Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513149
12 7.12.2023 Alexiei Dingli Prof Alexiei Dingli is a Professor of AI at the University of Malta and has been conducting research and working in the field of AI for more than two decades, assisting different companies to implement AI solutions. He forms part of the Malta.AI task-force, set up by the Maltese government, aimed at making Malta one of the top AI countries in the world OPINION Hybrid masterpieces blending brushstrokes and pixels T he world of art is standing at the edge of a revolution, one not seen since the days of the Renaissance or the advent of photography. is rev- olution is powered by artificial intelli- gence (AI), which is set to redefine what it means to create, experience, and ap- preciate art. is transition is brilliantly encapsulated in the "Hybrid" exhibition at Esplora, a groundbreaking event that marries traditional artistic techniques with the tremendous capabilities of AI. e exhibition, featuring the work of 21 Maltese artists, is a testament to the collaborative potential between human creativity and technological innovation. Each artist provided a painting and a corresponding prompt, fed into an AI to create novel images. ese hybrid crea- tions, a blend of original artwork and AI interpretation, challenge the traditional boundaries of art, inviting viewers into a new era of artistic expression. But the "Hybrid" exhibition is more than a showcase of art; it demon- strates how AI is democratizing the act of creation. In this new artistic landscape, the skill of crafting de- scriptive prompts is becoming as vi- tal as the stroke of a brush. This shift marks a significant transformation in artistic creation, allowing for unprec- edented accessibility and personali- zation in art. People from all walks of life are now empowered to create and bring their visions to life through the power of words, translated into visual art by AI. This democratization is not confined to visual arts; it extends into music, where AI algorithms compose melodies, creating an ever-evolving soundscape that caters to the listen- er's mood and setting. In the modern Artist studio, remi- niscent of the classical Bottega, the role of the apprentice has undergone a digital transformation. Here, AI bots have replaced aspiring artists, echoing the learning environment of those historic workshops. These dig- ital learners, akin to new-age appren- tices in the school of Caravaggio, are being meticulously trained to absorb and replicate the unique styles of their creators. This evolving partnership between the artist and AI is reminis- cent of the master-apprentice rela- tionships of the past, yet it opens up unprecedented creative territories. In this digital bottega, AI does not merely imitate; it learns through ma- chine learning, evolving to become a creative collaborator that extends and enriches the artist's vision, expanding the realm of what can be envisioned and realized in art. The influence of AI in art breaks through the constraints of time and mortality, introducing the concept of a digital artist in residence. This is a space where an artist can exist with- in a digital frame in your home, re- gardless of whether they are alive or have passed. Imagine conversing with a digital representation of Michelan- gelo, discussing his historical master- pieces or even involving him in new endeavours such as digitally painting a modern take of the creation of Adam in your house's interior. These virtual artists merge the wisdom of historical context with the spark of contempo- rary creativity, enhancing our com- prehension and appreciation of art. This collaboration between AI and human artists is giving birth to new styles and forms of expression. The melding of algorithmic complexity with human emotion and creativity is not just a visual feast but a continual evolution in artistic expression. These new styles challenge our perceptions of art, continually pushing the bound- aries and expanding our understand- ing of what art can be. Interactivity is another dimension that AI and technologies like Aug- mented Reality (AR) and Virtual Re- ality (VR) bring to art. Artworks are no longer passive subjects but active participants in a dialogue. This new art form transforms the viewer's role, making the experience more inclusive and dynamic. For instance, consider an AR application that allows users to step into a painting and explore it from the inside. As they move around, they can inter- act with the elements of the artwork, each interaction revealing a different layer of the story. Similarly, VR can create immersive art experiences, al- lowing users to walk through virtu- al art galleries or even step into the artist's shoes while making the piece. Engaging with art becomes a conver- sation, where each interaction offers a personalized and ever-changing expe- rience. When artists create a portrait, they traditionally capture a moment in time, a physical representation of the subject. However, with the advent of AI, this concept is being revolution- ized. Artists can infuse their por- traits with personality, backstory, and emotions. When you interact with an AI-enhanced picture, you're not just observing a static image but engaging in a dialogue. You can ask questions, and the portrait, powered by AI, can respond, revealing aspects of its char- acter and history. This means that the artist is not just creating a visual piece but a multi-dimensional entity with depth and complexity. It's much more than just a painting; it's an immersive experience that allows you to delve into the thoughts and vision of the artist in ways never explored before. This transformative approach to art opens up new avenues for artistic ex- pression and audience engagement. However, with AI's integration into art, new ethical considerations arise. Questions of originality, authorship, and the definition of art are more rel- evant than ever in this AI-augmented landscape. Navigating this landscape requires thoughtful and ongoing dis- course, balancing technological in- novation with ethical responsibility. The possibilities are limitless as we embark on this journey into an AI-en- hanced artistic future. This fusion of technology and creativity promises a world where art is more accessible, personal, and interactive. We are not just observers of this new art but ac- tive participants, constantly redefin- ing the experience and essence of cre- ativity in this exciting new era.