Aesthetics and Politics of Artificial Neural Networks

Machine learning or AI is a general-purpose technology which means that it can be broadly implemented and transforms human and society. Due to its universality AI becomes a great tool for artists and designers, working with peculiar AI-aesthetics. But machine learning is also a part of algorithmic power structure: from digital control to AI decision-making. Artists explore these power structures and ethical issues related to the implementation of AI algorithms.

During the workshop we will examine different artistic approaches: from AI aesthetics to research-based methodology and develop critical perspective to technology through the hands-on experience with Machine Learning architectures such as StyleGAN and LSTM. Participants of the workshop are invited to travel the distance from an intuitive interest in AI to transforming this interest into the project’s idea, followed by the selection of an instrument and a form.

Instructor: Helena Nikonole (www.nikonole.com), artist, curator and educator specializing on AI and art.

The structure of the workshop:

1. Introduction

2. Lecture: Aesthetics and Politics of AI

3. hands-on: AI and text. Introduction to Google Colab. LSTM architecture.

4. hands-on: AI and images. Hacking of StyleGAN2 architecture.

5. Presentations of the ideas and open discussion

When & Where:

September 17, 11:00-12:15 – Artist lecture, Lipsius 123 (open to everyone)

13:00-16:00 – Workshop, Lipsius 126 (upon registration)

Requirements: basic computer skills, no prior experience of working with AI or programming is needed. Computers are provided by the organizers.

Language: English

Please register for participation by sending an email to Sanne van de Haar (s.m.van.de.haar@hum.leidenuniv.nl) by September 14, briefly introducing yourself and your motivation for taking place in the workshop (2-3 sentences).