What Kind of AI Do We Want? Bringing Artistic and Technological Practices Together

Abstract

This is a joint module for BFA students (ZHdK) and BA students of Computer Science (ETH) to bring together artistic and technological perspectives taking place in both universities. Our starting point is to consider «Artificial Intelligence» (AI) as a historical-material practice, that is, shaped by the concrete conditions of its development and use.

Objective

The course will be primarily in English, with occasional German. We will address the current discourse within our democratically shaped society around AI. The main topics will be: ◦ AI personas, personhood, agents ◦ ecology, subjectivity ◦ history of AI, (de)colonial practices ◦ non-Western, indigenous, marginalized AI ◦ creating with/ about AI The students get to know a completely new field (art ←→ computer science). They have tested how inspiring interdisciplinary collaboration can be and applied their newly acquired knowledge by designing a practice-oriented project/ AI+Art prototype in mixed groups. In addition, they take away with them the social and ecological contribution that can be made with ML. At the end of the seminar, interdisciplinary teams will develop concepts for joint practice-related projects in AI and art.

Content

The module consists of presentations covering topics like ◦ AI personas, personhood, agents ◦ ecology, subjectivity ◦ history of AI, (de)colonial practices ◦ non-Western, indigenous, marginalized AI ◦ creating with/ about AI The presentations will be discussed in depth and key publications from computer science and art/theory will be read and discussed. Experts from the different fields and artists will be invited and selected artworks will be discussed. At the end of the module, interdisciplinary teams will develop concepts for joint practice-oriented and artistic projects. Invited experts: - Dr. Alexandre R. Puttick, Data Science Researcher, Writer and Educator based in Biel/Berlin - Prof. Ranjodh Singh Dhaliwal, University of Basel - Dr. Kebene Wodajo, ETH

Resources