Art Critically Examining Generative AI

In the rapidly evolving world of generative artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial to exercise our human capacity for critical analysis of that technology. The CRAiEDL STEAM Collective brings together emerging artists, engineers, ethicists, academics, and makers to leverage art as a unique lens to critically examine technology and (re)evaluate its meaning and function in the world.

In this paper, we report on our experiences using STEAM and research-creation methodologies in a pilot study that produced two critical artworks co-created with generative AI tools: "Calibrating Stretched Transparency", which explores biases inherent to decision-making tools used in large-scale technopolitical climate projects, and "I’m Honoured To Serve", which examines the seductive design of digital environments that generate user data for profit. This pilot research project demonstrated the value and effectiveness of using art and research-creation in a STEAM context to critically examine the rapidly evolving world of technology, including generative AI, and the role of arts and humanities in responsible AI innovation.

The overall project resulted in a reconfiguring of each member’s understanding of the potential for STEAM to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries to produce a new type of expertise (i.e., STEAM expertise) and new knowledge (e.g., a critical STEAM-informed perspective on voice-based AI assistants, in the case of "I’m Honoured To Serve").