7×7 model A deeper collaboration between art and science

The intersection of art and technology has been in the news a lot lately. Whatever the headline, it could be the “next frontier.” Or where cultural innovation occurs. On some days, new job titles (such as Curator of Digital Initiatives) may be created. And even though artists have been experimenting with new technology since the dawn of technology itself, it always feels bright, shiny, optimistic, and most importantly, new.

And therein lies the challenge we face when we consider what exactly is going on at this much-hyped intersection. On the one hand, the phrase seems broadly applicable to everything from NFTs and Refik Anadolu’s ever-changing work to the kind of immersive installations pioneered by Sandro Keleselidze’s Artek House . On the other hand, what reportedly exists at the intersection of art and technology seems oddly limited. At these crossroads, there is computer-generated art and technology-inspired art, but little science.

In other words, far more digital art seems to be created at the intersection of art and technology than at the radical combination of art and science. Although there are many notable examples of art inspiring scientific discoveries, it may be that people are simply more open to art borrowing from science and engineering than vice versa. yeah. For example, Niels Bohr drew inspiration from the Cubist works of Jean Metzinger in developing the non-intuitive complementarity principle of quantum mechanics.

Although the claim that the line between science and art is artificial sounds hyperbolic, both scientists and artists are dreamers who devote their creative energies to unraveling the world’s mysteries and building new ones. is.It is logical to think about what is the intersection of art and technology did it The focus seems to be on deep collaboration, rather than using either as a source of inspiration.

Modeling stronger synergies between art and science

On a Saturday in late January, scientists, engineers, artists, and curious minds gathered at the New Museum in New York City for the reopening of Seven on Seven (7×7). This event demonstrated what happens when seven engineers and seven artists work together. Past participants include some interesting figures in the fields of art and technology. Tumblr founder David Karp, internet entrepreneur Jonah Peretti, Humanitarian Technology Center Azara Skin… emerging media artist Tabita Lesaire, video artist Hittsteyer, performance and installation artist Martine Sims. In 2015, Ai Weiwei collaborated with hacker Jacob Appelbaum. This year, the Boston Dynamics spot took the stage with dancer Mo She Mendel as part of a collaboration between Boston Dynamics’ Director of Human-Robot Interaction David Robert and artists Miriam Symon and Hannah Rossi.

Collaboration between scientists and artists takes many forms. Arts-based communication can make science more accessible. New technology becomes a medium in the hands of artists. What is less common is ios Referred to in the article as “art science,” it involves “artists and scientists working together in interdisciplinary ways to ask questions, design experiments, and formulate knowledge.” Organized by born-digital arts and culture organization Rhizome, 7×7 showcases art science in design. According to this year’s producer and co-curator Xinlan Yuan, for the public, seeing the collaboration between artists and scientists in action is as much about seeing the final product as it is about seeing the collaboration between artists and scientists in action. is important.

The results were fascinating and surprisingly moving. Christina Agapakis, head of creative at Ginkgo Bioworks, and her artist girlfriend Xin Liu’s lactic yeast was a standout. However, I personally wish each duo’s presentations were longer. Other Her 7×7 participants in 2024 include Eugenia Kuida, her CEO and founder of Replika AI, and artist and filmmaker Lynn Hershman Leeson. I did. Nym Technologies CEO and co-founder Harry Halpin and artist Tomas Saraceno. Runway CEO and co-founder Cristóbal Valenzuela and comedian, author, and actor Ana Fabrega. engineer and entrepreneur Alan Sterrenberg and artist Lyndon Johnson. Quantum physicist Dr. Stephon Alexander collaborates with comedian, artist, and musician Reggie Watts.

The focus of this year’s event was AI, specifically the role it could play in our lives in the future. This has become a red-hot topic in the art world, given the emergence of a tool that many artists claim is at best a plagiarism machine, and at worst a life-threatening tool.

At the end of a fascinating and pleasantly optimistic talk about the potential of artificial intelligence as well as music, Watts said, “We’re living in a really dangerous time in human history right now, and it’s great to be involved with AI.” I’m glad,” he said. Improvisational creation is also possible. However, he was realistic about the role artists should play in the development of technology. “I think it’s important for artists and technologists, especially artists, to stay ahead of the curve…Even if you come to the conclusion, ‘This isn’t for me,’ you can sit down at the table and be able to pivot.” It is important to express your opinion. This is the most helpful direction. ”

Simun also feels it is important to consider the question of what our future will look like with AI. “The question I asked during the performance was: What if we defined intelligence more than how good someone/something is? I knowand rather about how well they work react In an unexpected, ambiguous and uncertain situation? ” she told the Observer. “If this is the standard that defines intelligence, how can we build robots and AI differently?”

What scientists can gain by collaborating with artists

We are culturally accustomed to art based on science, but less accustomed to science based on art. This means you may be missing out on innovation opportunities. Matthias C. Lillig, a professor of ecology at the Freie Universität Berlin, has been exploring this question in his lab, where he has established an artist-in-residency program, and among the many benefits of art technology he has identified: , pointed out that the generation of ideas was outstanding. . “Unusual terms and connections emerge in conversations with artists,” he wrote last year. “A recent example was the term ‘soundscape stewardship’ that came up in a conversation with Markus Mader,” the paper said. science.

Observer spoke to David Robert shortly after 7×7 about why Boston Dynamics collaborates with artists. “Putting robots in a different context than ‘work’ to earn a living helps us understand what’s possible,” he says. By collaborating with artists, he explained, engineers can understand not only whether people like or dislike robots, but what aspects they like or dislike about robots, which can suggest ways for improvement.

On the other hand, he added, “People always project onto themselves, so it’s hard to design with that in mind.” I’d say Boston Dynamics has done a first-rate job of getting people excited about robots, but it’s difficult in this regard. do not have The anthropomorphic Spot is bright yellow, moves like a happy dog, and can be functionally equipped with arms, making the robot more like a friendly Apatosaurus. She is also currently painting with artist Agnieszka Pilat at this year’s National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Triennale, dancing with BTS, walking the Koperni runway during Paris Fashion Week, and making many children’s and For the first time, adults were shown a real, moving robot at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Science museum.

On the other hand, even with maximum animalization of robots (see, for example, the University of Manitoba’s Pickasnake), people still joke about killbots and the coming robot apocalypse. “It makes perfect sense given the different stories we’ve been brought up with,” Robert said. “Most people have never had direct experience with robots.”

Art can change that. Simun’s 7×7 piece, set to music by Igor Tkachenko and DJ Dede, offered an alternative to the fantasy robots we grew up watching. “I hope that the performance I have created will give the audience a new and different perspective on the introduction of robots into everyday life,” she said. “How are these robots programmed to behave? How do they interact with us? How do they interact with their surroundings? … What kind of relationship do we want with machines and what do they do? What can you get and dream about?”

Ultimately, the answers to these questions depend on the type of dreamers who took to the stage of the New Museum. For them, art is more than an ambassador for science, and technology is more than just an artist’s tool.