AI: A tool to master, not a substitute for our creativity

The debate on generative AI should shift from its potential to replace us to our attitude toward this technology. Are we choosing to be actors or spectators? This distinction is vital, determining whether AI becomes a tool to enhance our intelligence or a substitute that diminishes it.

Contrary to popular belief, AI is not an omniscient entity providing perfect answers or generating flawless content instantaneously. My experience training 27 professionals vividly highlighted the challenges in adapting this tool to the specific needs of each individual. Human expertise remains crucial for achieving relevant results.

Linguistic diversity poses a significant challenge for AI. The research by Shana Kleiner and Prof. Jessi Grieser on African American English (AAL) showcases the current limitations of language models. How can we preserve the richness of our local expressions and “street language” against an AI driven by uniform linguistic standards? What will be the role of our academicians if our written language is dictated by overseas corporations? These questions raise critical issues of identity, representation, and power in the digital era.

Prof. James K. Wong emphasizes that the values embedded in AI are often defined by a small group without public consensus. This raises concerns about the future of our languages and, consequently, our ways of thinking. Are we not risking an Orwellian uniformity reminiscent of “Newspeak”?

To tackle these challenges, let’s envision the creation of “community AI funds.” These funds would act as guardians of digital identity, enabling communities and individuals to actively contribute to their representation in AI. Dr. Kevin Mills from MIT reminds us, “Users have an interest in technological freedom and should participate in a distributed process rather than having a vision imposed on them.” Although this system might have its own biases, it would better align with our expectations and be applicable on various scales, from local to national.

Dr. Wong encourages us to become “epistemic actors.” This approach proposes a balance between technological progress and the preservation of identity, reaffirming that authenticity and diversity are invaluable, even in the digital realm. By doing so, we honor the richness of human experience while reducing algorithmic biases, fostering a constructive dialogue between technology and cultural diversity.

It is time to rethink our role in the development of AI, not as passive spectators but as engaged actors in shaping our digital future.

Dimitri Daniloff

#AI #LinguisticDiversity #AIethics #CreativeInnovation #DigitalIdentity

The debate over copyright and the use of artistic works for the training of generative artificial intelligence is more relevant than ever. In the digital age, it is crucial to value and fairly recognize creators, especially as the boundaries between original creation and reproduction by AI become increasingly blurred. Recently, a YouTube tutorial revealed a shocking practice: a Midjourney user openly shared a list of artists whose styles the AI can imitate to create works "in the manner of." This revelation is not just a matter of technology surpassing ethical norms; it reflects a blatant disregard for copyright, verging on cultural "pillage." Yet, it is also clear that generative AI models, such as those developed by OpenAI or Stability AI, necessarily rely on vast datasets that include copyrighted works. As highlighted in a statement by OpenAI to the British Parliament, these data are essential for training AIs that meet current needs. This clearly indicates that any future business model for these technologies must inevitably consider the contributions of original creators. In this context, imagine an approach that harmonizes respect for copyright with the needs of technological innovation: the creation of an integrated marketplace within AI creation platforms. This platform would not only serve as an economic engine for artists but also ensure a source of diverse and ethically sourced data for AI. Similar to "skins" in video games, this marketplace would allow artists to monetize the usage rights to their artistic styles, thus ensuring direct compensation. This initiative proposes a balance between innovation and the preservation of artistic interests, reaffirming the idea that authenticity and originality are invaluable drivers of value, even in the digital age. By this means, we honor the creative spirit while reducing the pitfalls of plagiarism, encouraging a constructive dialogue between technology and human creativity. It is time to rethink copyright not as barriers to innovation but as catalysts for a creative and technological collaboration that enriches. By adopting these practices, we build a future where art and technology mutually reinforce each other, enriching our culture and economy in a respectful and dynamic manner.

