Beyond Boundaries
Francis Mutinda - Maseno University. Oil painting, "Prompt": Adaptation in disruption
Curators: Esther Kute, Winnie Oyuko, Claire Kidenda, Roy Kisielo and Jane Otieno
Participating Institutions: Technical University and Maseno University, Kenya
The two universities that took part in the virtual exhibition are Technical University of Kenya and Maseno University. The opportunity offered students a platform to showcase innovative ideas and projects emphasizing AI’s potential across creative disciplines, right from planning and concept development through to evaluation and reflection.
Students explored diverse applications such as resolutions to creative AI tools, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Otiep (Technical University student) whose aim was to create artwork that explores and celebrates dialogue between human expression and technology mentioned that “harmony and disruption coexist within the same whole. By accepting and embracing disruption, we can uncover what remains intact and discover a deeper sense of harmony”. This statement compels one to critically look at AI's impact on art as an opportunity rather than a threat especially in this digital age.
The students faced limitations such as technical constraints, challenges in simulating real-world scenarios in a virtual setting. A common denominator that was evident for students across the two universities is that majority of them were first time users with AI. Despite these hurdles, the exhibition highlights students’ creativity and adaptability in navigating the complexities of virtual collaboration and AI development. The participants invested great energy and inventiveness to show their work, despite the uncertainty on how to approach this new form of dissemination, as expressed by Sandra (Technical University student) who pointed out: “Living in a digitally evolving world the innovation of AI has come and swept us off our feet making most of our work easier. To the creative industry, however, many feel it's a threat to their source of livelihood, pride and joy.” From the observations on artworks presented, the need to reconsider the role of technology in shaping contemporary art is of essence.
