intelligence, creativity and the role of art as a uniquely human interpretation of the world.