Co-creating With AI: Studio Art Practice On The Precipice Of The Next Terrain

Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Center for the Digital Arts at SUNY Westchester Peekskill
27 North Division Street
Peekskill, NY 10566

A panel discussion exploring the dynamic relationship between artists and evolving technologies in the 21st century. The central question at the heart of the panel discussion revolves around the role of AI in studio art practice.

In the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution, where the trajectory of human-machine collaboration remains uncertain, the discussion aims to explore the potential for a transparent interface, where our bodies become direct transmitters of data across global networks. The discussion will be led by Dr. Sherry Mayo, and will feature panelists Gerry Katzban, Ben Moss, Aaron Porter, Tony Rizzaro, and Joseph Thomas.

While some may view AI as a potential competitor for artist jobs, the panel proposes a more optimistic perspective—that AI can serve as a co-creator, propelling artistic endeavors to new and innovative heights. The dialogue will delve into the delicate balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities to increase efficiency, automate tasks, and synthesize data while ensuring that it enhances rather than eclipses the human element in the creative process.

“In the near immediate future, I see our bodies being our controllers in smart environments using nothing but voice and gesture for interactivity,” said Dr. Mayo, director of SUNY Westchester Peekskill. “I believe as artists we can gain leverage with AI and co-create in a way that can maximize our time, resources, and creativity.”

Panelists participants include Gerry Katzban, a designer who has a diverse background in graphic design, industrial design, environmental studies, and fine art along with a deep interest in science and technology; Ben Moss, who has worked in IT, education, and graphics design with an interdisciplinary focus across art, social studies, and computer science; Aaron Porter, a graphic artist and illustrator who focused on scientific illustration and teaches a broad array of art technology; Tony Rizzaro, serial entrepreneur and technology innovator, 5X CEO and founder, and an AI pioneer; and Joe Thomas, a 3D animator who considers himself a CG generalist, a character and creature artist, and a digital sculptor.

You may contact peekskill@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-7300 for event information and to R.S.V.P. For more information about SUNY Westchester Peekskill’s Center for the Digital Arts, please visit the SUNY Westchester Peekskill webpage.