Dimitri Daniloff

Photos credits © Dimitri Daniloff 

During my high school years, in a burst of youthful rebellion, I wrote about a society where everyone, men and women alike, were devoid of hair. This imagined world aimed to symbolically erase gender disparities in an effort to combat the glaring inequalities that were already evident to my teenage self. This naive vision of a world without conspicuous physical differences resonates today with my inquiries into artificial intelligence and its impact on our perception of beauty. Artificial intelligence, despite its vast promises, also carries the risk of perpetuating and even exacerbating human stereotypes, as highlighted by a recent UNESCO study. In this complex landscape, initiatives like Dove’s take on added significance. By firmly committing not to use AI to "create or distort the image of women," Dove reaffirms the importance of aligning technology with the fundamental ethical principles of our society, thus strengthening its historic commitment to authenticity. However, I would like to contrast this stance with a use of AI that I find particularly shocking: the Miss AI contest organized by the World AI Creator Awards in partnership with the Fanvue platform. This competition, by perpetuating sexist stereotypes, not only reinforces an unattainable image of beauty but also exacerbates female discontent. As Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, points out, these new AI applications have the power to subtly shape the perceptions of millions. Even slight sexist biases can therefore significantly amplify inequalities. Conversely, if properly directed, AI could play a transformative role in neutralizing these biases. My intention is not to demonize all AI creations. When well-mastered, this technology offers artists, like @ai_transition, the opportunity to highlight gender diversity. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and critical of AI uses that may perpetuate inequalities. Vanessa Nurock wisely reminds us: the apparent neutrality of AI can too easily lead us to trust it blindly. Yet, this neutrality can mask AI's capacity to reproduce and amplify our own biases. As a creator, I strive to constantly rethink the use of AI, not only in the artistic field but also in our everyday lives. The real question, therefore, is: how can we use AI to enrich rather than diminish our humanity?

Dimitri Daniloff

 

Photos © AI transition

 

We are thrilled to have Luna Ikuta in Paris this week, an artist who pushes the boundaries between visual and sensory experiences. Her recent engagement in a high-profile project with an international pop artist during her worldwide tour, where her enchanting visuals captivated audiences at a major concert, serves as a landmark in her career, showcasing the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Luna recalls, "That was the most surreal moment ever," underscoring the significant effect of witnessing her artwork embraced on such a vast scale. According to her, this moment was a powerful affirmation that "not everything is impossible," transforming her individual studio efforts into a spectacle celebrated worldwide.

Luna's ambition to create immersive, large-scale projects is driven by her passion for merging music and visual art in a cohesive, experiential format. Her desire to explore this synergy further, aspiring to create her own music-infused visual exhibitions. Luna’s approach to art is deeply rooted in altering perceptions through scale, transforming mundane elements into monumental experiences that challenge and redefine viewer engagement.  Her upcoming project in Barcelona, alongside her exploration into new avenues such as sound, scent, and atmospheric visuals, illustrates her commitment to enhancing how art is perceived and experienced. Luna seeks not just to create beauty but to evoke a lasting, memorable impact, delving into the realms of multisensory stimulation to communicate deeper narratives and evoke emotional responses.  Fascinated by the concept of memory and the transient nature of life and experiences, Luna ventures into the world of scents. She aims to encapsulate complex themes of existence, reflection, and evolution through olfactory elements, thereby enriching the visual and tactile components of her art. This holistic approach, aiming to engage all the senses, is a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to creating art that resonates on multiple levels.  Luna Ikuta’s work is a profound exploration of human connection, universality of emotions, and the shared experiences that bind us, regardless of our origins. Her ability to weave intricate stories through not only visuals but also through scent and sound, invites audiences into a world where art becomes an all-encompassing sensory journey. Through her visionary projects, Luna continues to challenge the conventions of art and experience, making her an invaluable collaborator for those seeking to push the boundaries of creativity and immersive storytelling. Her work not only captivates but also deeply moves, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and beyond.

