Ghost in the machine: Technology makes its way into the artist studio

From generative artificial intelligence to robotics, tech is more present than ever in the artistic process

An AI-generated artwork by Turkish-American media artist Refik Anadol on display at the World Economic Forum in Davos. EPA

Technology has always been intertwined with artistic expression. Don’t take my word for it, that is one of the conclusions from the European Parliament in a 2019 study. It catalyses innovation and pushes the boundaries of creative possibilities. Technological advancements have always transformed how art is created and consumed, from the invention of the printing press, which revolutionised the dissemination of art and ideas, to the development of photography and film.

Now, a new wave of innovation is again reshaping the art world, with generative artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing leading the charge. These technologies worry some, but excite others. Whatever your position, these tools are a reality and they are redefining the creative process and broadening the scope of what artists can achieve.

Generative AI: A new partner in artistic creation

Creatives can now collaborate with AI to produce art that merges human creativity with machine-generated ideas, resulting in completely new forms and styles. This isn’t entirely new. Artists such as Sol LeWitt used mathematical concepts to create minimalist works in the 1960s, and today’s AI tools follow a similar logic, using algorithms to generate images, patterns and even soundscapes. Programmes such as OpenAI’s Dall-E and MidJourney allow artists to input prompts and concepts and let the AI create visual representations.

Dall-E 2, for example, has more than 1.5 million users who actively create more than two million images daily, spanning a variety of professions, from artists and creative directors to authors and architects. This process transforms AI from a mere tool into a co-creator, offering a dynamic platform for generating abstract, surreal and sometimes unanticipated results.

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An image of a fox in a filed generated by Dall-E. Photo: OpenAI

Robotics: Precision meets creativity

Sculptors historically relied on manual techniques, which limited their work’s scale and detail. Robotic sculpture uses machines or robots to carve and assemble with precision, handling intricate designs and repetitive tasks faster than humans.

With AI programming, robots can create dynamic, evolving art, offering levels of innovation that were impossible to achieve with traditional methods. Today, robotics also offers artists new ways to interact with their creations. Take artist Patrick Tresset, for example, whose robotic systems create intricate sketches based on real-world observations. These robots mimic human drawing and incorporate machine logic, offering a novel fusion of human touch and precision.

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Artist Patrick Tresset uses robotic systems to create intricate sketches based on real-world observations. These robots mimic human drawing and incorporate machine logic, offering a novel fusion of human touch and precision. Getty Images

3D Printing: Digital to physical

Technology has also transformed how artists create sculptures and prototype designs, allowing for unprecedented detail and precision. Originating in the 1980s as an industrial prototyping tool, 3D printing has evolved beyond its early applications to become a vital medium in contemporary art. The technology enables artists to turn digital models into physical objects by printing them layer by layer – bringing to life intricate designs that would likely be difficult and time-consuming to produce by hand.

This process has been particularly impactful for artists exploring geometric and organic forms. For example, Janne Kyttanen has utilised 3D printing across disciplines such as lighting, furniture and fashion to explore the intersection between rigid geometric precision and free-form, natural shapes.

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Originating in the 1980s as an industrial prototyping tool, 3D printing has evolved beyond its early applications to become a vital medium in contemporary art. Photo: AnkerMake