In a recent article concerning AI, the author suggested that jobs that required human empathy and out-of-the-box thinking will be less impacted — at least in the near term. No disagreement here. However, to that list I would add jobs or tasks that require ethical considerations. Interestingly, I have always placed these three factors at the very top of my list when making or educating young makers. I contend these three considerations are essential to what makes art and design a meaningful and important human endeavor. As opposed to the doom and gloom, perhaps this AI moment will provide an opportunity to liberate makers to consider these deeper, more important matters. Look at what happened to painting after the invention and proliferation of the camera — another technological advancement. Up to that point most painting documented historical events, albeit from a privileged perspective, and immortalized the powerful. The camera, and later motion pictures, proved far more accurate and efficient at documentation and storytelling.
While some mourned the loss of traditional painting’s subject matter, techniques and practices, in hindsight the camera liberated painting and the painters to explore more interesting and important ideas. They no longer needed to focus on realism, mastering difficult techniques or the outward appearance of things. They could start exploring ideas, feelings, our identities and motivations — the realities that lurks beneath the surface. The example shown here is a portion of a painting by Cy Twombly. It is interesting to consider that, while developing an image using a simple AI software downloaded on your smart phone, you must focus on the idea or “prompt.” To control the outcome requires a higher level of cognitive awareness — you must think about your thinking. Not ignoring or downplaying the potential disruption and harm caused by major technological shifts, the great benefit of AI lies in its ability to liberate our thinking — allowing a greater focus on more important matters such as empathy, innovation and ethics.