 

Luna Ikuta interviewed by Dimitri Daniloff / March 6th 2024

At a time when artificial intelligence is infiltrating every aspect of our lives, it's crucial to make technological advancements accessible and understandable to all. This is why I am excited to introduce Le Chat, the new French conversational agent from Mistral AI, recently announced on their official site. A direct competitor to ChatGPT, I have tested it over the past few days and am thrilled to share my enthusiasm with you!  This conversational assistant stands out for its mastery of the nuances of the French language, making it particularly suited for Francophone users. But that's not all! Mistral Large also distinguishes itself by its understanding of European languages, as it fluently speaks French, Spanish, Italian, German, and English.  Concerned with the protection of personal data and the confidentiality of exchanges, the French company has placed these issues at the heart of its concerns. Le Chat has thus been designed with these major aspects in mind in the field of AI.  Regarding biases, Mistral AI's creator, Arthur Mensch, admits that it's impossible to eliminate them completely. However, Mistral AI's goal is to allow users to choose their own biases, thus offering a different approach from that of their American competitors.  It is essential to develop ethical and responsible AI technologies that respect users' privacy while meeting their needs and expectations. It is with this in mind that Mistral AI designed Le Chat, emphasizing the protection of personal data and the transparency of exchanges. By promoting European AI, we contribute to preserving our technological sovereignty and enriching the synergy between AI and humans.  n conclusion, Le Chat from Mistral AI is a major innovation in the field of AI made in France, offering exciting prospects for the future of human-machine communication. However, it is important to remain vigilant about the ethical and social issues related to the use of these technologies, and to develop responsible solutions that respect the privacy of users. 

#AI #MistralAI #LeChat #Innovation #ResponsibleAI #EuropeanSovereignty #DigitalTransformation

- Dimitri Daniloff

As an artist and technophile, I am fascinated by the rise of AI wearables, these innovative small objects that integrate AI, such as Humane's 'Ai Pin', the Rewind pendant, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and the Rabbit R1. Far from being mere gadgets, they herald the dawn of a new era where technology intertwines with our intuition, redefining our interaction with the digital world and our perception of space and body. We are witnessing a fundamental change, a metamorphosis of cyberspace, which, in the words of Jameson, becomes a "supplement of spatiality," freed from its physical constraints and transforming into a sea of pure information. These advancements raise crucial questions. With the ability of these devices to record and analyze our verbal interactions and beyond, we face a fundamental dilemma between convenience and privacy. Where do we draw the line between what is useful and what becomes intrusive? This essential question drives me, in my artistic and technical journey, to reflect on the redefinition of our ethical and social norms in a digitized world. These wearables symbolize a transition to a space dominated by the immaterial, thus freeing our interactions from physical limitations. They embody McKenna's idea that "our destiny is to become what we think, to see our thoughts become bodies and our bodies become thoughts," reflecting a future where being outside of space and time enriches our human experience rather than diminishing it. Observing these AI wearables, I notice the emergence of a new dynamic in our relationship with technology. The integration of AI eliminates frictions and simplifies our interactions, making these objects with their minimalist and sleek design much more than mere gadgets. They represent a significant advance towards a future where our interactions with our environment will be completely rethought. This transition invites us to consider a gradual reduction in our dependence on smartphones, promising a more harmonious and respectful integration of technology in our daily lives. However, it also raises essential ethical questions regarding the creation of digital doubles and the management of personal data, issues that must be addressed with caution and responsibility. In conclusion, these technological advances are not just an evolution; they are an invitation to reimagine our everyday life, where AI becomes a natural extension of our existence. And as Bjork rightly points out, "you can’t blame the computer if there is not soul in (electronic) music, it’s because nobody put it there." Therefore, it's up to us to breathe soul into these objects and new forms of interaction. It's an exciting opportunity to redefine our interaction with the world, where the boundaries between the physical and the digital blur, opening the door to unprecedented possibilities while respecting our private space and autonomy.

- Dimitri Daniloff