UWAS-C0025 - Art and Artificial Intelligence, 06.05.2019-17.05.2019

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Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students get acquainted with posthuman thought and transdisciplinary approach to artistic, societal and philosophical questions concerning artificial intelligence. The topics include current AI technologies, post- and transhumanism and sensing machines in artistic practice. During the course, the discussion is raised from the students' disciplines in dialogue with the readings. The students get an overarching experience of transdisciplinary practice towards complex phenomena. The course includes an exhibition.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 06.05.2019 - 17.05.2019

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Jaana Okulov, Tim Smith

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Kasperi Mäki-Reinikka, Kasperi Mäki-Reinikka, Juuso Tervo

Contact information for the course (valid 07.03.2019-21.12.2112):Teacher: Kasperi Mäki-Reinikka (kasperi.maki-reinikka(a)aalto.fi)

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Art and AI is a course for anyone interested in the artistic possibilities of AI-systems. Art made with AI has a distinct aesthetic quality that divides opinions. What role does the artist have in computer-generated artwork? How the co-evolution of human and machine affect art? Course discusses the ethical, aesthetic and social dimensions of artificial intelligence and machine learning in relation to arts. Through shared discussion, reading, technological practices and artistic work we propose possible futures for AI. Material and sensory nature of the machine is discussed as a starting point for understanding it in a new light.

    Course includes lectures, group presentations and artistic work. During the course students will create artistic proposals of possible futures of AI. The course ends with an exhibition put together from these proposals.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The first week is dedicated on building a common ground
    with discussions, readings and lectures. During the second week emphasis
    is on artistic work, the teacher is present for questions and feedback.
    During the course students will create artistic proposals of possible
    futures of AI. The course ends with an exhibition put together from
    these proposals.

    Exhibition, titled "Other Intelligences" will open in
    Kipsari lobby gallery in Väre on Friday 17.5.

    Art and AI is a course for
    anyone interested in the artistic possibilities of AI-systems. Art made
    with AI has a distinct aesthetic quality to it that divides opinions.
    What role does the artist have in computer-generated artwork? How the
    co-evolution of human and machine affects art? Course discusses the
    ethical, aesthetic and social dimensions of artificial intelligence and
    machine learning in relation to arts. During the course we examine how
    artists are using these tools to create interesting and perplexing
    artworks and discuss both the current AI-systems as well as speculate
    the possible futures. Come and create your own artwork with or about AI!

    “If I were an AI, what would I be like?” -Lauren MacCarthy

    -

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Attendance 20% of the grade
    Participation in class 20% of the grade
    Final work 60% of the grade.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    How to pass?

    80% attendance in lectures

    Exercises submitted

    Participation in the exhibition (final project)

    Evaluation: Teacher gives feedback on artistic quality of work. Peer evaluation. Emphasis on the inventive nature of the artwork, not on the technical skill.

Workload

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact teaching 36h
    Group work 42h
    Independent work 57h

    80% attendance required

  • Applies in this implementation:


DETAILS

Study Material

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Art and AI literature. Open AI tools. Online AI platforms.

Prerequisites

  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    No prerequisites

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    17 Partnerships for the Goals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule

  • Applies in this implementation:

    Timetable

    Mon 6.5. Intro to Art and Artificial Intelligence
    Course overview
    Getting to know each other
    Brief intro to Art and AI

    Tue 7.5 What is AI/Art anyway?
    What is Artificial Intelligence?
    What is Art?
    Towards AI-Art

    Wed 8.5. Currents in AI Art
    AI Art (Current gen)
    Convolutional Neural Networks and GAN’s
    Avant-garde and AI

    Thur 9.5. Utopias and Dystopias
    Transhumanism
    Singularity

    Utopias and Dystopias

    Fri 10.5. Other Intelligences
    Posthumanism
    Object oriented ontology
    Sensory-material nature of the machine
    Exhibition brief

    WKND

    Mon 13.5. Independent work

    Tue 14.5. Towards an exhibition
    Feedback
    Forming a shared vision
    Divide the work

    Wed 15.5.  Work work work
    Independent work, teacher present

    Thur 16.5. Feedback
    Building the exhibition
    Last critique & feedback
    Feedback from the course

    Fri 17.5. Opening night
    Building the exhibition
    Exhibition opening

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof