Applications are now open for The Bigger Picture, an exhibition series developed as the result of an exploratory program addressing public perceptions and misconceptions surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of Visual and Fine Art.
Background
Current images associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) lean heavily on science fiction clichés like glowing circuits, futuristic robots, and complex digital networks. While these visuals can be eye-catching, they are also misleading, making AI seem like a distant fantasy rather than showing its real impact on society, creativity, and daily life.
This opportunity calls for the submission of images either directly depicting or exploring the representation of AI beyond the classic tropes of ‘glowing brains’, ‘sentient robots’ and ‘dystopian futures’, under the theme of:
We encourage artists to submit artworks that respond to this theme. Artists are invited to engage with this theme through a variety of processes, but we ask that submissions do not use AI-generation technologies in their development as we are actively trying to avoid algorithmic influences in the design of this human interpreted collection about AI.
We are hoping to create an informed, nuanced collection of images influenced by insights gained during a series of hands-on creativity and AI workshops held in Cork and Dublin. We encourage artists looking to apply to consider some key topics that emerged during these experiences when developing their works, which include:
Everyday uses of AI
AI is seamlessly integrated into many aspects of our day-to-day lives through applications like voice assistants (e.g. Siri, Alexa), recommendation algorithms (on platforms like Netflix and Spotify) and chatbots (e.g. for customer service). AI powers navigation and weather apps. It also helps optimise online shopping experiences, enables smart home devices and supports health tracking in wearable technology.
Check out these introductory videos about Living with Algorithms and the Internet of Things (both from Tactical Tech).
AI is human
AI is a product of human innovation. The technology is built by humans, deployed (or used) by humans and trained on human-generated data. The actions, decisions and outputs of AI are influenced by the data and algorithms provided by humans. This means that the biases and ethical considerations of AI systems can be reflections of their human creators – for better or for worse. To hear more about this, check out this radio interview with Dr Abeba Birhane on what we need to know about AI.
The complex nature of AI makes it hard to explain
While AI is often depicted as linear and clinical, the reality is that AI is complex and hard to explain. AI needs very large datasets to learn from. These datasets can introduce biases, inaccuracies and unpredictable outcomes. AI systems can struggle with context and nuance. This can lead to errors in tasks like language processing and image generation. The complexity of AI can create ethical dilemmas and introduce challenges of accountability and transparency. Read this article to understand the complex nature of chatbots. To understand the importance of data and how it relates to AI read this article.
Framing
▪️The call will remain open from September 27th to October 20th, 2024. Successful applicants will have their selected works showcased in Cork and Dublin as part of Science Week and Beta Festival 2024.
▪️In order to encourage artists from all career stages, we have devised a two-strand application which will see interested parties applying either as Professional Artists or students. The judging process will take into account the difference in experience of both strands, and both will be compensated accordingly for their contribution.
▪️Our aim is to support five artists from each strand. Each successful Professional artist will be awarded €360 for their contribution. Students will be compensated €120.
▪️There is an opportunity for submitted images to be published under Creative Commons 4.0 licence in the Better Images of AI library. If you are interested in this additional opportunity, there are some additional criteria you will need to keep in mind.
Read more about that here: Inclusion in the Better Images of AI library: Additional
How to submit
To submit your entry, please use the provided JotForm link. Please include the following information with your submission:
Technical Considerations
Art created digitally: Please create your file as an A2 size, either portrait or landscape. Ensure that the file is CMYK colour mode and 300dpi. Save and submit as a PDF.
Art created by hand: For ease of scanning we would recommend creating a piece of art which is no bigger than the size of your flatbed scanner (usually A4). Scan at the highest resolution which your scanner allows, preferably higher than 300dpi. Save and submit as a PDF. For art which is bigger than a flatbed scanner please photograph in a studio or in daylight and crop as appropriate. Save and submit as a PDF.
If you have any questions about the submission, we encourage you to get in touch with us: [email protected]
Team: The Bigger Picture project is Emma Clarke, Nic Flanagan, Faye Murphy, Tania Duarte and Helen Sheridan.
With backgrounds spanning creative industries, academic research and public engagement, the team is committed to bridging the gap between technology and society, encouraging dialogue and inspiring new ways of thinking about AI through art.
The Bigger Picture is funded through the Science Week 2024 call.
