Observations and Categorisations of Art Practices Associated with AI

Abstract

In this paper I set out to present a series of categories for artists working with and about Artificial Intelligence [AI]. My approach is more observational than rigidly taxonomic. Having the opportunity to curate a substantial exhibition on this topic, I undertook a year long program of research which encompassed and extended into lengthy conversations with many artists working internationally in the field. This culminated in the exhibition “Future Intelligence” at Tank Museum, Shanghai, 13 December 2019 to 5 January 2020. A number of distinct themes and sub-themes became apparent through this research: Aesthetic and Philosophical, Representation, Identity and Self Awareness, AI and A-life, and Interpretation and Narrative are the major themes. As one would expect, many of the artists and their works explore multiple themes. Additionally, as with all media art practice, artists utilise a large range of diverse approaches to the application of interfaces for audience engagement and interaction, hence I have briefly examined these structurally but not within the thematics. I make specific reference to many, but not all of the artworks that featured in the exhibition as well as a number of other artists and artworks. The paper also presents somewhat of a limited survey of current international practice over the last three years, without attempting to be exhaustive. A more exhaustive list of artists working with AI can be found at AIArtists.org; the global directory of artists working in this field [1].